About REFOOTURE:

Rethinking how we grow, share and govern ecosystems, livelihoods, food and communities

REFOOTURE is all about reimagining how we grow, share, and govern ecosystems, livelihoods, food and communities – starting from the ground up. It is a collaborative initiative that aims to build Regenerative and Inclusive Food Systems (RIFS) that restore ecosystems, empower people in vulnerable situations, and create fair, lasting livelihoods.

The cornerstone of our approach is Collaborate to Regenerate (C2R), a participatory method that invites:

Local communities, especially those facing disadvantage,
Nature, as a living system with its own rhythms and needs,
And powerholders, such as local governments or institutions.

By bringing these three voices into conversation and action, C2R creates the conditions for win-win-win outcomes: healthy ecosystems, resilient communities, and more inclusive governance.

How we work: from vision to action

In three East African regions — Arilo (Uganda), Menengai (Kenya), and Wanja Kerssa (Ethiopia) — we are co-developing context-specific solutions through local Food System Innovation Platforms (FSIPs). These FSIPs are long-lasting collaborations that drive transformation

These platforms act as Living Labs, where farmers, researchers, start-ups, and local leaders:

Experiment with agroecological practices and inclusive business models
Develop community-led agendas for change
And build long-term capacity for transformation

FSIPs creates a structured yet flexible environment to prototype, test, and scale what works — rooted in place, people, and purpose.

What are Regenerative and Inclusive Food Systems (RIFS)?

Regenerative and Inclusive Food Systems (RIFS) are food systems that place equal value on ecological integrity, community well-being, and social equity. They are designed to promote healthy ecosystems, resilient livelihoods, access to nutritious food, and caring communities.

They are not one-size-fits-all models, but emerge through dialogue, experimentation, and learning — supported by approaches like the Joint Agenda for Change (JA4C).

Mission and principles

Team

Our mission

REFOOTURE believes the future of food must be built with communities and for the landscapes they depend on.

REFOOTURE exists to support that transformation — not by scaling blueprints, but by cultivating change that’s rooted in local realities and aligned with a global vision for just and sustainable food systems.

👉 Curious about how we do this, or looking to get involved?
Let’s connect.

Our principles

REFOOTURE is guided by five core principles that shape the journey toward Regenerative and Inclusive Food Systems (RIFS). They remind us that transformation must be rooted in real places, inclusive of diverse voices, and always responsive to both people and nature. Together, they form a living framework for change.

🌍 Sense of place and purpose – Start with people and their landscapes

Transformation begins where people live and work. By caring for communities and ecosystems, we give direction and meaning to the change we seek.

🌱 Socio-ecological design – Work with nature, honour local knowledge

Every innovation should grow from local needs, respect indigenous knowledge, and work with nature to strengthen collective well-being.

🤝 Building connections – Stronger together — with each other and with nature

Strong relationships — between people, communities, and nature — create the resilience needed for food systems to thrive in the face of change.

⚖️ Just and inclusive transitions – Fairness and voice for all

Fairness and equity are non-negotiable. RIFS ensure that marginalized groups have a voice and that natural systems, which sustain all life, are protected.

🔁 Design for renewal – Keep learning, adapting, regenerating

Change is never “done.” Regenerative systems evolve through continuous learning, adapting, and rebuilding — ensuring lasting benefits for both people and planet.

These principles guide every step of our work, from village-level pilots to regional platforms, helping us grow food systems that are fair, resilient, and regenerative.