Field tour to agroecology centres of excellence

 12 August 2024.  Field tour to agroecology centres of excellence

• by AFSA
• This virtual event provided an immersive experience into best agroecological practices at the RUCID, the Ugandan HSHF/agroecology Centre.

The Rural Community in Development (RUCID), is a HSHF (Healthy Soils Healthy Food) centre in Mityana district and the RUCID ORGANIC AGICULTURE TRAINING COLLEGE is found 4 km from Mityana town along Namutamba road, in Kigogozi cell/ village, Kireku ward/ parish, Busimbi division/ subcounty, Mityana municipality, Mityana District. 

The college is an autonomous subsidiary of RURAL COMMUNITY IN DEVELOPMENT (RUCID), a limited company by guarantee.

The RUCID Centre in Mityana district, Uganda

Common agroecology practices alongside Ugandan farmers include; crop diversification, intercropping, contouring, and the preservation of indigenous seeds and making biofertilizers and bio-stimulants. These practices not only enhance food variety and nutritional value but also build resilience against climate change impacts. For example, the indigenous seeds are adapted to local conditions and offer higher resilience to pests and diseases, and require less inputs than commercial varieties. This not only reduces costs for farmers but also safeguards agro-ecosystem biodiversity.

Sustainable and Inclusive Extension Approaches for Agroecology Transition

9 August 2024. AFAAS WEBINAR “Theme: Sustainable and Inclusive Extension Approaches for Agroecology Transition”

This Webinar was organised to enhance knowledge, skills and innovation by leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences from countries participating in the ATREA project.

The Agroecological Transition Responsive Extension Approaches (ATREA) project is a response by the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) to contribute global effort in food systems through Agroecology responsive Extension and Advisory Services (EAS) in selected countries.

This involved identifying and documenting sustainable, inclusive, and responsive extension approaches for Agroecological Transition among target countries of Kenya, Benin, Madagascar, and Ethiopia to: Keep farmers engaged in extension approaches such as Farmer Field Schools (FFS), Farmer Business Schools (FBS), and Farmer to Farmer (F2F). 1. Integrate farmers further into exchanges with researchers and extensionists so that farmers stay motivated in sharing their experiences, hence contributing to an agroecological transition of agri-food systems from the bottom up.

The ATREA project aims at: i) identification and documentation of sustainable, inclusive and responsive extension approaches for an agroecological transition among target countries. Its specific objectives are to: ii) keep farmers engaged in extension approaches such as Farmer Field Schools, Farmer Business Schools, Farmer to Farmer; iii) integrate farmers further into exchanges with researchers and extensionists so that farmers stay motivated in sharing their experiences. Theses therefore are expected to contribute to an agroecological transition of agri-food systems from bottom-up.

• ED AFAAS, Dr Silim Nahdy - Introductory remarks
• Abdulrazak Ibrahim - Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) 
• Mr Baliraine - Chairperson on the Board, East and Southern Africa Small-scale farmers Forum (ESAFF)
• Martin Oulu - GIZ (Prosoil/ Proresilience) 
• Prof. Oladele Idowu - Keynote speech 
• Benin – Prof Moumouni Ismail
• Kenya – Peter Mwangi
• Ethiopia – Dr. Abadi Teklehaimanot
• Madagascar – Samuel Andrianjafy

Securing Women's Land Rights for Agroecology

8 August 2024. Securing Women's Land Rights for Agroecology 

Agroecology is increasingly recognized as the most suitable approach to achieving sustainable food, land, and eco-systems. A system that can support efforts to eliminate hunger, alleviate poverty, and soil degradation. With agroecology, we are likely to achieve food sovereignty, build territorial markets, and productively empower the youth and women. We still have limitations however, some of which are due to the land rights and governance that affect all, but especially the women who make up over 50-70% of the small-scale farmers.

This webinar, organised by PELUM. discussed how to secure women's land rights for agroecology. PELUM Association is a strong network of 12 countries in East and Southern Africa working to improve the livelihoods of small holder farmers and sustainability of rural communities through promoting Ecological Land Use Management practices.

Science & Partnerships for Agriculture Conference (SPAC 2024)

29 - 31 July 2024. Kigali, Rwanda. 2nd Science & Partnerships for Agriculture Conference (SPAC 2024). The Rwanda Agricultural Board (RAB) and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) have organised the Second edition of the Science Partnerships for Agriculture Conference (SPAC).

Download the programme here

Six key conferences

 
The 2024 edition of the SPAC conference hosted its usual lead conferences among many other convenings. Six key conferences ran simultaneously but independently. It hosted:

1. Third Biennial Africa Climate Smart Agriculture Conference

This conference gave the needed opportunity for stewardship on the CSA actions in Africa. It gives prime attention to the space of technology generation, utilization, and impact of CSA actions on agrarian livelihood.

2. Knowledge Management for Agricultural Development (KM4AgD) conference

The Knowledge Management for Agricultural Development (KM4AgD) is an annual event that seeks to build appropriate capacities, establish communities of practice for Knowledge Management, and strengthen the knowledge ecosystem to accelerate the achievement of the CAADP Malabo goals Scaling and Futures conference: a workshop on advancing the application of foresight in African agriculture. The conference demonstrated outputs from the 3-months Challenge and graduate the 2024 batch of trainees.

3. Scaling and Futures Conference

Accelerating food system transformation requires the scaling of technologies as well as generating new ones to improve the productivity and resilience of the
system. This conference brought together stakeholders from the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) program and the broader food system actors to develop strategies for scaling transformative technologies in the context of the post-Malabo process. The conference  engaged with the Africa Foresight community of practice for learning

4. Policy and Partnerships Conference

The sub-theme was ‘Scaling Research and Innovation Outcomes in AR4D-Coherent Policies and Partnerships Matters’. This conference offered a unique space, for the exchange of experiences and explore ways to improve the food system in Africa through coherent policies and effective partnerships. Side events provided platforms to discuss and explore how coherent policies and effective partnerships would provide the needed support to improve the food systems through AR4D. It identified gaps in policy formulation and implementation as and the challenges to the formation of effective partnerships that need to be addressed for improved AR4D policies and interventions.

