During the Third General Assembly of World Farmers Markets Coalition in Rome, Italy, the international farmers markets community came together to celebrate the WorldFMC Awards 2025, a tribute to the people, places, and initiatives that are driving a fairer, more sustainable, and more inclusive food system.

The awards were created to shine a spotlight on farmers, market managers, and cities who embody the values of local food systems: biodiversity, community resilience, short supply chains, environmental regeneration, and equitable access to fresh, nutritious food.

This year’s winners, a farmer from Peru, a market manager from Kenya, and the city of Rome tell a powerful story of how local action can inspire global change.

The Best Market Manager Award 2025 has been awarded to Dennis Andaye, the visionary behind Farmers Market Nairobi in Kenya.

For over 15 years, Dennis has shown extraordinary leadership in building and managing farmers markets in Nairobi. His work has transformed local markets into thriving community spaces where farmers, consumers, and families meet around food.

One of his most impactful innovations has been the digital vendor management system, which simplifies farmer registration, stall allocation, and data collection. This has made the markets more transparent, efficient, and scalable, while allowing better planning and promotion.

Dennis has also introduced Harvest Hour, a unique initiative that draws larger crowds and diversifies product offerings. He has collaborated with local media to produce the “Taste Off” cooking show, filmed directly at the market and aired on major TV station. These initiatives have helped to build a sense of identity and belonging around the market, turning it into a true social and cultural hub.

His vision goes beyond logistics. Dennis has implemented a system to collect unsold produce at the end of each market day and redistribute it to those in need. Ensuring that fresh, nutritious food reaches those who need it most. He is also working on a community fund to make this initiative sustainable all year long.

Furthermore, Dennis has mentored a new generation of market managers, expanding the farmers market model beyond traditional spaces. Under his guidance, markets have been set up in streets, restaurants, malls, and other urban venues. His work with the MAMi Project has become a blueprint for scaling farmers markets in Africa, empowering smallholder farmers and creating new economic opportunities in cities.

“Dennis’s vision breaks barriers, cultural, bureaucratic, and economic, proving that farmers markets can be powerful engines of inclusive urban development.”