SDC A&FS Network: Newsletter

On March 2023, over 500 delegates congregated at the Safari Park Hotel and Casino for the first ever Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference, with the aim of transforming food systems for responsible production, consumption and social well-being. The four-day conference attracted delegates from all professions and regions in Africa championing for agroecology in the continent. 

Agroecology was the key practice of focus for the participating organisations, who also had displays at the conference showcasing working solutions under the practice working towards a food-secure Eastern Africa. Agroecology, as defined by FAO, is an integrated approach that simultaneously applies ecological and social concepts and principles to the design and management of food and agricultural systems. It seeks to optimise the interactions between plants, animals, humans, and the environment while taking into consideration the social aspects that need to be addressed for a sustainable and fair food system.

Apart from the exhibitions there were panel discussions, keynote speeches, breakout sessions, and farm visits to several practicing farms in Kenya. Online participants were also well accommodated. 

The conference appealed to participants as well as the general East African population to rethink investments in current food systems, urging food systems decision makers to transition to more environmentally friendly production systems; all of which can be found under the practicing umbrella that is agroecology.

In his remarks, the main guest – Hon Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Uganda – commended the agroecology movement in Africa for the initiatives executed in the region so far. He confirmed his government’s commitment to the movement, as Uganda leads the region in adoption and practice of agroecology and or organic agriculture as a production system. He further stated that collaboration, partnerships and knowledge sharing between stakeholders are the key pillars to the transformation of the food system in the region. 

One of the keynote speakers – Dr. Emma Siliprandi representing FAO – shared lessons learnt from FAO’s agroecology initiatives as well as solutions for success in the future for a healthy planet and people! One of the standout successes was the introduction and adoption of the Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE), which is currently used in 40 countries, spread across five regions, supporting 5036 households in 24 languages! She also noted that her department championed for the approval of the 10 elements of agroecology which led to the establishment of the 13 principles that have been globally adapted. Through various initiatives, several e-courses have been developed, publications submitted, a food security committee formed, and the icing on the cake – the formation of an agroecology coalition from the UN Food Systems Summit.

For agroecology to be widespread in the region, most keynote speakers, panelists and breakout-session presenters all intimated that for the success of the movement, the gaps that needed to be closed are:

1. Investments in agroecology by all players – from farmers to governments, research institutions, the private sector, humanitarian players, change actors, and consumers.
2. Knowledge and innovation sharing for working solutions.
3. ​Policy development, support and implementation withing the local context.

Dr Hans R. Herren from the Millennium Institute noted that the pathways provided by agroecology can lead, and have the potential to achieve, the SDGs within planetary boundaries by 2050. Some of the solutions showcased and discussed included production technologies like the Push-Pull Technology for the control of stemborers, fall armyworm and striga in maize, the use of local indigenous plant varieties, biological control of pests, localized certification, among many more.

​​Opportunities for entrepreneurs in the agroecology ecosystem are immense and as wide-ranging as the African continent, as stated by Ms Diana Akullo Ogwal, representing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfcFTA) of the African Union. AfcFTA, which is the largest trade agreement globally, represents an estimated market worth of USD 3.4 trillion with about 1 billion consumers. She further urged small and medium Enterprises (SMEs) present to take advantage of the trade agreement at least within East Africa, as SMEs are critical to the success of the trade agreement, accounting for more than 90% of the players on the African continent.

This calls for SMEs to invest the capital at hand into agroecology. Apart from the SMEs, Biovision Foundation CEO Frank Eyhorn noted that the sector needed heavy financing from all players including, but not limited to, consumers, food system enterprises such as farmers, banks and investors, multilateral development banks, governments, and philanthropic organisations. The call to action that will see agroecology grow in the region focused mainly on resource mobilisation by all players from global, continental and regional levels to promote adoption and scaling of agroecological principles and practices. Apart from the resource mobilisation, the Eastern Africa players were tasked to establish an Eastern Africa standard for ecological organic trade, markets and economy, as well as a standing commitment to hosting the conference every two years.