5. DeSIRA connect

DeSIRA Connect initiative aims to contribute to climate-relevant, productive, and sustainable transformation of agriculture and food systems in low and middle-income countries. The conference brought the different projects implemented in Africa together to share success stories and exchange knowledge. It fostered the joint development of policy outputs as well as the development of communication strategies. 

6. Technical Workshop on Climate Change and Soil Health

This workshop convened key experts in Africa to review the SIA, AFSH-AP and Africa fertilizer and soil health declaration to develop the companion documents that will inform a clear understanding of the documents and the actions to be taking at the different levels to implement the actions. 

Side events (extract)

1. AU-EU Horizon Europe partnership projects coordinated by FARA viz., CEAFIRST and
   StEPFoS, 
   
2. Tropical Agriculture Platform (TAP): Promoting Inclusive Innovation by Strengthening National Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS)
3. ICRISAT Side Event: “A systems approach for building community resilience”, 
4. IWMI Side Event: “Inclusive Landscape Management for Climate Smart Agriculture and Food Systems Transition in West and Central Africa”, 
5. AGRA-FARA Side Event: “Youth Climate Action Convening”
6. “The continental think tank to respond to Emerging Technological Issues in Africa Agriculture” Session 
7. the CAADP-XP4 Agroecology Side Event, 
8. the IRC ORCaSa Side Event
9. 
   the Sasakawa Africa Association Side Event
   
10. the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) Plenary event.
11. CGIAR’s 2025—30 Research and Innovation Portfolio: Breeding for Tomorrow Program
12. 30 August 2024  CAADP-XP4 Consortium, in collaboration with IFAD  Agroecology

 SPAC2024: Opening Plenary

• Welcome Address Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye DG Rwanda Agricultural Board, Rwanda 
• Welcome Address Dr. Aggrey Agumya Executive Director, FARA 
• Opening Remarks MS Bongiwe Njobe Chair of FARA 
• Goodwill message Dr Abebe Haile-Gabriel ADG- FAO 
• Goodwill message Dr Simeon Ehui DG IITA and OneCGIAR coordinator for Africa 
• Goodwill Message Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Rwanda 
• 
  Opening Remarks HE Josefa Sacko Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue
  Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE) 
• Keynote Address 1 Hon. Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Rwanda 
• Keynote Address 2 Hon. Dr. Musa Kpaka Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Sierra Leone
• SPAC Lead Paper 1 “Partnerships for Food System Transition Under Climate Change, Soil Health, and the Biodiversity Crisis”. Distinguished Professor. Linus Opara
  
  Linus Opara Umezuruike said that science and technology can revolutionise African agriculture and the food system. He also emphasised the need to establish platforms where best practices can be shared, technical information can be exchanged, and some of the practices can be implemented to improve food security on the continent.
  
  
• High-Level Panel Discussion Moderator: Prof ‘Wole Fatunbi Panelists: Hon Dr. Theresa Tenneh Dick; Dr Abdou Tenkouano; Prof Cristina Máguas; Dr Alioune Fall, Madam Bongiwe Njobe; Dr. Selvaraju Ramasamy

   

   

 SPAC2024: Day 2 Plenary

2nd SPAC lead Paper “Ensuring the delivery of the desired future of food systems in Africa” 

• Prof. Idowu Oladele High-level Panel 
• Facilitator Prof Wole Fatunbi 
• Prof Julius Gatune
• Ms Elizabeth Nsimadala
• Dr. Alex Awiti (ICRAF)
• Dr. Geoffrey Heinrich (CRS)
• Hon Dr. Theresa Tenneh Dick

3rd SPAC lead Paper “The Role of Science in the Post-Malabo Agenda for Africa Agriculture and Food Systems” 

• Dr. Robin Buruchara High-level 
• Panel Moderator: Dr. Irene Annor- Frempong 
• Dr Alioune Fall
• Prof. Patrick Okori
• Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola
• Prof Richard Mkandawire 
• Prof Appolinaire Djikeng

   

 SPAC2024: Closing Plenary (Day 3)

CONFERENCE REPORTS 

• Science: Biennial Climate Smart Agriculture Conference 
• Capacities and Futures: Scaling and Futures Conference 
• Policies: Policy & Partnerships Conference 
• Knowledge Management: Knowledge Management for Agricultural Develepment Conference 2024 
• DeSIRA Connect 
• SIA technical workshop on climate change and Soil health 

SIDE EVENTS REPORTS 

• SPAC REPORT AND AGENDA for 2024-2026 
• MoU; New Project Pitch 
• Closing Ceremony
• Short info: Tropical Summit 2024

 

Tapping and Channelling Youth Potential in Agroecology

18 July 2024. Tapping and Channelling Youth Potential in Agroecology.

Related:

Launch of the APP (2024-2028) Promotion Programme (APP) for the Sub-Saharan Africa, funded by SDC! This initiative will co-fund the AWOLA project, now in 8 countries.

The goal is to broadly promote Agroecology - inclusive of like-minded approaches - as a pathway for food systems transformation to truly sustainable, resilient, and dynamic food and farming systems, worldwide and particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.

Read the  latest edition of the PELUM regional secretariat quarterly newsletter, packed with information about the Association. pelumassociationrs.org/wp-content/upl….

Related:

AWOLA: African Women Leaders in Agroecology 

Agroecology Economies webinar: Equitable Commercialization Networks

17 July 2024. 05:00 PM CEST. Agroecology Economies webinar: Equitable Commercialization Networks that Facilitate Access to Healthy Food 

• Healthy food supplies to schools in Thailand, agroecological market networks in East Africa, Food Corridors in the Afro-Colombian territories, and Food Sovereign Corridors in Argentina. 
• This webinar also featured the programs and policies implemented by the Brazilian government to encourage agroecological production and to expand the supply and distribution of healthy food.

