MAY 2025
Dear subscribers,
This month, we draw your attention to the 2nd National Level Mahila Kisan Sammelan (Women Farmers' Convention)—a national gathering of women farmers, agricultural workers, and allied communities from across India.
Organized by MAKAAM (Mahila Kisan Adhikaar Manch), the Sammelan will be held in Pune, India from 7th–9th May 2025, bringing together around 500 participants to share experiences, discuss pressing issues, and collectively strategize for change.
At a time when women farmers remain largely invisible in agricultural policies and programs, this convention offers a powerful platform for them to raise their voices, strengthen networks, and advocate for their rights to land, resources, and dignified livelihoods.
Learn more and see how you can contribute: https://form.jotform.com/251032844075452
We hope you’ll enjoy this month’s updates. If you have something you'd like us to feature in our next newsletter, feel free to email us at agrofutures@proton.me by the end of May.
Warmly,
The AgroFutures Team
ACADEMIC ARTICLES
Cabrera Pacheco, A. J. (2024). Traditions and territories of Maya women in the Peninsula of Yucatán. Gender, Place and Culture. https://doi.org/10.1080/0966369X.2024.2443210
Vizuete, B., Gross, M., García‐Llorente, M., Oteros‐Rozas, E. and Martín‐López, B., 2025. More than food production: Assemblages of values underpinning women‐led agroecological initiatives. People and Nature.
MEDIA ARTICLES
A series of articles explores the critical issues of time and labour in agroecology and natural farming, with a particular focus on the experiences of women. While the series centers on the Bhil tribal community in India, it raises broader questions that are highly relevant to agroecological transitions more generally. We’re sharing one piece from the series: "Farming Against Time: For Bhil Women, Natural Farming Comes at a Cost" by Mansi Vijay
EVENTS & TRAINING
The 4th edition of the Pathways Autumn School will be held from October 13–17, 2025, in Aussois, in the French Alps. Bringing together 50 young and senior researchers, the school will explore the theme: "Towards Sustainable and Just Futures: Concepts, Challenges, and Practices." Applications opened on March 17 and close on May 12.More info here and link for application hereL https://pathways.futureearth.org/pathways-autumn-school/
SoilTribes Community of Practice: A collaborative movement for soil health and sustainability. Soil health is at the core of sustainable land management, and the SoilTribes project is leading the charge to foster soil literacy and promote ecological awareness through its Community of Practice (CoP). As part of the European Union’s mission, “A Soil Deal for Europe,” the EU-funded project SoilTribes creates a collaborative platform that brings together stakeholders from academia, business, government, and society. The CoP’s primary goal is to address soil degradation by co-developing innovative solutions and engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations. You can find more information here, on the SoilTribes website, or read the SoilTribes Community of Practice Guide. Contact: hello@soiltribes.eu.
CALL FOR PAPERS
Special issue call: Methodological Advances for Locally Led Adaptation, Environmental Science and Policy Editors: Matthew Cashmore (Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)), Siri Eriksen (NMBU), Edwige Marty (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), David Mfitumukiza (Makerere University), Feisal Rahman (Global Center on Adaptation) Journal: Environmental Science and Policy. Abstracts of no more than 250 words should be submitted by 15 June to matthew.cashmore@nmbu.no.For more on special Special Issue look here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/special-issue/320948/methodological-advances-for-locally-led-climate-change-adaptation
AGROECOLOGY AND ART
Vikalp Sangam (विकल्प संगम): A Confluence of Alternatives The Vikalp Sangam process brings together movements, networks, organisations, and individuals who are working—both practically and conceptually—on alternatives to mainstream models of ‘development’ and political governance. It offers a common platform to share, learn, and collaborate on pathways toward more just, equitable, and sustainable futures.
A newly released short film (by Srishti Films and Kalpavriksh) captures the spirit of this movement—featuring glimpses of various confluences, documentation efforts, outreach initiatives, artistic collaborations, and the voices of those deeply involved.
Watch the film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duRttx-_0n4
Learn more: https://globaltapestryofalternatives.org/weavers:vs