G-STIC: Global Sustainable Technology & Innovation Community’s Post

Agroecology: Where Sovereignty Meets Food Systems Imagine a world where communities have the power to shape their food futures, resilient, empowered, and sustainable This is what Agroecology brings to the table! Agroecology is the golden thread that connects traditional lifestyles and recent practices to guarantee food security for all, stimulating ecosystems that nourish the earth and its inhabitants. By embracing this holistic approach, we preserve the soil, attract conscious consumers, and create a future where sustainable farming thrives. Here are some snippets of our recent stakeholder roundtable meeting in Accra to explore innovative strategies and advocate for policy support in the field. Let's take actionable steps to embrace a greener tomorrow today! 🌱💚 #Agroecology #SustainableFarming #EcoFriendlyLiving #Guza10at10 #Guza10for10 Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) The DOEN Foundation

🌍 4 Essential Strategies for Enhancing Sustainability in African Agriculture 🌱 As the world faces the pressing challenges of climate change and food security, it is imperative that companies operating in Africa take decisive steps towards sustainable agricultural practices. Here are four critical strategies that can significantly improve sustainability in the sector: 1. **Invest in Sustainable Technologies**: Embrace innovations such as precision farming, agroecology, and sustainable irrigation systems. These technologies not only enhance productivity but also minimize environmental impact, ensuring that agricultural practices are both efficient and eco-friendly. 2. **Promote Crop Diversification**: Encouraging farmers to diversify their crops can lead to more resilient agricultural systems. By shifting away from monoculture, we can improve soil health, reduce pest outbreaks, and enhance biodiversity, ultimately leading to greater food security. 3. **Strengthen Supply Chain Transparency**: Establishing transparent supply chains is crucial for accountability and sustainability. Companies should invest in technologies that track and verify sustainable practices from farm to table, ensuring responsible sourcing and fair trade. 4. **Foster Community Engagement**: Collaborating with local communities is vital for the success of sustainable initiatives. By engaging farmers in decision-making processes and providing education on sustainable practices, companies can empower communities and create lasting positive change. By implementing these strategies, companies can play a pivotal role in transforming agriculture in Africa, contributing to a sustainable future for all. Let’s work together to cultivate a greener, more sustainable agricultural landscape! 🌱🤝 #Sustainability #Agriculture #Africa #CorporateResponsibility #Innovation #FoodSecurity #SustainableDevelopment

🌍 A New Publication on Empowering Communities Through Agroecology: Lessons from Regreening Africa 🌱 Excited to share findings from our latest research titled: "Scaling Models for Regreening Africa: Enhancing Agroecological Integration through Smallholders’ Assets and Agency in Kenya" DOI:      https://lnkd.in/dfq9SZVJ   This study examines the environmental and livelihood effects of the Regreening Africa Project (2017–2023), implemented across eight African countries. In Kenya, the project aimed to reverse land degradation on 150,000 hectares of farmland and engage 50,000 smallholder farmers in sustainable restoration practices. The project utilised an Asset-Based Community-Driven Development (ABCD) approach, focusing on communities’ existing strengths and fostering local agency. 📊 We developed more "realistic" and localised versions of the F-ACT tool, namely the F-ACT+ and F-ACT+ Minus 5 frameworks to help measure how well agroecological practices adoption and integration aligned with project goals after a series of interventions. 📌 Key Insights:  💡 ABCD sessions in Kenya led to significant adoption of agroecological principles, particularly in economic diversification, knowledge sharing, and pest management.  💡 Participants demonstrated significant improvements in sustainable farming practices and social equity. 📌 Why This Matters? Our results demonstrate the power of intrinsic and community-driven approaches to scale land restoration efforts that integrate ecological, social, and economic benefits. With climate change and biodiversity loss accelerating, models like these could provide blueprints for impactful, scalable solutions, with the ABCD approach revealing its intrinsic value for scaling sustainability efforts. A big shoutout to my able co-authors Lisa Elena Fuchs, Levi Alfred Orero, Langat Kipkorir, and Victoria Apondi. #RegreeningAfrica #Agroecology #LandRestoration #Sustainability #CommunityDevelopment #ClimateAction

Promoting the adoption of the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) framework is a cornerstone of our global rice programme, both #ontheground and at the #policytable. 🌍🌾 #Uganda📍This year with stakeholders from the government, farmer groups, NGOs and the private sector, we reviewed progress on sustainable rice and discussed how these lessons can inform policy, including Uganda's #wetlandspolicy, which is currently under review. 📑 The results from working with over 2,000 farmers who adopted SRP practices are promising: a 17% increase in profitability, a 33% rise in grain productivity, and significant reductions in both input costs and pesticide use. 👩🌾 Building on these results and other evidence shared during the discussions #recommendations were made on key areas such as quality seeds, water management, green financing, and more. 💡 Check out the full list here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dsUtrgTb A heartfelt thank you to the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries, and Fisheries (MAAIF), the National Agricultural Research Organisation (#NARO), the National Environment Management Authority Uganda, Local district governments, retailers like Uganda Hotel Owners Association, Rice Millers Council, Rice Association of Uganda, farmer organisations and Water User Associations, consumer organisations like CONSENT Uganda, The Microfinance Support Centre, International Rice Research Institute, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and all local and international associations involved. #SustainableRice #SRP #RiceFarming #Uganda #SustainableRiceRikolto #Sustainability

TRADE Hub scientists find cocoa farming in the Tridom landscape within the Congo Basin is associated with higher rates of deforestation than comparable production-based livelihoods. However, many families rely on income from cocoa production. How do you support their livelihoods while preventing deforestation? 🌲 This journal article promotes sustainable and inclusive land management practices to balance these objectives. Read key messages 👉 https://bit.ly/3zVSOQc Jonas NGOUHOUO POUFOUN, Dr. Kevin Njabo