Speakers: 

• Marut Jatiket, The Field Alliance, Thailand
• John Kariuki Mwangi, Slow Food Kenya, Kenya 
• Anyela Lizeth León Gonzáles, Grupo Semillas, Colombia 
• Josefina Galán and Agustín Mavar, Union de los Trabajadores de la Tierra, Argentina 
• Silvio Porto, CONAB, Brazil

When it comes to agroecology, one of the main questions is: How can agroecology feed the world? For decades now, frontline organizations have been co-creating solutions in the four corners of the globe to recover soils and agrobiodiversity and advance the production of healthy food. 

Pioneering initiatives demonstrate that successful agroecological transitions also require thinking beyond production. It is critical to address food supply flows from the perspective of guaranteeing the human right to adequate food for all people.

From Degradation to Regeneration: Agroecology and Soil Health Research for Sustainable Agriculture in Africa

17 July 2024. 02:00 PM Agroecology RMRN Webinar II

From Degradation to Regeneration: Agroecology and Soil Health Research for Sustainable Agriculture in Africa.

Organised by the Regional Multi-Actor Research Network on Agroecology to Support Regional Centres of Excellence related to the Green Transition.

• Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Amudavi, Biovision Africa Trust
• Dr. Guy Faure, European Commissio, DG INTPA
• Dr. Oluwole A. Fatunbi, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)
• Dr. Bernhard Freyer , Institute of Organic, Farming (IFÖL)
• Dr. Wivine Munyahali, Université Catholique de Bukavu
• Modetators: Dr. Kwaku Antwi, FARA, Prof. Majaliwa Mwanjololo, RUFORUM, Mrs. Ama P. A. Adu-Dartey, FARA

Background 

The project’s main aim is to increase Science Technology and Innovation capacities of RCoEs in agroecology to efficiently contribute to a green transition in Sub Saharan Africa. The 36-month project officially started on January 1, 2024. 

This project has three main objectives :  

• Strengthened scientific and technological capacities of RMRNs in Agroecology to produce, collect, access, process, share data / information and carry out research activities using a gender-sensitive approach.  
• Increased RMRNs contribution in agroecology through transformative quality research and scientific knowledge generation and dissemination. 
• Enhanced gender-sensitive support to agroecology practitioners, scientists, and policymakers.  

The RMRN Project is funded by the European Union (EU) as part of its Regional Multi-year Indicative Programme (MIP) for Africa. The MIP will support strengthening the consortia of Africa based institutions to lead interventions in Africa in several domains including multi-stakeholder partnerships to bring agroecological innovations to scale, using co-learning, co-creation, and multi-stakeholder approach.

The Africa-based and Africa-led research organisations include FARA, CORAF, ASARECA, CCARDESA, universities under the RUFORUM Network and Africa in general and other research institutions. The proposed actions will promote partnership with relevant institutions such as Farmer organizations under the Pan African Farmers Organization (PAFO), extension institutions under the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory services (AFAAS), NGOs, CSOs, the private sector, and financial institutions. The project targets countries in Eastern, Western, Southern and Central Africa.

Recording of the first webinar

 5 June:

https://www.youtube.com/live/rEqftSCPXjw?si=7UIFrsnOz9ZuHpUN

Agroecology TPP - The Dialogues Series: Doing science differently

11 July 2024.  Agroecology TPP - The Dialogues Series: Doing science differently
the first Dialogue started from the HLPE definition of transdisciplinary science (HLPE, 2019, p.33) and analyze both challenges and best practices from a suite of Agroecology TPP's projects on doing science differently.
Organised by The Transformative Partnership Platform on Agroecology

• Bernard Triomphe, AE-TPP Co-convenor and System Agronomist, CIRAD 
• Michael Hauser, Senior Associate, CIFOR-ICRAF and BOKU University, Austria - Keynote speech -Transdisciplinary science: what is it and how to facilitate it? 

Reflection on the keynote speech 

• Brigid Letty, Prolinnova and Principle Scientist, Institute of Natural Resources (INR) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• Francisco Rosado-May, Rector, Universidad Intercultural Maya de Quintana Roo
• Jane Maland Cady, Program Director, Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems, McKnight Foundation
• Lauren Baker, Deputy Director, Global Alliance for the Future of Food
• Lilian Beck, Agroecology Extension Specialist, Institute for Social Sciences of Agriculture - University of Hohenheim, Germany

Project presentations with a focus on innovation, methodology, results and co-creation 

• CGIAR Agroecology Initiative: Bernard Triomphe, AE-TPP Co-convenor and System Agronomist 
• Foresight: Marie de Lattre-Gasquet, Researcher, CIRAD 
• Agrofor: Valentina Robiglio, Senior Land Use Systems Scientist, CIFOR-ICRAF 
• ABCD-VIPPT: Lisa Fuchs, Scientist, Alliance of Bioversity International - CIAT 

The group discussion focused on excellencies, missed opportunities & way forward.

Resources

A two-page summary of the transdisciplinary research and an indicator framework for assessing transdisciplinary agroecology - this will form the discussions during the workshop

A suggested further reading list if you are interested in learning more about the topic:

• HLPE (2019). Agroecological and other innovative approaches for sustainable agriculture and food systems that enhance food security and nutrition. A report by the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition of the Committee on World Food Security, Rome. 
• Maughan C and Anderson CR (2023). A shared human endeavor”: farmer participation and knowledge co-production in agroecological research. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, Vol 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1162658
• Sinclair, F and Coe R (2019). The options by context approach: a paradigm shift in agronomy. Experimental Agriculture 55 (S1): 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0014479719000139
• 
  Brock, S., Baker, L., Jekums, A. et al. Knowledge democratization approaches for food systems
  transformation. Nat Food 5, 342–345 (2024). 
  
  The principles outlined in the article emphasize the importance of epistemic justice, intercultural co-creation, and knowledge mutualism and exchange in democratizing knowledge-policy processes. These principles, the authors argue, are essential for addressing biases and empowering marginalized communities in shaping food system transformations.
  
  Led by Samara Brock from Yale University, the article is an outcome of an international process convened by the Global Alliance for the Future of Food on the Politics of Knowledge that brought together food systems leaders to strategize on advancing research and evidence for agroecology. Drawing from case studies worldwide, the authors highlight innovative approaches that involve local actors in knowledge production and exchange.
  
