Unlocking Public Catalysing the potential of agriculture in Finance for achieving the Sustainable Agroecology Development Goals

PROBIOMA, Bolivia • CENESTA, Iran • KEYSTONE FOUNDATION, India • RAINFOREST RESCUE INTERNATIONAL, Sri Lanka • INSTITUTE FOR CULTURE AND ECOLOGY, Kenya • ENDA PRONAT, Senegal • CAATINGA, Brazil • SOUTHERN ROOTS ORGANICS, United Kingdom 2 Colophon

PUBLISHED BY:

Both ENDS Nieuwe Keizergracht 45 1018 VC, Amsterdam The Netherlands www.bothends.org

CREDITS:

Lead Author Stefan Schüller – Both ENDS

Case contributions Paulo Pedro de Carvalho, CAATINGA – Brazil Dee Butterly and Adam Payne, Southern Roots Organics – United Kingdom Nahid Naghizadeh, Cenesta – Iran Snehlata Nath, Keystone Foundation – India Lakshi Dilhari, Rainforest Rescue International – Sri Lanka Martin Mwenda Muriuki and Elijah Kamau Karugia, Institute for Culture and Ecology – Kenya El Hadji Faye, Enda Pronat – Senegal Miguel Angel Crespo, PROBIOMA – Bolivia

Editing Paige Shipman (www.paigeshipman.nl)

Contributing editors Nathalie van Haren, Maaike Hendriks, Karin van Boxtel, Daan Robben - Both ENDS

Design Margo Vlamings (www.margovlamings.nl)

June 2019

This publication is made possible with financial assistance from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Fair, Green and Global (FGG) Alliance. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of Both ENDS and the organisations mentioned above and cannot be taken to reflect the views of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Cover: Ms. Ngoki from Meru, Kenya showing her farm . (Photo credit: Institute for Culture and Ecology) 3 Table of Contents

WORLD MAP 4

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6

INTRODUCTION 8 Agriculture at a crossroads 8 Business-as-usual vs. an alternative vision 9 Financing an agroecological transformation 10

CASES Microbial biocontrol agents as an agroecological contribution to 01 food security and sovereignty in Bolivia 16

Increasing plant genetic diversity in farmers’ fields for resilient 02 communities and food sovereignty in Iran 20

Mixed gains from cash and subsistence crops. Agroecology of 03 indigenous people in the Indian’ Nilgiri Mountains 24

Analog forestry as an agroeological tool ensuring food security, 04 biodiversity and climate resilience in Sri Lanka 28

Promoting agroforestry and indigenous seed varieties for healthy 05 agroecosystems and livelihoods in Kenya 32

Farmer-managed natural regeneration and other agroecological 06 practices to restore and improve agricultural production in Senegal 36

Coexisting with semiarid conditions: Combining agroecological 07 practices to face climate change and desertification in Brazil’s drylands 40

Productivity and resilience through a cooperative, agroecological, 08 community-supported market garden in the United Kingdom 44

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Conclusion 50 Recommendations 51 4 World map

United Kingdom case Productivity and resilience through a cooperative, agroecological, 08 community-supported market garden in the United Kingdom

Southern Roots Organics

Senegal case Farmer-managed natural regeneration and other 06 agroecological practices to restore soil fertility and improve agricultural production in Senegal

Enda Pronat

Bolivia Brazil case Microbial biocontrol agents as an case Coexisting with semiarid conditions: agroecological contribution to food Combining agroecological practices 01 security and sovereignty in Bolivia 07 to face climate change and desertification in Brazil’s drylands PROBIOMA CAATINGA 5

Iran case Increasing plant genetic diversity in farmers’ fields for resilient 02 communities and food sovereignty in Iran Cenesta India case Mixed gains from cash and subsistence crops. Agroecology 03 of indigenous people in the Indian’ Nilgiri Mountains

Keystone Foundation

Sri Lanka case Analog forestry as an agroeological tool ensuring food security, 04 biodiversity and climate resilience Kenya in Sri Lanka case Promoting agroforestry and Rainforest Rescue International indigenous seed varieties 05 for healthy agroecosystems and livelihoods in Kenya

