Prototype Spotlights: Transforming Agroecology Through Innovation with Theory U

A groundbreaking convening on regenerative agriculture and agroecology took place in Arusha, Tanzania, bringing together 126 global leaders, funders, and policymakers. The Presencing Institute (PI) played a key role in facilitating this transformative experience using Theory U, shifting the focus from theoretical discussions to actionable strategies.

A participant captured the impact: “This is the first time we focused on how to implement agroecology rather than just discussing its importance.”

While the convening was anchored in Tanzania and East Africa, it also created a valuable space for cross-regional learning, incorporating insights from the Midwest, Brazil, and India. This exchange showcased the wealth of existing knowledge and technology in agroecology. Through PI’s facilitation — prioritizing deep listening, reflective engagement, and systems thinking — the convening fostered over 900 new meaningful connections and played a key role in bridging diverse participant experiences to accelerate systemic transformation.

Additionally, 95% of attendees highlighted the site visits as a game-changer, providing a real-world grounding for agroecological solutions in Tanzania.

Participants co-created 10 prototypes designed to accelerate regenerative agriculture, focusing on policy innovation, market development, financing structures, and community-based agroecological solutions. Here are three examples of prototypes that can drive meaningful impact, each shaped by Theory U’s emphasis on co-sensing, systems awareness, and collective action.

1. Regenerate Through Policy: Strengthening Agroecological Strategies Across Africa

Why It Matters:

Without strong policy frameworks, agroecology struggles to move beyond small-scale interventions. This prototype focuses on finalizing and implementing national agroecology strategies by securing political buy-in, aligning resources, and integrating agroecology into national food security and climate policies.

How It Works:

• Policy mapping to assess existing agroecological frameworks across Africa.
• Governance structures to oversee policy implementation and accountability.
• Capacity building for policymakers, civil society, and local governments.
• Monitoring and evaluation to measure policy effectiveness and adaptation.

How Theory U Made a Difference

Rather than simply discussing the need for better policies, participants engaged in a deep reflective process to identify why previous policy efforts had stalled and what was needed to shift momentum.

Potential Impact:

By embedding agroecology in national and regional policies, this prototype institutionalizes the transition, ensuring long-term support from governments and funders. With strong governance and financial backing, agroecology could become the backbone of food systems transformation in Africa.

2. Agroecology Market Development: Scaling the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) in Tanzania

Why It Matters:

One of the biggest challenges for smallholder farmers practicing agroecology is access to reliable markets and fair pricing. Without certification, their produce struggles to compete in formal markets dominated by industrial agriculture.

How It Works:

• Expanding the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) to provide affordable, community-driven certification.
• Creating direct links between PGS-certified farmers and institutional buyers such as schools, hospitals, and tourism businesses.
• Strengthening consumer awareness campaigns on local, chemical-free food.

How Theory U Made a Difference

Instead of focusing solely on market access barriers, Theory U enabled participants to step into the perspectives of farmers, buyers, and consumers — uncovering the trust and relationship gaps that hinder widespread adoption of PGS certification.

Potential Impact:

By connecting agroecological farmers to stable markets, this prototype incentivizes sustainable farming while reducing dependence on expensive, external certification schemes. If widely adopted, it could reshape local food economies by prioritizing short supply chains, fair trade, and regenerative farming practices.

3. The Rapid Soil Health Doctor: Reimagining Knowledge Systems for Farmers

Why It Matters:

Soil degradation is one of the biggest threats to food security and climate resilience. However, farmers often lack accessible, real-time insights into their soil health. This prototype aims to bridge the knowledge gap by leveraging digital tools and farmer-led research.

How It Works:

• Local farmer groups trained to diagnose soil health issues and recommend regenerative practices.
• Use of WhatsApp and digital platforms for real-time knowledge exchange.
• Partnerships with research institutions and agroecology hubs to ensure scientific rigor.
• Integration of traditional knowledge and modern soil health assessments.

How Theory U Made a Difference

Instead of assuming that farmers simply need more technical knowledge, Theory U revealed that the real challenge is how knowledge is shared and validated in local contexts.

Potential Impact:

By decentralizing soil health expertise, this prototype empowers farmers as knowledge leaders rather than passive recipients of external advice. If scaled, it could revolutionize how agricultural knowledge is created and shared, making agroecology more accessible and adaptable to local contexts.

These prototypes represent actionable pathways for transforming food systems. Whether through policy, finance, markets, knowledge systems, or funding alignment, each prototype addresses a structural barrier to agroecology adoption.

If nurtured and scaled, these innovations could pave the way for a global shift towards regenerative agriculture, proving that systemic transformation is not just possible — it’s already beginning. And Theory U is more than a methodology — it’s a catalyst for real-world change.

For more information or further discussion, contact: Susana.carvalho@presencing.org.