  Featured as a key model in the report are farmer research networks supported by McKnight’s Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems, which combine scientific knowledge with Indigenous traditional and local knowledge in communities of practice that span ten countries in the high Andes and Africa. These networks bring together farmers, research institutions, development organizations and others to improve agriculture and food systems for all.
  
  The authors recommend a.o. to support research that focuses on system-wide change, rather than on narrowly defined quantitative criteria such as, for example, agricultural yields. This will entail looking beyond what is easily quantifiable to incorporate broader social, cultural and ecological drivers and consequences.

Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity 2024

11 July 2024. Lisbon City, Portugal. Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity 2024

The 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity received over 180 nominations from 117 nationalities in all five continents, more than ever before.

Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (India), Rattan Lal (USA/India) and SEKEM (Egypt) jointly receive the €1 million Prize for their sustainable agriculture work and contributions to food security, climate resilience and ecosystem protection.

The 1 million euro Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity recognises outstanding contributions to climate action and climate solutions that inspire hope. Any individual, organisation or group of people and/or organisations that are making a significant contribution to tackling climate change is eligible for the Prize.

The Prize winner was selected by an independent Jury, composed of members with expertise in Earth system science, climate action, environmentalism and climate justice from scientific, technological, political and cultural realms. The independent jury was chaired by former German Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel.

Since 2020, the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity has awarded €4 million to people and organisations that have contributed significantly to the fight against climate change.

Agenda 

• Welcome remarks - António Feijó – President of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
• Prize impact video
• President of the Jury speech and winner announcement Angela Merkel – President of the Jury of the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity
• Winner’s film and acceptance speech
• President of the Republic speech - Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa – President of the Republic of Portugal

See video: Vijay Kumar Thallam Executive Vice Chairman, Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS) (A Govt. Corporation for Farmers' Empowerment) + Ex Officio Special Chief Secretary to Government (Natural Farming) Agriculture and Cooperation Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India @ 11:24

+ video on Facebook

+ Celebration video in Guntur/Andhra Pradesh

Climate Solutions for the Planet and People

12 July 2024. This conference presented the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity winner and Jury members and explore solutions for a thriving and more resilient planet and society. Through panel discussions, films and presentations, participants will learn first-hand about the work of the 2024 winner and hear from experts in sustainability, climate action and ecosystem conservation.

See the recording here

Welcome speeches

• Martin Essayan – Executive Trustee
• Louisa Hooper – Director of the Sustainability Programme and the UK Branch, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
• Prize Winner’s Film

09:45 / Panel 1 Discussion between the Prize Winner and Jury members, with audience questions

• Miguel Bastos Araújo
• Sandra Díaz
• Hans Joachim Schellnhuber
• Miguel Arias Cañete

11:30 / Panel 2 Discussion between the Prize Winner and Jury members, with audience questions

• Sunita Narain
• Carlos Lopes
• Rik Leemans
• Runa Khan

Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS)

Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS) (‘Farmers Empowerment Cooperation’)  has been nominated for the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity 2024.

• 
  Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) launched by RySS, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture in 2016, is recognised as the world’s largest agroecology programme with over a million farmers. Natural farming is being practised in over 5,00,000 hectares in the State. 
• The programme offers farmers increased yields, improved incomes and improved health benefits from the first season of transition. 
• It has also generated environmental and social benefits including greater soil carbon sequestration, reversed land degradation, reduced soil temperatures, increased biodiversity. 
• Its success relies on four levers: delivery through an established network of women collectives; farmer-to-farmer learning via ‘Champion Farmers’; progressive technology; and government ownership.
• The programme aims to reach all eight million farmer households in Andhra Pradesh over the next 10 years and inspire replication elsewhere. 
• The model is already being incubated across 12 states in India, and in 2024 will be introduced in five other Global South countries, adapted to local contexts.

A high-level delegation from RySS and the Government of Andhra Pradesh attended the award ceremony.

Nagendramma Nettem of Sathya Sai district is the champion farmer of APCNF. She highlighted the role of women in the success of APCNF at the Lisbon event. She has taken up the task of promoting awareness on natural farming, while leading a group of 20 women farmers. The 38-year-old hails from Ghantapuram village and she is a mother of two daughters. Her journey into natural farming started when her 7-year-old daughter was diagnosed with vision deficiency, and doctors advised her to increase the girl’s green leafy vegetable intake.

During that time a few community resource persons visited their village and briefed them about the natural farming model. Having learnt about its benefits, Nagendramma, a BA graduate, adopted natural farming and raised crops in 800 square metre plot, and within a short time she started witnessing the nutritional benefits of chemical-free food. 

“Buoyed by the good results, I decided to become a full-time farmer, which I never imagined. In the first crop harvest, the yield was much higher than the chemical farming method, and the food had better taste and quality.”

See interview with Vijay  Kumar Thallam:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/agroecology-coalition_agroecology-activity-7217514011813154819-MO9d?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android

See report:  

APCNF (2023) NATURAL FARMING THROUGH A WIDE-ANGLE LENS. True Cost Accounting Study of Community Managed Natural Farming in Andhra Pradesh, India. # 215 pp.

• This pioneering new study, brings to light the remarkable potential of agroecological natural farming. Conducted by GIST Impact in collaboration with the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, this first-of-its-kind research provides compelling evidence supporting agroecological natural farming as a transformative approach to nourishing communities and empowering farmers.
• Using True Cost Accounting methods, the study compared the economic, social, and health impacts of different farming systems in the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh. The findings challenge the prevailing belief that chemically-intensive farming is necessary to meet the food production demands of a growing population. The study demonstrates that farms utilizing natural inputs achieved equal or higher yields compared to other systems, with an average increase of 11% while maintaining greater crop diversity.

Rattan Lal (USA/India) 

Professor Rattan Lal is a globally renowned soil scientist. He pioneered a soil-centric approach that
harmonises food production with ecological preservation and climate change mitigation. His methodologies have highlighted on a global stage the interconnectedness of soil health and broader environmental and human wellbeing, and the importance of enhancing food security while conserving natural resources. 