E-CHANGER's Personnel Development Co-operation specialises in capacity building and collaboration with partner organisations in countries of the South. Since 2002, the member organisation of the umbrella organisation Unité has been active in Burkina Faso, a country whose security situation has steadily deteriorated in recent years, and which today scores 85.9 out of 120 on the Fragile State Index.

The equally unstable situation in neighbouring Mali, Chad and Niger, an increasing number of internally displaced persons due to inter-ethnic conflicts and terrorist activities by fundamentalist armed groups, growing demographic pressure on resources, and weak state structures all contribute to the instability of the West African country. Increasing poverty and the consequences of climate change are further factors increasing Burkina Faso's fragility.

Establishment of a national market for organic products

In addition to climate change, the extensive use of genetically modified seeds in Burkina Faso has led to a deterioration of environmental conditions, the gradual disappearance of traditional varieties of seeds and, accordingly, the dependence of farmers on new seeds.

In 2011, the Conseil National de l'Agriculture Biologique (CNABio) was founded to counteract this development, which is harmful to people and the environment. Its aim is to promote organic agriculture, to build up a national market for organic products and to connect the various players with each other as well as with consumers.

These activities help improve the income of smallholder farmers while conserving natural resources. Agroecology promoted by CNABio reduces water pollution, increases soil fertility, and produces chemical- and toxin-free food. Although CNABio is only 10 years old, it has already achieved a great deal. The umbrella organisation now has nearly 80 members, all of whom are committed to promoting agroecology and organic agriculture. It offers training to strengthen the capacities of its members and lobbies the authorities.

Thanks to CNABio, an agroecology focal point has been established in the Ministry of Agriculture of Burkina Faso, and the government is in the process of drafting a national development strategy to promote agroecology. In addition, many agricultural training institutions have incorporated or are in the process of incorporating agroecological farming practices into their curricula.

Clémence Samba/Lankouandé, coordinator of CNABio, is particularly pleased: "When we started our work 10 years ago, organic and agroecological farming methods were hardly known among the Burkinabe population. Today, the demand for organic and agroecological products is high, even at the national level, because consumers are aware of the benefits of a healthy diet and sustainable production.

The first Burkinabe BIO label 

Probably the most important achievement of CNABio is the development and operationalisation of the BioSPG label, which certifies the organic quality of agroecological products by certified producers. It is the first national standard for organic agriculture and one of the first organic labels in West Africa. 

The standard requires that agriculture has to be as resource-conserving as possible, by following the principles of crop rotation and using only organic fertilisers; synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilisers are prohibited, as are genetically modified varieties. In recent years, many new producers have been recruited for the BioSPG label, also thanks to the support of René Emmenegger, who provided expert assistance with E-CHANGER between 2017 and 2020. Today, 410 producers at 36 locations are certified, which corresponds to an area of over 80 hectares. 

Cheik Bambara is a graduate engineer for rural development and specialises in supporting farmers' organisations. He continues Emmenegger's work: "I have been working at CNABio since 2020 to promote and improve the BioSPG label and support the certified producers in marketing their products. A large number of our farmers have been able to significantly increase their production and the label gives them a market advantage. It's nice to see that my work is helping to improve food sovereignty and farmers' incomes. 

Still, CNABio does not want to rest on its previous achievements. It aims to expand its activities to other parts of the country and to convince as many farmers and consumers as possible of the added value of the BioSPG label. Burkina Faso still has a long way to go before it can say goodbye to pesticides and chemical fertilisers. However, agroecological farming methods help to strengthen the resilience of the Burkinabe population on an economic and ecological level, so that they can better cope with the increasing fragility and have more perspectives again.

ECHANGER's program in Burkina Faso is co-financed by the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), within the framework of the institutional program of Unité.​​​​

While excess weight and obesity are increasing worldwide, food security levels are worsening in many low- and middle-income countries – especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the persisting climate crisis. Due to suboptimal diets, one-third of the world’s population suffers from malnutrition. Also, particularly in the urban setting, many people experience a pronounced shift away from traditional staples, such as millet or pulses, towards staples prepared more conveniently (rice, pasta, or bread) or foods high in sugar.

