Communications Working Group

Objectives

Purpose:

The Working group serves an advisory role to the Secretariat in performing its function in communicating the holistic/systemic benefits of agroecology, in addressing a range of challenges/crises, in improving people’s understanding of agroecological solutions, and showcasing the growing momentum behind agroecology and in communicating the objectives and achievements of the Coalition.
Specifically, the working group aims to:

1. Provide advise on communications strategies and products

2. Serve as space for peer-to-peer exchange in communicating agroecology, learning from the various experiences members

3. Contribute in amplifying agroecology as a lever for food systems transformation

4. Serve as a venue for sharing communication materials and messages as well as information on key moments and opportunities for communication

5. Facilitate the development of key top-level communications lines on agroecology – in order for coalition members to share common messaging that can reinforce an agreed consistent core message, and be the basis for the Coalition’s communications.

Outputs

  • Long-term communications strategy for the Coalition.
  • Development of new tools to communicate around agroecology and its pivotal role in the transformation of food systems.
  • Top line messages to talk about agroecology with different stakeholders.

Co-Facilitators

Robbie Blake - IPES Food

Robbie is an environmentalist and communications specialist, and grew up on an organic farm. He previously worked for over a decade for Friends of the Earth Europe – where his work helped to save EU biodiversity protection laws from deregulation; to win EU regulations on EU biofuels imports; and to achieve widespread press and social media coverage on climate and energy issues. Robbie holds an MSc in Climate Change & International Development from the University of East Anglia (UEA), and an MA in International Relations from the University of St Andrews.

Rachael Kirui - Enviu

Rachael is an impact-driven storyteller with six years of experience working in healthcare, international trade, and agriculture across Africa, Europe, and Asia. With a B.A. in Communications from Daystar University and a certification in Strategic Management of Innovation from HEC Paris, Rachael blends strategy and creativity to deliver powerful storytelling. Her work has reached a diverse audience, working for development projects funded by the Dutch Postcode Loterij, IKEA Foundation, World Bank, World Food Programme, and JICA. Her commitment to sustainable development is influenced by her early volunteer work. As a member of AIESEC, she mentored youth changemakers in Ethiopia, Egypt, and Rwanda. In 2018, she was one of 200 global volunteers who helped educate 12,000 young people about the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Bahrain, under the patronage of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Currently, Rachael is an Agro-Food Fellow with the Young Expert Programmes (YEP), a Netherlands-based program supporting professionals tackling challenges in water, agrofood, and renewable energy.