• By promoting research and education in sustainable soil management, Dr. Lal has advanced understanding of sustainable agriculture and climate resilience. In 2024, Dr. Lal was ranked the most cited plant science and agronomy scientist in the world. 
• He has been distinguished through many global awards, including the Japan Prize in 2019, the World Food Prize in 2020, the Padma Shri award in 2021, and the Plant Science and Agronomy Leader Award in 2024. 
• His personal journey from refugee to Distinguished University Professor at The Ohio State University and the founder of the university’s Carbon Management & Sequestration Center exemplifies the power of resilience and intellectual pursuit.

SEKEM (Egypt)

SEKEM is a conglomerate of NGOs, businesses and the Heliopolis University for Sustainable
Development championing holistic approaches addressing societal challenges and climate change mitigation. 

• Established almost 50 years ago in a desert region, SEKEM’s inception is rooted in biodynamic farming – rejuvenating arid land and local society. 
• Its food and agriculture work scales up regenerative practices and highlights the co-benefits of nature-based solutions for land and communities. 
• 30 years ago, SEKEM co-founded the Egyptian Biodynamic Association (EBDA) – an independent association that developed the Economy of Love Standard, which is highly inspired by the SEKEM vision. 
• Both SEKEM and EBDA are focused on scaling biodynamic agriculture, promoting a holistic transformation of farming communities. 
• Through the Economy of Love Standard, SEKEM and the EBDA are enabling farmers to transition from conventional to a more profitable biodynamic, regenerative farming model while supporting community development. To date, it has supported over 10,000 farmers and converted over 40,000 acres of land.

Agroecological transition - the role of research in co-design and support of innovations

1 July 2024. InfoPoint Hybrid Conference: "Agroecological Transition: The Role of Research in Co-Design and Support of Innovations

The DeSIRA initiative aims to support research and innovation projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America, while strengthening research capacities and governance by involving key actors at national, regional, continental and global levels. This initiative represents a major commitment to promoting agroecological innovation worldwide.

This InfoPoint shared research approaches and positions, as well as the changes they enable, through the testimony of three DeSIRA projects: 

Dinaamicc

• Co-construction with local actors: Dinaamicc emphasizes co-construction with local actors to ensure the response to the real needs of communities.
• Open innovation: the project integrates open innovation, accelerating the process of innovation and adoption (scaling). The DeSIRA program has enabled a scaling-up in the appropriation of solutions identified a few years ago.
• Scaling process: by focusing on accelerating and expanding innovations, Dinaamicc aims to maximize the impact of agroecological practices within local communities.

Sustenta & Inova Brazil

• Project setup and impact path: these projects emphasize the design and implementation of projects with deep reflection on the impact path. They allow the definition of clear objectives in line with the needs of local actors.
• Rural Forums: the establishment of rural forums facilitates the appropriation of new agroecological practices among local communities. Research support allows innovators to gain scientific legitimacy, promoting the dissemination of solutions.
• Training of leaders: the project includes training programs for local leaders, thereby strengthening their capacities to adopt and promote innovative practices.
• Articulation with local policies: they work closely with local decision-makers to integrate innovations into municipal strategies, ensuring effective adoption, implementation and relay.

Asset

• Technical innovation and policy dialogue: this project introduces technical innovations and facilitates their approval at the local policy level by integrating them into territorial strategies.
• Role of scientific "broker": acting as a neutral mediator, Asset ensures scientific legitimacy and facilitates informed decision-making. Farmers, relying on scientific bases, strengthen their legitimacy with decision-makers.
• Multi-scale collaboration: from local policies, the work extends to international bodies, including the UN, to foster a legal framework conducive to scaling up. In this context, Asset participates in the development of ASEAN guidelines on agroecology.

These experiences illustrate the importance of the research-development continuum, the continuity of research, and its central role in the co-design of agroecological innovations. They also highlight the importance of key mechanisms (participatory approaches, capacity building, science-policy interface) that foster the use and impact of these innovations.

Speakers

• 
  Leonard Mizzi, Head of Unit, INTPA F3- Sustainable Agri-Food systems and Fisheries
  
• Philippe Petithuguenin, Director General for Research and Strategy, CIRAD France
• Andry Rasamimanana, Head of Ceffel Center – Madagascar, Partner in Dinaamicc project (presentation in French)
• Emilie Coudel, Researcher, CIRAD France, Sustenta & Inova project (Brazil)
• Sayvisene Boulom, Head of Food Lab at National University of Laos, Partner in Asset project

Launch event of Agroecology coalition strategy

27 June 2024 Launch event of Agroecology coalition strategy

The Agroecology Coalition launched its 2024- 2030 strategy during a high-level event in Rome at the IFAD headquarter.

As of June 2024, the Coalition’s around 300 members include 48 governments, three intergovernmental regional commissions, two sub-national administrations and almost 250 organizations, including civil society, farmers’, Indigenous peoples’ and research organisations, United Nations (UN) bodies and other international organisations, and philanthropic foundations, as well as several small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). 

With a wide and diverse base to draw from, the Coalition has the capacity to harness and amplify the combined experience and expertise of its members to achieve greater impact in advancing food systems transformation through agroecology.

• Welcome Remarks – IFAD President Alvaro Lario
• Message from Agroecology Coalition Co-chair
• The Agroecology Coalition and 2024-2030 Strategy Short video Presentation of the Agroecology Coalition Strategy
• 
  Oliver Oliveros, Coordinator, Agroecology Coalition

Roundtable Discussion 1: Agroecology in Rome-based Agencies

• FAO – Corinna Hawkes, Director, Agrifood Systems Division
• IFAD – Jo Puri, Associate Vice-President
• WFP – Carmen Burbano, Director, School Meals Coalition
• CGIAR – Juan-Lucas Restrepo, Director-General, Alliance Bioversity-CIAT

Roundtable Discussion 2: Agroecology in countries 

• H.E. Amb. Ngor Ndiaye, Senegal; Chair, Group of Friends of Agroecology
• H. E. Amb. Duong Hai Hung, Vietnam
• Ms. Annette Schneegans, UN Section Head, EU Delegation in Rome
• H. E. Amb. Carla Carneiro, Brazil

Resources:

Agroecology Coalition Strategy for 2024-2030: Accelerating food systems transformation through agroecology. # 19 pp.