Institute for Culture and Ecology

6

AGRICULTURE AND power imbalances that currently THE SUSTAINABLE exist within our food systems. DEVELOPMENT GOALS Hence, it is an approach that aims to tackle the structural causes that Food and agricultural systems hamper transformative change. around the world are currently stuck at a crossroads. On the Despite the surge of interest one hand, they are continuing to in supporting agricultural contribute a lion’s share to climate development after the 2007–08 change, land degradation and the world food price crisis, the funding loss of biodiversity – on the other for community-led initiatives or civil hand, the movement of people society organisations implementing calling for a radical transformation agroecology at the grassroots level MARY of the way we relate to food and still remains insufficient. Neither our environment is stronger than domestically, nor internationally ever. through (inter-)national development agencies and global An approach that is gaining financial mechanisms like the attention worldwide among Green Climate Fund is support for a wide range of actors as an small-scale farmers adequately answer to this call is agroecology, represented in funding portfolios. a conceptual framework that Given the potential of agroecology provides the basic principles of in achieving progress on several how to study, design and manage development objectives, this report food and agricultural systems is providing further evidence on the that are geared towards greater multiple benefits that agroecology ecological sustainability, social comprises before presenting justice, and resilience. Considered a set of recommendations for jointly a scientific field of study, governments, (inter-)national an agricultural practice, and a development agencies and global social movement, agroecology financial mechanisms of how to can constitute a pathway for actively support agroecology. agriculture to take up its role as a catalyst for sustainable THE TRANSFORMATIVE development. In particular, POTENTIAL OF agroecology can help in achieving AGROECOLOGY multiple landmark accords like the Sustainable Development Goals The eight case studies presented (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. in this report show the successes Although similar claims are behind a diverse range of also made by other agricultural agroecological practices in approaches – some of which spatially and culturally diverse promote a fundamentally different settings. By relating their vision of agricultural development grassroots work to the rather – agroecology has shown to be abstract SDGs, different civil unique in having a transformative society actors and community-led vision, one that stresses the initiatives show how agroecology importance of inclusivity, equality can constitute a pathway and sovereignty on all levels. towards achieving sustainable Unlike climate-smart agriculture for development: example, agroecology has clearly stated what it does and does not • Case 1: In Bolivia, the

EX ECU TI VE S UM stand for while challenging the introduction of biocontrol agents