Nutritious and agroecologically produced foods offer the potential to improve diets, transform food systems and alleviate pressure on the environment. The Nutrition in City Ecosystems (NICE) project aims to improve nutrition for city populations through agricultural, food and health sector collaborations and a better linkage of supply and demand for nutritious and agroecologically produced food. Furthermore, the NICE project is also looking to support women and youth engaged in the city food system to contribute to  urban food system transformations through initiatives for diversified diets through local production.

Women and youth play a key, but under-recognised and often informal, role in city food systems where they may lead growing, processing, and marketing of foods, while also carrying the responsibility for their family’s healthy nutrition. Women and youth’s roles, and representation in food system governance, decision-making, and access to productive resources, are often limited, leaving them with only few opportunities to influence and get fairer returns from a food system that largely depends on them to function.

NICE small grant applicants in Bungoma, Kenya, during a joint training session on proposal writing and how to implement projects successfully (photo credit: SFSA Kenya).

To empower self-assistance ideas of motivated women and youth groups contributing to more diversified, and thus healthier diets, the NICE project started to provide financial assistance through a mixed financial and in-kind grant system in Kenya and Rwanda. The premise is that by providing start-up support to women and youth, they can put their promising ideas into practice, fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable food system transformations.

In close collaboration with the county authorities of the cities of Bungoma and Busia, in Kenya, as well as Rubavu and Rusizi city-districts in Rwanda, six and eight well-functioning but unsupported women and youth self-assistance groups were invited to prepare a proposal for the NICE small grants in Kenya in September 2022 and in Rwanda in January 2023. The grants aim to improve food production and make diets more diversified, and had to be complemented by a contribution from the groups themselves. Invited applicants underwent a dedicated development and budget proposal programme and received inputs on good-nutrition practices in general, project management, and information on sharing and networking.

All but one of the invited women and youth groups are now implementing their activities. Through regular visits (bi-weekly checkins) from the NICE city coordinators, small grant recipients were closely accompanied through the three-month grant period to ensure adequate use of the supplied inputs.

NICE branded three-wheel motorcycle provided to the GIRIMPUHWE widows’ cooperative to support production and faster transportation of their vegetables and fruits (“Sarura ucuruze byihuse) thus improving their livelihood (photo credit: Swiss TPH Rwanda).

Unfortunately, the heavy floods in May 2023 in the Western Province of Rwanda destroyed the horticulture activities that had been initiated by two supported groups in Rubavu, and this situation is now receiving focused attention.

Meanwhile, the following are all proceeding well: increased acreage for first-cycle production of African Leafy Vegetables for the Walatsi Locational Self-help Group in Busia, Kenya; support for kitchen garden construction for peri-urban families through the Baho Neza Muryango youth group in Rubavu, Rwanda; a new transport vehicle for the GIRIMPUHWE widows’ cooperative selling self-cultivated fruits and vegetables in different markets in Rubavu, Rwanda; contributions to increased irrigation possibilities for the CCPGK cooperative in Rusizi; and support to set up chicken-feed production at the Neo-Hen farms youth social enterprise in Bungoma, Kenya.

A second round of small grants in the Kenyan and Rwandan NICE cities is already planned, with the next round of groups already identified and invited.

Reaching land-degradation neutrality by 2030 

Healthy land is central to the wellbeing of the planet’s ecosystems and biodiversity; it feeds us, shelters us, and provides the backbone to our global economy. But today, up to 40% of the world’s land is degraded. Around half of humanity is directly affected. Therefore, effective sustainable land management is prioritised also on a global policy level: all three Rio Conventions, namely the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), address the topic. Still, the question remains: do we have the knowledge and the tools for it? And how can we work together to restore land and boost resilience?