🌱A new Fertilizer and Soil Health Hub was launched at the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit, aiming to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability across West Africa and the Sahel. With a $10 million investment over the next five years from OCP AFRICA and The World Bank's Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project, this initiative will focus on soil health, sustainable fertilizer use, and climate resilience. "This initiative will significantly enhance food security and support sustainable agricultural practices in the region," says Simeon Ehui, Director General for the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and CGIAR Regional Director for Africa. Read more: https://lnkd.in/daMnCwaE #ClimateandFood

Debates on countrie's ability to encourage innovation for new plant variety and the accessibility of the same gained momentum. Last week I participated in a regional workshop for Africa Regional Intellectual Property Organization Member States in Accra Ghana. Our discussions were framed around the regulatory framework on protection of New Variety of Plants as a mechanisms to encourage plant breeding and innovation in agriculturesector. I mean Discussions of these nature are timely given that that we ought to enhance the agriculture sector to be resilience and adapt to new climate change conditions. Particularly for us as a country, our President on 22 May 2024 declared a national state of emergency on account of drought due to low rainfall and poor harvestby farmers. Surely, no body knows how long the current situation of low rainfall will persist. However, we are sure that we need climate resilience and quality seeds. We ought to think, act and play differently. Some of the take away were; Can the protection of new plants variety be a game changer for a sustainable agriculture ecosystem?

Transforming Africa's Agriculture through Innovation: Cassava Peels Briquettes. As an AgriTechpreneur, I'm passionate about unlocking sustainable solutions for Africa's agricultural sector. Today, I want to share an innovative approach to reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices: cassava peels briquettes. The Challenge Cassava peels, a by-product of cassava processing, often end up in landfills, contributing to environmental degradation. Meanwhile, many communities rely on fossil fuels for energy, exacerbating climate change. The Solution Converting cassava peels into briquettes offers a sustainable alternative fuel source. This simple, cost-effective process: 1. Reduces waste disposal costs 2. Provides a reliable energy source 3. Creates economic opportunities for farmers and rural communities 4. Mitigates climate change Here's a simplified 5-step process: 1. Collect: Gather dried cassava peels from local markets or farms. 2. Crush: Grind peels into fine particles. 3. Mix: Combine crushed peels with water and cassava starch. 4. Shape: Use a briquette mold or manual press. 5. Dry: Sun-dry or use a food dehydrator. Benefits 1. Renewable energy source: Reduces dependence on fossil fuels. 2. Job creation: Empowers rural communities through briquette production. 3. Waste reduction: Minimizes environmental impact. 4. Cost-effective: Lowers energy costs. Join me in revolutionizing Africa's agriculture through sustainable innovations! Share your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments. Follow me for more insightful articles on AgriTech, sustainability, and innovative solutions. #AgriTech #Sustainability #Innovation #CassavaPeelsBriquettes #RenewableEnergy #AfricaAgriculture #WasteReduction #ClimateAction

🎉 🌍 Great News from the Heart of Kenya! 🌱 🎉 We're thrilled to share that YAFNET, under the dynamic leadership of Kennedy Auma and in collaboration with Lifeworks Global, has launched its commercial operations with the biofertilizer Eden, revolutionizing agricultural practices with their innovative and affordable organic fertilisers. 👨🌾 *Why This is a Milestone:* YAFNET’s journey into commercialization is not just a business achievement; it’s a trailblazing move for sustainable agriculture. Catering to diverse clientele like educational institutions, a renowned flower export company, and a committed farming community, YAFNET is introducing solutions that are economically and environmentally transformative. The result 💚 *The Superior Benefits of Organic Fertiliser:* 1. *Cost-Effective:* Significantly cheaper than chemical alternatives, these organic options are a game changer for budget-conscious farmers. 2. *Soil Health:* Organic fertilisers enhance soil fertility and structure, promoting beneficial microbe activity that helps plants absorb nutrients more efficiently. 3. *Environmental Protection:* Free from harsh chemicals, these fertilisers reduce the risk of water contamination and soil degradation, safeguarding our ecosystems. 4. *Boosts Crop Health and Yield:* Healthier soil leads to stronger plants, potentially increasing yields and improving the resilience of crops against pests and diseases. 5. *Sustainable Farming Future:* Embracing #NatureBasedSolutions helps maintain the land’s productivity for future generations, a cornerstone of #ClimateSmartTechnology. 🌿 By integrating #OrganicFertiliser into their operations, YAFNET's clients are championing a green revolution, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for agriculture in Africa. 👏 Let’s celebrate this significant leap forward in #AgroBusiness, driven by innovation and a commitment to ecological and economic sustainability. Here's to continuing our support for YAFNET as they set the benchmark for future farming practices! 🌾💪 YAFNET: https://yafnet.co.ke/ #SustainableAgriculture #InnovativeFarming #EcoFriendly #HealthySoilHealthyLife 🌻🌳

🌍𝗥𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗮 𝗶𝗻 𝗖ô𝘁𝗲 𝗱'𝗜𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗿𝗲: 𝗔 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲🌱 In 𝗖ô𝘁𝗲 𝗱'𝗜𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁, farmers are increasingly 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗮 𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. Why? Aging cocoa trees, disease, and rubber’s year-round stability are steering this shift. Yet, this trend raises vital questions about the 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻.🍫🌿 𝗢𝘂𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗶 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, unpacking the factors driving farmers to turn to rubber. Is this a sustainable solution—or a risk to Côte d'Ivoire’s agricultural legacy? 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲. 👉 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eG5s8X9W by Ousmane Attai Ouedraogo #CôteDIvoire #Agriculture #Rubber #Cocoa #IvorianAgriculture #SustainableFarming