The Agroecology and Organic Agriculture Leadership Course is a nine-month programme that comprises in-person training elements, as well as virtual sessions as follows: 

• 9-month hybrid programme
• Two face-to-face sessions, one at the beginning and one at the end of the course, both in Kigali City, Rwanda
• 7 live Zoom sessions with invited experts
• Online learning platform with recorded materials, assignments, and peer exchange
• Individual Development Plans supported through coaching
• Participatory learning, networking, reflection, and peer-to-peer exchange

The course follows a transformational leadership and participatory learning approach, supporting participants to become effective change agents in the transition toward agroecological food systems.

Participants combine expert inputs with practical exercises, peer learning, reflection, networking and coaching. Throughout the course, they develop and implement an individual Development Plan, allowing them to apply the knowledge and skills gained to real challenges and opportunities in their own professional or community context.

Key learning areas include agroecological transitions, sustainable food systems, territorial markets, communication and facilitation, entrepreneurial leadership, and transformative policy engagement.

• Introductory webinar - December
• F2F1 session - 14 - 18 December 2026 (5 full days in Kigali City, Rwanda)
• Webinar 1 - January
• Webinar 2 - February
• Webinar 3 - March
• Webinar 4 - April
• Webinar 5 - May
• Webinar 6 - June
• Webinar 7 - July
• F2F2 session - 18 - 20 August 2027 (3 full days, including Development Plan presentations, peer evaluation, and graduation)

The course is intended for people who are already contributing, or are strongly motivated to contribute, to agroecology, organic agriculture, and sustainable food-system transformation.

• Community leaders.
• Farmers and farmer-organization representatives.
• Researchers and academics.
• Advisors, extension professionals, and technicians.
• Civil society and NGO representatives.
• Policymakers and government officials.
• Entrepreneurs and market actors working in sustainable food systems.
• Other changemakers with relevant agroecology or organic agriculture experience.

Geographic eligibility: This call is open only to applicants based in Rwanda or people whose work is primarily focused in Rwanda.

Ideal candidates:

• Are engaged in community leadership, research, advisory work, or activism in agroecology
• Demonstrate commitment to participate fully in the course (including both face-to-face sessions and at least 80% of online content)
• Have support from their organisations, communities, or civil society networks
• Are ready to engage critically, reflectively, and collaboratively
• Will develop and implement a concrete Development Plan (DP)
• Show readiness to contribute to wider agroecological networks 

The cohort is limited to 25 participants, with attention given to diversity in region, gender, and experience. 

The full value of the course, which includes training, course materials, mentoring, and accommodation at the training venue, is €3,000. A substantial part of the course cost is supported through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

Participants are expected to contribute by covering:

• Their own travel expenses to and from the venue for the two face-to-face (F2F) modules
• A contribution towards the course fee of 200,000 RWF (around €120)
• The development and implementation of an individual Development Plan (DP) during the course. 

Additional contributions are greatly appreciated, as they help support other change makers who may require financial assistance. However, please do not let the course fee be a barrier to applying. Contact us so we can review your case.

Participants are responsible for covering their own travel expenses. Accommodation and meals as well as course materials will be provided. No additional financial support can be granted. Participants must ensure that they have reliable internet access and appropriate technical equipment to fully engage in the online webinar sessions.