Keynote speech by Ibrahim Thiaw: from helpless despair to restoring hope

During his official visit to Switzerland, Ibrahim Thiaw gave the keynote speech on the future of our lands. His speech set the scene for the following contributions and discussions: the unprecedented levels of land degradation that put agricultural production under pressure, increase poverty and pose an active threat towards human health. Specifically, that means that the quest for higher productivity without further consideration is a threat to the economy in the long term. He states that if we do not change our ways of production, we risk losing half of the GDP by mid-century, due to the inability of the land to produce more – a risk further aggravated by a steadily growing population. This is also directly linked to increasing threats to human health (emerging infectious diseases, increase of non-communicable diseases etc.).

Ibrahim Thiaw stated that humanity depends on two things: “A thin layer of soil and a few millimetres of rain.” Therefore, we have to prevent future soil loss and droughts. The key for sustainable solutions lies in land restoration: if it is accessible to all it could be the cheapest solution to climate change, be a durable solution and restore food production. He concluded: “We have to move from helpless despair to restoring hope.”

Gender and land governance: “Her land, her rights”: Nicole Harari (WOCAT), Markus Giger (UNIBE)

​The second part of the event was dedicated to the Desertification and Drought Day 2023 on 17 June, which focuses this year on “Her Land, Her Rights”, with the goal to advance gender equality and land-restoration goals.

Nicole Harari highlighted the efforts WOCAT is undertaking to change the predominant narrative – focus on good land management and create a world-map of good practices instead of only pointing out the negative developments and approaches. WOCAT is a global network on sustainable land management (SLM) that promotes the documentation, sharing, and use of knowledge to support adaptation, innovation and decision-making in SLM. Harari states that to sustainably prevent desertification, land tenure rights and security are crucial. Specifically, that means to secure access to land and prevent land loss for farmers, and acknowledge and engage with the fact that commercial interests have impacts at the expense of local communities. Still, reality is far from that, and the role of women and indigenous people is crucial.

This was further elaborated on by Markus Giger, who said there are big knowledge gaps, especially in technology-related aspects (special focus on access and control of diverse inputs facilitating sustainable land use and tenure) in regards to gender. Therefore, empowerment, access for women to tools and knowledge, and the long-term inclusion of women in the implementation and design of the programming and planning of food-systems approaches are crucial.

The high-level panel members were Ibrahim Thiaw, Marylaure Crettaz (Head of Food Systems section, SDC), Norbert Bärlocher (Head of Rio Conventions section, FOEN), Andrew Kihurani (Ambassador of Kenya to Switzerland), and Sarina Nick (Co-Head Environment, Transport and Energy Program, Foraus). They engaged in a lively panel discussion. Keywords that structured and reflected the discussion are: interdisciplinary research, resilience strengthening, land degradation/land governance, food security, livelihoods, nutrition, environmental health, climate change (being a political challenge before being a technical challenge), and gender responsive transformation.

These topics highlighted time and again that it is crucial to understand the complexity we are addressing and to understand the interlinkages of the different elements of food systems. Therefore, a holistic and intersectoral approach is needed, where especially women and youth can act as agents of change.

To sum up the event, three take-away messages were:

1. We are dealing with a difficult situation. Still, there is a lot of knowledge available and we need to speed up our joint efforts.
2. We live in an age of interdependencies. Therefore, a systemic approach is needed.
3. Solidarity is key! These global issues call for a joint approach and global collaboration is needed to overcome national interests.

By collaborating closely with both national and local government officials, SNV is facilitating access to finance for young people, thereby creating opportunities for them to actively participate in the agricultural sector. At the forefront of this initiative are two inspirational youth leaders who have become champions of change within their communities.

Wellington Chileshe (27), the ward councillor for Mumbuluma Ward in Mporokoso district, Northern Province, Zambia, who has also benefitted from OYE’s skills development, financial literacy and technical training, has emerged as a prominent figure in promoting youth empowerment.

In 2022 alone, he successfully linked 11 clubs, comprising 220 individuals, to grants which aimed to boost their agricultural enterprises. Moreover, he facilitated loans for four additional clubs, empowering them to expand their operations and increase productivity. Additionally, Wellington enabled 42 individuals to gain access to financial resources for personal empowerment and supported 300 youths with secondary school bursaries, ensuring that education remains accessible to all.