This ambitious strategy results from a year-long consultation with the Coalition’s 300 members and represents a tool to rapidly accelerate the transition to sustainable agroecological food systems by 2030.

This strategy builds further on the Coalition’s work supporting food systems transformation through agroecology and the implementation of national pathways, elaborated by countries in the frame of the UNFSS. It does so by facilitating co-creation and exchange of knowledge; promoting increased investments in agroecology; supporting market pathways for agroecology; and seeking political engagement and increased commitment to agroecological transformation.

Outcomes-Based Framework for driving the transition to regenerative farming

26 June 2024. Driving the transition to regenerative farming, organised by Regen10 

Regen10 is a global multi-stakeholder initiative working to support an inclusive, regenerative and equitable food systems transition.

• The purpose of this webinar was to update on Regen10's Outcomes-Based Framework,
  which aims to equip all food system actors with a shared understanding and ambition for driving the transition to regenerative farming; provide a spotlight and Q&A on Regen10's upcoming feedback survey; and present the latest on Regen10's transition pathways briefs, which explore the costs and benefits of transitioning to regenerative food systems.
  
• Register your interest to participate in the Regen10 Outcomes-Based Framework feedback survey:   the survey will be open for feedback until 22 July 2024.

Watch the recording of this webinar to learn about Regen10’s Outcomes-Based Framework, which aims to equip all food system actors with a shared understanding and ambition for driving the transition to regenerative farming; hear about Regen10’s feedback survey; and hear the latest on Regen10’s transition pathways briefs, which explore the costs and benefits of transitioning to regenerative food systems.

Outcomes-Based Framework 

To establish food systems that are people, nature and climate-positive, we need a clear method that can measure progress and assess whether the agricultural production transformation we need is on track.

• Regen10 has published a first iteration of Regen10’s Outcomes-Based Framework, which follows an analysis of more than 150 existing frameworks, and has been developed through engagement with a diverse group of food system actors, including farmers and land stewards.
• Regen10  istrialling the Framework in diverse farms and landscapes in multiple locations around the world to help us understand how farmers would use it and what outcomes are most important to them. Regen10  will translate these findings into an updated version of the Framework, for publication in 2025.
• CLICK HERE to read the Progress Report  (December 2023, # 17 p.)
• CLICK HERE to read the Zero Draft Outcomes-Based Framework (December 2023, # 5 p.)

GIZ Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Africa Newsletter

Global project Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Africa

• Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)​​​​​​​
• Overall term: 2019 to 2026

KCOA is a collaborative country-led partnership that aims to scale up the adoption of organic and agroecological farming practices through a network of five Knowledge Hubs in Africa. Within KCOA, the implementing organisations have four main objectives: 

1. to improve access to knowledge on organic agriculture and agroecology; 
2. to strengthen the technical and professional capacity of multi-pliers; 
3. to foster networking and to strengthen relationships in the sector; 
4. and to strengthen actors in their advocacy activities.

Resources:

ISAN Magazine Issue 10 (May 2024) brings stories about the benefits of biodiversity in agricultural systems, stories from Zimbabwe about how to enhance agrobiodivesity for improved food security and community-based climate change adaptation approaches, as well as profiling knowledge products on enhancing soil fertility developed by farmers in the Southern African region.

GIZ (2024) Agroecology –From Principles to Transformative Pathways # 13 pp.

On behalf of BMZ, GIZ implements projects related to agroecology, among others, as part of BMZ’s Special Initiative “Transformation of Agricultural and Food Systems“. The following examples of rural development projects illustrate how transformative pathways are shaped differently by different sets of agroecological principles.

• India Agents of Change – Women Self-Help Groups in India To design a systemic approach for food systems transformation and to tailor a strategy which supports rural women to create community benefits. Women Self-Help Groups (WSHG) have become pivotal change agents in agroecology
• Mali Uniting Multiple Stakeholders for Agroecological Transitions in Mali To support multi-stakeholder dialogue and foster change processes and politics. 
• Global Integrating Aquaculture into Smallholder Farming Systems To harness synergies among different productions systems in rural areas and to design approaches to integrated aquaculture. 
• Regional in Sub-Saharan Africa Agroecology – a Pathway for Rural Youth Employment To ensure that business models meet sustainability goals while promoting fair employment. 
• Mexico Strengthening Rural Livelihoods in Mexico To design cross-sectoral approaches to integrate biodiversity

Related

Supporting agroecological transformation processes in India

Support to Agroecological Transformation Processes in India (SuATI)

FutureFoodS: the EU Partnership for Sustainable Food Systems

19 June 2024, FutureFoodS: the EU Partnership for Sustainable Food Systems.

More than 100 research and innovation experts convened in Dijon to help support the transition to sustainable food systems by sharing insights, initiatives and joining forces within the EU-co-funded FutureFoodS partnership.

FutureFoodS is the selected co-funded partnership on Food Systems of Horizon Europe Framework Program, involving 87 partners from 29 countries. The aim? To accelerate the development of sustainable food systems by mobilising European research and innovation toward that goal.
Planned actions

Planned actions include open calls for research and innovation, with one launched already before the

end of 2024. The partnership will also develop Living Labs, create a new European food system observatory, and organise several knowledge-sharing events.

The partnership strives to accelerate the transformation of national, EU, and global food systems to make them safe, sustainable, healthy, resilient, and trusted for everyone while staying within our planetary boundaries. This contributes to the European Union’s Green Deal objective of ‘Fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food systems, from primary production to consumption’.

The kick-off meeting was organised by The French National Research Agency (ANR) and the German Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE). Panelists of the round table represented related initiatives (SCAR, CLEVERFOOD, AGROECOLOGY, WATER4All, ERA4Health) that also contribute to the FutureFoodS partnership.

