World Renew staff recently joined 70 delegates from more than a dozen countries at the ECHO East Africa Symposium. This three-day learning and networking event brought together lead farmers, extension workers, development practitioners, government representatives, donors, researchers, and private-sector actors committed to alleviating hunger and poverty across East and Southern Africa.
The symposium provided a valuable opportunity for participants to exchange practical knowledge, explore innovative approaches to rural development, and strengthen partnerships across the region. Sessions focused on topics including agroecology, livelihoods, food security, climate resilience, nutrition, gender integration, and sustainable agriculture.
What World Renew Learned at the ECHO East Africa Symposium
For our team, the symposium offered both professional development and practical insights that can be applied directly to country programs. Joel Mwamponda from World Renew Tanzania says the event’s structured format and hands-on learning opportunities made a significant impact on him.
“I enjoyed capturing new knowledge and practices related to World Renew country programs, practical learning accompanied by a field visit, and the integration of technology, gender, and culture in community programming.”
Throughout the symposium, participants explored a wide range of topics relevant to World Renew’s work. Sessions included practical sessions on agroecology, seed banks, green manure cover crops, and more.
“These sessions were relevant because of the strong synergies with World Renew Tanzania programs in food security; livelihoods; economic opportunities; health; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); and spiritual transformation,” says Joel.
Building Partnerships Through Faith and Collaboration
The symposium also strengthened relationships across sectors, creating opportunities for future collaboration. Wilford Phiri of World Renew Malawi emphasized the benefits of learning alongside a diverse group of practitioners.
“The workshop was facilitated in a participatory and engaging manner. After each session, participants were encouraged to ask questions and share experiences from their respective countries, which brought great learning and insights.”
A unique aspect of the symposium was its intentional integration of faith throughout the event. Each morning began with a devotion based on Genesis 3, guided by four reflection questions: What happened? What was God’s original plan? How are things now? What do we do?
“The conference largely focused on sharing restorative measures to get back to God’s original plan,” says Wilford. “All the sessions drew their theology from the Word of God.”
Key Insights for Future Programming
As World Renew continues its work alongside communities across East and Southern Africa, the knowledge, relationships, and practical tools gained through the ECHO East Africa Biennial Symposium will help strengthen program quality and effectiveness. From conservation agriculture and climate resilience to livelihoods and community development, the symposium reinforced the importance of learning from one another and working together to address complex challenges.
World Renew is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this gathering and to join with partners across the region in pursuing sustainable, community-led solutions that reflect both practical wisdom and faithful stewardship.
To learn more, explore current opportunities to engage with World Renew and read about other events where our staff and partners have shared knowledge, strengthened partnerships, and contributed to community-led development efforts around the world.
