CIKOD

05/09/2026

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we at the Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Organizational Development (CIKOD) mourn the passing of our beloved comrade, colleague, and friend, Sena Alouka, Executive Director of JVE International. Sena was more than a leader. He was a passionate champion of environmental sustainability, climate action, natural resource management, youth leadership, and eco-citizenship. Through his dedicated service, he inspired countless young people to take an active role in building sustainable and resilient communities. Under his leadership, JVE International, founded in Togo in 2001, grew into one of Africa’s leading youth-oriented environmental movements, with local branches across Togo and affiliates in countries across the continent. His vision was rooted in the belief that young people are not merely beneficiaries of development but powerful agents of change. Through JVE, Sena tirelessly promoted values of responsibility, volunteerism, ecological integrity, solidarity, excellence, diversity, justice, gender balance, and equity. His work in energy and climate change, sustainable development, and natural resource management leaves a lasting mark on the environmental movement in Africa. For us at CIKOD, Sena was a comrade in the struggle for sustainable development, environmental justice, and community empowerment. His commitment, courage, and unwavering belief in the power of people and communities will remain an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Though his voice has fallen silent, his vision, values, and legacy will continue to live on through the people he inspired, the movements he strengthened, and the countless lives touched by his work. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, colleagues at JVE International, the wider environmental and civil society community, and all who mourn this great loss.
Rest in peace, dear comrade Sena Alouka.
Your work was meaningful. Your leadership was inspiring. Your legacy will endure.
AFSA Agroecology Fund Ethiopian Sustainable Food Systems and Agroecology Consortium SCOPE Zimbabwe JVE-Côte d'Ivoire

27/08/2026

Shea is disappearing. 8 million trees are lost yearly in West Africa, with Lawra losing 1.48% of its cover in just one year.

Watch how CIKOD, with the Global Shea Alliance and Green Gold Savannah, is responding — enriching the Pavuu parklands in Lawra Municipality with 16,000 shea and other traditional seedlings to secure livelihoods for women and future generations.

We thank the Regent of the Lawra Traditional Councel, the chiefs and people of Pavuu, the Lawra Municipal Assembly, and the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council for their strong commitment to nurture and protect these trees.

Restoration is not just planting. It is governance.

Full story by JoyNews below.



Credit: JoyNews

24/08/2026

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24/07/2026

The Food Systems Perspectives event at Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University (DHLTU) has officially commenced with inspiring opening remarks from the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hamida.

In her welcome address, she commended CIKOD for its leadership in advancing agroecology and sustainable food systems, highlighting the recent launch of the Ghana Universities Movement for Agroecology (GUMA) and CIKOD’s support for DHLTU’s MSc Programme in Agroecology. She also noted that today’s public lecture and book launch strongly align with the University’s mandate of promoting knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development.

Professor Hamida expressed her optimism for a productive and enduring collaboration between CIKOD, the KTI Group of Wageningen University & Research, and Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University to strengthen research, education, and action towards resilient and sustainable African food systems.

A promising beginning to what promises to be an engaging and impactful dialogue on the future of food systems.

23/07/2026

Join the Conversation That Will Shape the Future of African Food Systems!

How can African philosophies, indigenous knowledge, and local innovations transform our food systems? What are the implications of pesticide use, and what sustainable alternatives exist?

The Center for Indigenous Knowledge and Organizational Development (CIKOD), in collaboration with Wageningen University & Research (The Netherlands) and Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University (DHLTU), invites students, researchers, educators, policymakers, farmers, development practitioners, and the general public to an exciting two-part dialogue on African Perspectives on Food Systems.

📅 Date: Friday, 24th July 2026
🕘 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📍 Venue: University Conference Hall, Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University

Highlights

Part I: African Philosophy and the Politics of Food Systems
Featuring Birgit Boogaard (Wageningen University & Research) and Dan Banuoku (Executive Director, CIKOD), who will explore key ideas from the newly published book African Philosophy and the Politics of Food Systems and discuss how African knowledge systems can inspire more just, healthy, and sustainable food systems.

