Agroecology in Africa - Part 2

by E. Etta

Continuation of the blog on Agroecology

Benefits of Agroecology in Africa:

Food Security; Nutrition; and Poverty Reduction - Agroecology offers a holistic pathway to enhance food security and nutrition across Africa by addressing agricultural production, food system transformation, and resilience building to climate change shocks. One of its characteristics is its capacity to ensure food security for smallholder farmers and poverty alleviation.

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation; Biodiversity Conservation - Agroecology plays a crucial role in climate change adaptation and mitigation in Africa by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that enhance resilience and improve livelihoods. Agroecological practices enhance soil fertility and biodiversity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase soil organic matter.

Cultural Sensitivity - Using agroecology practices means farmers in Africa will use farming practices that are part and parcel of the farming practices in their area, which take into account the cultural farming practices that can be adapted and are familiar to the farmers.

Democracy - Agroecology practices give farmers in Africa the ability to use local knowledge, traditional practices, and participate in decision-making.

Value for Money - Investing in agroecology can yield significant returns for farmers, both economically and environmentally.

Examples of Agroecology In Practice

Zambia

Issues - Addressing the effects of the decline of soil fertility and climate change on Zambia's food systems, including fragile food ecosystems and low crop yields.

Solution - Bokashi Production, which is an organic soil enhancer and bio-fertilizer.

Goals: Enhance sustainable food production, nurture healthy soil, reduce food production costs, and strengthen climate resilience of the farming systems.

Steps taken by The Kapete Ecological Centre (KEC): Learned about bokashi production, set up trial plots, and fostered zonal committees.
Individual farmers then began to produce bokashi for sale.

Challenges: Lack of equipment to continue producing bokashi, initial resistance from community members.

Results: Surge in utilization of bokashi in the community, increased organic matter in the soil, resistance to drought, increase in crop yields in the community.

Important Factors to Success: Partnership with local farmers, traditional leaders, and similar organizations; information dissemination.

Republic of Benin

Goal: Bolster food security and empower small-scale farmers.

Le Jardin D’Eden Agroecological Project: Trains farmers on climate change adaptation techniques and establishes a farm and learning center for farmers and entrepreneurs to apply agroecological methodologies.

Some of the project’s teachings: Discourage burning, herbicide and pesticide use, and unwarranted tree felling.
The project has involved farmers in applied farm research, innovative on-farm developments, and conservation of native plants, as well as training on medicinal plants.

Results: Breakthroughs in soil fertility management

Compost production from animal waste and human latrines
Increased crop yields
Allows for the collection of organic waste for crop fertilization

Ethiopia

Goal: Address land degradation and the impact of climate change on the semi-arid regions of the Afar state.

Many projects and programs were started to rejuvenate the barren areas with rich soils and nurturing waters.
Fostered community engagement and collaboration - synergy between local communities and governmental bodies.

Results: Increase in biomass and grain yield, increase in food security.

Important Factors to Success: Diverse stakeholders that foster educational initiatives and integrate technical expertise.