Introduction of the FutureFoodS partnership

• Monique Axelos, Inrae, Scientific Director for Food and Bioeconomy
• Thierry Damerval, President of ANR
• Margareta Büning-Fesel, President of BLE
• John Bell, Head of the Healthy Planet Unit, DG-RTD
• Albert Wulff, Head of Directorate for Budget, Research, Operational Coordination, German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture – BMEL
• French Ministry of Higher Education and Research – MESR (TBC)
• Claude Yven, Coordinator of FutureFoodS

Food systems presentation and Round Table

• Akiko Suwa-Eisenmann, Chairperson of the United Nations, HLPE-FSN
• Niels Halberg, vice chair of the SCAR Food Systems Strategic Working Group
• Christian Bugge Henriksen, coordinator of CLEVERFOOD
• Nicolas Tinois, coordinator of AGROECOLOGY
• Esther Diez-Cebollero for the European partnership Water4All
• Hendrik de Ruyck for ERA4Health

Follow the FutureFoodS LinkedIn account here.

Will Democratizing STI make future Agri Food Systems more equitable?

19 June 2024 - Will Democratizing STI make future Agri Food Systems more equitable?

Zoom: https://fao.zoom.us/j/93847900629 Passcode: 30948827

Agrifood interventions are influenced by underlying paradigms and visions of development, creating tensions around decision-making, governance, and direction of agrifood systems transformation. Decisions over investments in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) are influenced by different paradigms and broader understandings of development. These paradigms also shape governance and institutional arrangements, and perspectives and practices, of STI. Introducing a new collaborative initiative with FAO, this seminar will explore whether “democratizing” STI, through more inclusive, participative and equitable stakeholder involvement and contribute to equitable agrifood systems is possible. It will also consider what type of policies and interventions can contribute to more resilient, efficient, and sustainable outcomes for all.

• Peter Taylor is a renowned expert in international development. Currently the Acting Director at the Institute of Development Studies, Peter’s rich background in international development spans over 30 years.
• He is currently engaged in conducting comprehensive research and background study on democratizing STI for the forthcoming ATIO report which will be launched in 2025. 

The Agricultural Technology and Innovation Outlook (ATIO) initiative

The Agricultural Technology and Innovation Outlook (ATIO) initiative, launching in 2025, aims to enhance understanding of technology and innovation generation and uptake and factors shaping the technology frontier in agrifood systems. 

ATIO open-access knowledge base

Overall budget : $900,000 USD.

Funding Requirements : $750,000 USD.

Annual maintenance and background : $150,000 USD per year.

ATIO biennial report : $500,000 USD funded by FAO's regular programme of budget.

• It will be the most comprehensive global source of information on innovative solutions for Agrifood Systems Transformation.
• ATIO will include a knowledge/data base and a biennial publication providing insights into current trends and prospects for Agrifood System Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). 
• It will track STI progress globally and in LMICs, identify emerging technologies, and address regulatory, ethical, gender, and environmental issues, ensuring inclusivity in decision-making and investments.
• See also Introducing ATIO report 2022. 

Resource 

0905/2024 Knowledge democratization approaches for food systems transformation

Current narrow views of what constitutes evidence have left blind spots in food system decision-making. Yet, alternative ways of facilitating the production and exchange of transdisciplinary knowledge enable key lessons for more equitable and informed policy processes.

Accelerate regenerative and agroecological food systems transformations

4 – 7 June 2024. Location: Arusha, Tanzania. The Cultivating Change Gathering: accelerate regenerative and agroecological food systems transformations

An ambitious transition to agroecology and regenerative approaches can reverse biodiversity loss and increase food security. The Cultivating Change Gathering built on a co-design process with partners on the ground in key countries and regions.

The event was co-convened by the Ministry of Agriculture of Tanzania, Global Alliance for the Future of Food, Biovision Foundation, and the Agroecology Coalition.

• The National Ecological Organic Agriculture Strategy (NEOAS) of Tanzania is a testament of the country’s commitment towards agroecology.
• Tanzania has increased its agriculture budget by five times compared to three years ago.
• Developed over several years through a multistakeholder participatory process, NEOAS covers 6 priority action areas
• Other East African countries have developed/are developing their respective agroecology strategy
• Leadership is key (at all levels); need to wean from external inputs as farmers integrate agroecological approaches
• Need to leverage global finance for key drivers of change, align donor efforts
• Articulate/mainstream agroecology other agendas and communities: climate, biodiversity, etc.
• Regional/continental agroecology agenda have to be rooted in civil society and local organisations, anchored on food sovereignty and food culture
• Agroecology should go beyond production and cover consumption; creating demand and developing market pathways for agroecology to flourish is essential
• Harnessing the creativity and energy of young people into agroecology is vital
• Retooling/training extensionists on agroecology given their key role in knowledge dissemination and uptake is crucial
• Knowledge needs to be decolonized. Recognizing indigenous, farmer, local and traditional knowledge and practices is key.
• Farmers need to have space for meaningful involvement in research prioritization and implementation.
• Donors present during this convening has shown very high interest to coordinate their efforts in support of agroecology and deep regenerative approaches in Tanzania, in East Africa and beyond.

Resource:

Global Alliance for the Future of Food. Cultivating Change:A Collaborative Philanthropic Initiative to Accelerate and Scale Agroecology andRegenerative Approaches. n.p.: Global Alliance for the Future of Food, 2024. # 22 p.

In 2023, the Global Alliance along with over two dozen philanthropic partners launched an initiative to explore strategies to accelerate and scale agroecology and regenerative approaches. This report explores what's needed to transition a costly global food system into one that is regenerative, renewable, resilient, interconnected, healthy, equitable, and inclusive.

The report Cultivating Change calculates the cost of the transition to agroecology and regenerative food systems. The transition will require USD 430 billion annually but right now only USD 44 billion goes towards this. In contrast, nearly USD 630 billion goes annually towards agriculture subsidies, half of which are harmful.

The cost to transition to regenerative, resilient, equitable food systems is dwarfed by the massive costs of damage caused by industrial food systems to our health, the environment, and society.

