WorldFMC 2026 brought together around 100 delegates from 80 countries and territories, with significant participation from African organisations. This marks the first time the WorldFMC General Assembly has been held outside Italy, following three previous editions in Rome.
The General Assembly is organised within the framework of the project “Strengthening Farmers’ Markets in Africa and the Mediterranean – MAMI Phase 2”, jointly implemented by the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM Bari), one of four member institutes of the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies, and WorldFMC.
Over the two-day event, delegates exchange experiences and practices, discuss the role of farmers’ markets in developing local food systems, and identify the Coalition’s priorities for the coming years.
Established in June 2022, WorldFMC now gathers more than 100 organisations across over 80 countries and territories. Compared with its first General Assembly in Rome in 2023, the Coalition’s membership has grown by 51%, reflecting increasing interest in local food systems and the role of farmers’ markets in supporting family farming, conserving biodiversity, developing local economies, and strengthening rural-urban linkages.
The choice of Nairobi as the host city reflects Africa’s increasingly important role in WorldFMC’s activities. In many African countries, farmers’ markets not only connect producers directly with consumers but can also serve as platforms for promoting local economic development and strengthening community cohesion.
One of the key issues addressed at the General Assembly is the role of women in local food systems, with a session supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) to mark the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Another session on local food systems and food security will connect the experiences of cities with broader territorial development issues.
As part of the General Assembly, the second WorldFMC Awards is also be held, recognising individuals, farmers’ markets and cities that have contributed to sustainable, inclusive and resilient local food systems. More than 100 nominations have been submitted from around the world across three categories: Outstanding Farmer, Outstanding Market Manager and Outstanding City.
Alongside its thematic sessions, the General Assembly review WorldFMC’s development since its establishment, adopt strategic documents, strengthen cooperation among its member regions, and determine governance directions and operational priorities for the next term. The programme also includes the election of the Coalition’s President and members of its Board of Directors.
According to WorldFMC, farmers’ markets can help connect farmers, communities, territories and consumers while contributing to local economic development and making food systems more sustainable, resilient and inclusive.
The Nairobi General Assembly aims to provide further opportunities for exchanging experiences, building partnerships and promoting international cooperation in the development of local food systems.