Part II: Dialogue on Pesticide Use
Join Liesje Mommer and Birgit Boogaard from Wageningen University & Research for an engaging discussion on the impacts of pesticides and practical pathways towards ecological and sustainable alternatives.

Whether you are passionate about agriculture, food, health, the environment, research, or public policy, this dialogue offers a unique opportunity to learn, share experiences, and contribute to reimagining Africa’s food future.

Come and be part of the movement for healthier people, thriving communities, and resilient ecosystems.

Let’s learn, reflect, and transform together!



In solidarity with, Groundswell International. AFSA, Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University Wa, Wageningen University & Research, ActionAid Ghana, PELUM Zimbabwe, PELUM Kenya Association, Scope Kenya, Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).Agroecology Fund, Zambia Alliance for Agroecology and Biodiversity, African Biodiversity NetworkThe 11th Hour ProjectRegional schools and Colleges Permaculture ProgrammeSCOPE ZimbabweSCOPE KENYA

20/07/2026

How can education become more relevant, inclusive, and grounded in African realities?

Join us for an interactive workshop on Decolonizing Education – Creative Destruction, organized by the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) in collaboration with CIKOD and Wageningen University & Research.

Together, we will explore how to rethink knowledge systems, challenge colonial legacies, and co-create transformative approaches to teaching, learning, and research.

📅 Date: Thursday, 23rd July 2026
🕘 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📍 Venue: WAC-SRD Conference Hall, UBIDS, Wa

The workshop welcomes lecturers, educators, students, researchers, development practitioners, policymakers, and all interested participants.

Come and be part of the conversation shaping the future of education.



Register to attend 👇
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/zScv764aMk

10/07/2026

01/07/2026

Following the first-ever African Chefs Gathering and Policy Convening on African Food Systems, organised by the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Chef Michael—Head Chef of Alisa Hotel and Ghana's representative nominated by CIKOD—is turning advocacy into action.

At Alisa Hotel, he is demonstrating that African cuisine belongs at the heart of fine dining by reimagining traditional dishes, promoting indigenous ingredients, and making local foods more accessible without compromising their authenticity. From Waakye, Banku, Fufu, and Palm Nut Soup to nutritious delicacies like Etɔ and Impotompoto, Chef Michael is proving that African food is healthy, innovative, and world-class.

This initiative is about more than great food. It is preserving our culinary heritage, promoting healthier diets, inspiring chefs across Africa, and reinforcing the message that Africa's food systems must be rooted in our own cultures, knowledge, and indigenous ingredients.
Watch the documentary here https://youtu.be/FiNsK_7d8lk?si=id8G-d-0klIxJfui

In partnership with AFSA and in solidarity with Groundswell International. Agroecology Fund, Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University Wa,Zambia Alliance for Agroecology and Biodiversity. Scope Kenya. SCOPE Zimbabwe.SCOPE KENYA, TV3 Ghana, Fati Abigail Abdulai, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Sir Charles Kids Discovery Channel, ActionAid Ghana, Ghana Tourism Authority

28/05/2026

As part of Ghana’s Heritage Month celebrations, the vibrant Gobe Fest and Back to Your Village Food Festival brought together culture, food, health, and meaningful conversations on the future of our food systems. 🇬🇭🌾

In these special gatherings, Dr Mary Anne Zuolo, a Gynaecologist, spoke on the importance of nutrition and healthy living, while Madam Regina Ofori of Ecobank emphasised the need for stronger private-sector investment in food systems transformation.

Dr. David Fletcher and Daniel Banuoku also shared powerful insights on promoting agroecology and preserving a sacred relationship with food — reminding us that food is not only nourishment, but also culture, heritage, community, and sustainability.

Adding to the conversation, Alfred Ocansey, Head of the Political Desk at TV3, highlighted the critical connection between nutrition, public policy, and national development. He emphasized the important role food festivals play in strengthening local food systems by creating awareness around indigenous foods, supporting local farmers and food entrepreneurs, preserving cultural identity, and influencing policy conversations on food sovereignty and healthy diets.

As we mark World Nutrition Day, we celebrate the value of nutritious local foods, sustainable agricultural practices, and collective action toward healthier communities and a stronger Ghana.