Projects & Networks
Nyéléni Process
Uplifting regional voices in the global food sovereignty movement
The Nyéléni Process is a global movement for food sovereignty, grounded in the vision and leadership of food producers, land defenders, and community organizers around the world. It is named after Nyéléni, a legendary Malian peasant farmer, and represents a shared struggle for food systems rooted in justice, sustainability, and peoples’ control over land, water, seeds, and livelihoods.
Nyéléni Process
Our Place in the Process
Food systems shape daily life in Northwestern Ontario. While these systems are local, the forces shaping them are often global.
In 2025, the Food Action Network joined the 3rd Global Nyéléni Forum in Kandy, Sri Lanka, where delegates created the Kandy Declaration, calling for systemic transformation. Our participation ensures Northwestern Ontario’s experiences inform global conversations and that global insights guide local action.
Nyéléni Process
Declaration of Nyéléni
At the heart of this process is the Declaration of Nyéléni, a foundational document created in 2007 during the first Global Forum on Food Sovereignty in Mali. It defines food sovereignty as:
“the right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods, and their right to define their own food and agriculture systems.”
The Declaration continues to unite communities across borders in pursuit of resilient food systems that are controlled by people, not corporations.
Nyéléni Process
Why It Matters
In a time of climate disruption, corporate consolidation, and rising inequality, food sovereignty is more than a goal: it’s a necessity. The Nyéléni Process is unique because it’s led by social movements and civil society, not governments or corporations. It centers feminism, anti-racism, anti-colonialism, Indigenous rights, and deep democracy.
Here in Northwestern Ontario, food sovereignty is alive in all of the community gardens, land-based education, traditional harvesting practices, seed saving projects, and mutual aid initiatives. But we also know there’s more to be done.
Have Your say
Our Region, Our Voices
FAN-NWO participates in the Nyéléni Process with a commitment to bring regional experiences and priorities into global discussions, and to bring global learnings home to support regional collaboration and action.
Following the 3rd Global Forum, we are continuing to gather stories, questions, and ideas from across Northwestern Ontario to inform future dialogues, events, and partnerships.
Your story does not have to be big or formal to matter. Everyday experiences like growing food, sharing it, organizing, or imagining better futures are all parts of food sovereignty.
Get Involved
Food sovereignty belongs to all of us. Whether you grow food, harvest, cook, organize, or care for land and water, your perspective matters.
Ways to get involved:
- Share your story or project with us
- Join a local food sovereignty dialogue or learning event
- Help host a community conversation
- Follow the Nyéléni Process and amplify our region’s role
- Invite FAN-NWO to speak with your group
Not sure where to start? Sharing a story, joining a public event, or learning more are all great first step
Follow Along & Learn More
Food sovereignty begins at home, and grows stronger when we come together across borders. Join us in shaping a food future rooted in justice, self-determination, and care. Visit our blog to explore the ideas behind this work, or learn more through official Nyéléni resources:
- Support Food Sovereignty in Your Community
Help strengthen local and global food systems by supporting FAN-NWO’s work. For more info or to e-transfer, contact us at info@nwofood.ca