Related:

26 June 2024. 03:00 PM CET. Driving the transition to regenerative farming

• update on Regen10's Outcomes-Based Framework, which aims to equip all food system actors with a shared understanding and ambition for driving the transition to regenerative farming; provide a spotlight and Q&A on Regen10's upcoming feedback survey; and present the latest on Regen10's transition pathways briefs, which explore the costs and benefits of transitioning to regenerative food systems.

Delegation from Zambia appreciates natural farming techniques of Andhra

8 - 21 June 2024. A delegation from Zambia is on a two-week visit to Andhra Pradesh to study community-based natural farming (APCNF) techniques. (former APZBNF - Andhra Pradesh Zero budget Farming).

To promote the CNF programme in the state, the Government of Andhra Pradesh have established “Rhythu Sadhikara Samstha” (RySS), an integrated institutional mechanism. Apart from implementing the program in the state, RySS is leading a large-scale action research to develop knowledge products and agriculture models in CNF. One of the major inventions by RySS is Pre-monsoon Dry Sowing (PMDS).  

The delegation includes agriculture researchers from Zambia’s Ministry of Agriculture, farmers, and project functionaries from two community-based organisations—the Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre (KATC) and the Valponasca Learning Farm (VLF).

• The Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre (KATC), established in 1974, is a non-profit organisation in Zambia, run by Jesuit priests to promote sustainable organic agriculture in Lusaka County, improving livelihoods and building resilience to climate change. Fr Claus Recktenwald from KATC leads a delegation of 11 farmer practitioners.
• 
  Valponasca Learning Farm (VLF). Since 1984, the Salesian Sisters have been working across four counties in Northern Province, Zambia. They established the Valponasca Learning Farm in 2012 to train young people in agriculture, providing formal education, professional training, and skills to 529 small-scale farmers.

The delegation is practising natural farming under the guidance of Andhra Pradesh APCNF farmer trainers and Anantapur District Project Manager of the APCNF Lakshma Naik. The State government is also planning to send expert farmers from Andhra Pradesh to Zambia to guide the farmers for three years until this model is successfully demonstrated and scaled up.

RySS is now ready to become a global resource organisation for countries that want to learn natural farming from us and take this movement back to their lands. We are honoured to receive the Zambian delegation since most of them are farmer practitioners. RySS is collaborating worldwide with various governments, NGOs, and philanthropies, having hosted delegations from over 45 countries. T Vijay Kumar Thallam - RySS executive vice-chairman 

The Zambian delegation, visited several APCNF (Andhra Pradesh Community-managed Natural Farming) fields in Anantapur district and interacted with the farmers about the 'draught proof model' and Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing (PMDS) new grain cultivation practices that can grow crops even in water-scarce lands.

• In PMDS, mulching practice across the field acts as the catalyst to harness the water vapour from the atmosphere that drops to the land surface in the form of early morning dew. 
• The material used for mulching facilitates the percolation of the dew into the soil and prevents its evaporation again. 
• It is therefore recommended to the farmers to follow PMDS during March-May/June, followed by Kharif crops, Pre-Rabi dry sowing (PRDS) and Rabi crops, under the overall CNF programme.
• Farmers are expected to get multiple benefits through the crops grown under PMDS and PRDS that include obtaining intermittent cash income, food items, green manure, and green fodder to animals. 
• Thus, PMDS contributes to cropping intensity, increased agricultural incomes, and continuous green cover to the soil for 365 days in a year. In turn, these practices would result in the improvements in the soil fertility besides reducing and/ or removing greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. 
• Hence, RySS has made PMDS as an integral part of CNF 

Picture: RySS, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer, Mr. Lakshmana Nayak and a group of Zambian delegations eagerly listening to various issues being discussed during their visit to several APCNF crop fields in Anantapur district of the state to adopt natural farming in their country.

Resource: 17/06 Subsidy transition bonds as a funding mechanism for agroecological transformation # 2 pp.

• It takes three to five years for an individual farmer to completely transition to chemical-free agriculture. RySS plans to transition 5 million farmers between 2024 and 2035. Focusing solely on fertilizer input savings, the APCNF programme’s own data project that the net benefits will exceed 50% of the fertilizer expenditure in FY 2028–2029.
  
  
  
• The Indian government approved in June 2023, entitled the Prime Minister’s Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother Earth (PM-PRANAM). Under this policy, different branches of the Indian government at central and state levels act as investors, implementors and monitors of projects to reduce fertilizer use. Under the PM-PRANAM, fertilizer savings result in a payment from the government of approximately 50% of the benefit, paid a year after those savings are realized.
• The RySS internal projections of farmer adoption of APCNF calculated that the payments from the central government will only exceed the expenditure cost at the end of 2028–2029, with a maximum deficit before turning positive of US$244.0 million. There would be a modest US$22 million deficit in FY 2024– 2025 before returning positive cumulative benefits in FY 2025–2026.
• Transitioning to agroecology will require further investment at the farm level in training and infrastructure to maximize the environmental and social returns so far achieved. With appropriate support, the bond scheme might offer a pathway for future additional investment.

Related:

11 July 2024. 14:00 – 17:00 CEST. Doing Science Differently.

• first of a series of dialogues hosted by the Agroecology TPP (Transformative Partnership Platform on Agroecological Approaches to Building Resilience of Livelihoods and Landscapes). 
•  The Agroecology TPP aims to foster transitions to more sustainable agricultural and food systems by accelerating and coordinating the actions of a range of institutions already working on agroecology across various scales, contexts, and locations.

Further references

• 05/06 How 365 days of green cover over fields cools the climate - The Indo-German Global Academy for Agroecology Research and Learning in Pulivendula, Kadapa (Andhra Pradesh state, India) was launched in July 2023.
• Entrepreneurs for Rural Access (ERAs) at work in India (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states)
• Opinion: The utilitarian approach of agroecology
• Agroecology in the 2021-2027 Multi-annual Financial Framework of the EC/INTPA

India-Rwanda Knowledge Exchange on Natural Farming