Last January, Tzoumakers participated in the second Grassroots Innovations Assembly for Agroecology (GIAΑ) in Ahmedabad, India, a powerful gathering of initiatives dedicated to community-driven, open-source solutions for small-scale agriculture.
Representing Greece and Tzoumakers, Christina Papakyritsi from The High Mountains Coop and Chris Giotitsas from P2P Lab,contributed to discussions on technological autonomy, agroecological innovation, and cooperative tool-making for food sovereignty.
We explored how open labs, peer-to-peer learning, and local manufacturing can empower farmers, resisting the concentration of agricultural technology in the hands of a few.
This was the second GIAΑ, following the first gathering in Italy last year. Our participation reaffirmed our belief that the future of agriculture is in the hands of communities, makers, and small-scale food producers working together.
Additionally, we had the opportunity to participate in the Fifth International Conference on Creativity and Innovation at/for/from/with Grassroots (ICCIG 5), engaging in discussions about inclusive, grassroots-driven technological and social innovation. These exchanges strengthened our commitment to supporting resilient, self-organized communities.
What is Tzoumakers?
Tzoumakers is an open makerspace in the mountainous region of Epirus, Greece, where local communities collaboratively design and manufacture tools for small-scale agricultural production. Rooted in open-source technology, agroecology, and solidarity, it empowers farmers and makers to create low-cost, customized, and locally adaptable solutions. Learn more at here.