Together with Trevor Siafunda (31), a proactive ward councillor for Nangoma Ward in Mumbwa District in Central province, Zambia, the two youth leaders have been fervently encouraging their peers to join the project’s Youth Savings and Lending Groups, which have been popular. Currently, more than 5,000 youths across the country are actively participating in savings activities, collectively accumulating a total share value of K2,122,297.60 (equivalent to USD 106,114.88). This noteworthy figure represents an impressive growth rate of over 100% from the share value recorded in the previous year.

It is particularly encouraging to observe that the participation of young women in the savings initiatives surpasses that of their male counterparts. In a country where economic activities are dominated by males, this significant female representation – exceeding 65% – is a testament to the progressive strides being made towards gender equality in Zambia. By actively engaging in savings groups, these young women are not only securing their own financial futures but also empowering themselves to become drivers of local economic development within their communities.

The impact of the Youth Savings and Lending groups extends beyond individual financial security. As young people gain access to loans facilitated by the CDF, they are empowered to venture into diverse business opportunities, including those within the agrifood sector. This entrepreneurial drive, boosted by the financial resources provided, has enabled these industrious youths to create employment opportunities for their peers. By launching and growing their businesses and agricultural enterprises, they are helping to address youth unemployment, stimulating economic growth, and contributing to the development of a sustainable agrifood system.

Through the collaboration between SNV, the government, and the unwavering dedication of youth leaders like Wellington Chileshe, the CDF is being leveraged as a catalyst for change in Zambia's agricultural sector. By unlocking financial resources and promoting skills development among young people, the OYE project is empowering a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs. With their innovative ideas, determination, and newfound access to finance, these ambitious youths are revitalising local economies, creating employment opportunities, and ensuring a more prosperous future for themselves and their communities.

The 2023 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), held from 25–29 April in the country’s second largest city of Bulawayo, was a vibrant showcase of innovation geared towards global competitiveness.

Among the notable participants was Ambrose Sibanda (28), a young entrepreneur who is swiftly making a name for himself in the export industry. He is one of the promising youths who has undergone training and mentorship through the SDC-supported Opportunities for Youth Employment (OYE) project being implemented by SNV in Zimbabwe.

The ZITF, recognised as one of Zimbabwe's leading international exhibitions, sets the stage for unveiling industry trends, ground-breaking ideas, and innovative products. Drawing a diverse audience, the fair promotes trade and investment within the country while creating a platform for regional and international market exposure.

The theme of this year's event, "Transformative Innovation, Global Competitiveness", aligned well with Sibanda's vision. He seized the opportunity to showcase his fresh produce – both oyster and button mushrooms, along with dried mushrooms – to an international audience and generated a buzz around his burgeoning business.

SNV Zimbabwe was among the organisations participating in the event. Its exhibition aimed to underscore its various developmental interventions and highlight the organisation’s experience in youth employment and entrepreneurship and climate risk management.

The exhibition also aimed to spotlight emerging OYE entrepreneurs like Sibanda, allowing them to exhibit their products, strengthen their marketing and networking skills, and gain exposure to new innovations. In addition, the event served as a platform to explore business-to-business opportunities for collaboration and networking, creating fertile ground for young innovators. As one such innovator, Sibanda not only presented his products but also took the opportunity to transform the food system by demonstrating an efficient and profitable mushroom cultivation and processing model. This entrepreneurial pursuit offers a promising approach to earning livelihoods, and potentially inspiring other youths to follow suit.

Sibanda's participation in the 2023 ZITF is an example of youth taking the lead in transforming food systems and marks his emergence as an upcoming player in the export industry. With the insights and connections he gained at the event, his prospects for making a significant impact on both the local and international stage, with support from SNV and the ecosystem around him, look positive.

Did you know that informal food markets play a fundamental role in providing food and livelihoods to millions of people in low-income countries? Yet, they are often overlooked and undervalued or outright criminalised. Recognising and supporting these informal food systems is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for food and nutrition security, decent work, gender equality, urban resilience, and climate action.