7

has significantly reduced the use of and organic produce for the • Increase focus on agroecology agrochemicals, which has helped community. in (agricultural) research and in tackling the contamination of development, extension services waters and soils. Those eight cases provide and education. • Case 2: In Iran, the use of an in-depth examples of how • Support agroecology as the approach called evolutionary agroecology at the grassroots central approach to agricultural participatory plant breeding level can contribute considerably development in multilateral and is rapidly increasing on-farm towards achieving several of intergovernmental institutions biodiversity by utilising plant the SDGs. In particular, all case and policy processes. genetic diversity as a means to studies have shown the positive increase income and resilience. contribution of agroecology to INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION • Case 3: In India, agroecology ending hunger and achieving food • Value the systems approach is helping indigenous people in security (SDG 2), to taking urgent that agroecology incorporates, the Nilgiri Mountains to gain from action against climate change tackling multiple issues within both cash and subsistence crops, (SDG 13) and to protecting and malfunctioning food and tapping into traditional and modern restoring ecosystems (SDG 15). agricultural systems in order knowledge as a means to enhance Additionally, contributions were to make progress on various the production and resilience of also reported on ending poverty development objectives. local farming systems. (SDG 1), on ensuring healthy lives • Incr ease support for community- • Case 4: In Sri Lanka, the use and promoting well-being (SDG 3), led initiatives, farmer’s of analog forestry is helping on achieving gender equality (SDG organisations and different civil war widows to improve their 5), on ensuring availability and society actors implementing livelihoods, mimicking the natural sustainable management of water agroecology at the local level. forest structure to ensure improved (SDG 6) and on promoting decent • Express long-term commitment food production, biodiversity and work (SDG 8). to agricultural support in general climate resilience. and innovative approaches like • Case 5: In Kenya, the use of RECOMMENDATIONS ON agroecology in particular. agroforestry and indigenous seed PUBLIC FINANCE FOR • Look at positive examples varieties of traditional food crops AGROECOLOGY among donor agencies that is helping small-scale farmers have endorsed and financially respond to climate change while Given the potential of agroecology supported agroecology preserving agrobiodiversity and for sustainable development successfully over a longer period improving diets. highlighted in the case studies, of time. • Case 6: In Senegal, the use this report suggests the following of farmer-managed natural to governments, (inter-)national GLOBAL FINANCIAL regeneration coupled with other development agencies and global MECHANISMS agroecological practices is financial mechanisms: • Recognise and actively support improving soil quality, resulting in agroecology as an effective improved yields and adaptation to GOVERNMENTS approach to climate change climate change. • Think out of the box and show adaptation and mitigation. • Case 7: In Brazil, a combination openness towards transformative • Build on the few existing projects of agroecological practices is approaches like agroecology. that do incorporate some aspects helping people in the drylands of • Recognise the potential of of agroecology. the Caatinga to co-exist with semi- agroecology in reducing negative • Enhance access for community- arid conditions while preserving externalities throughout the entire led initiatives, farmer’s and restoring the local ecosystem. food system. organisations and CSOs • Case 8: In the United Kingdom, • Put new and innovative implementing agroecology on the a cooperative, agroecological governance structures in place ground. and community-supported that incentivise production • Move from decisions to market garden is creating decent based on agroecological decisive action on tackling the and meaningful work for young principles as a means to improve vulnerabilities of agriculture to people entering the labour the sustainability of current climate change. market, providing fresh, healthy agricultural production and distribution. 8 INTRODUCTION AGROECOLOGY BEINGTHEMOSTPROMISINGONE. INDICATED THAT SOLUTIONSWEREALREADYINPLACE,WITH TO ITINPARTICULAR. AT THESAMETIME,REPORT GENERAL ANDTHEINPUT-INTENSIVE INDUSTRIALAPPROACH NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES ATTRIBUTED TO AGRICULTURE IN CHANGE ANDSOCIO-ECONOMICINEQUITIESWEREALL OF BIODIVERSITY, ALARMINGCONTRIBUTIONSTOCLIMATE FORESTS, SOILSANDWATER BODIES, STRIKINGLOSSES THE 21STCENTURY. ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION OF DIFFERENT PATH INORDERTOMEETTHECHALLENGESOF NEED FORAGRICULTURE TOTAKE AFUNDAMENTALLY CONCLUSION OFTHEREPORT, WHICHINDICATED THE SPECTRUM OFDISCIPLINES. 400 SCIENTISTSFROMALLCONTINENTSANDABROAD LONG INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFICPROCESS,ITINVOLVED ‘AGRICULTURE AT ACROSSROADS’.ASTHREE-YEAR FOR DEVELOPMENT(IAASTD)PUBLISHEDITSREPORT AGRICULTURAL KNOWLEDGE,SCIENCEANDTECHNOLOGY TEN YEARSAGO,THEINTERNATIONAL ASSESSMENTOF greenhouse gasemissions. around 13percentofallglobal sector continuestocontribute taken. Ontheonehand, clear whichdirection wehave Ten yearslater, itisnotentirely land degrading than 20percentofvegetated remains responsible formore loss. main causeofglobalbiodiversity and femalefarmers, pastoralists, knowledge and capacitiesofmale agroecology centres on the approach tofoodandagriculture, agroecology. called forinstitutionalsupport of of theUnitedNations(UN)have and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) multilateral bodiesliketheFood scientists and,more recently, key society organisations, consumers, forest-based communities, civil than ever. Farmers,pastoralists, agricultural systemsisstronger transformation ofglobalfoodand movement advocatingforradical AGRICULTURE AT ACROSSROADS 4 Ontheotherhand, 5 Asasustainable 3 andisstillthe 2 It It 1 THETITLEREFLECTED support foragriculture ingeneral overview ofthe current financial The report thenmovesontoan ideas ofagriculturaldevelopment. relation toothercontemporary highlighting itsuniqueness in the approach comprises,before and themultiplebenefitsthat an introduction toagroecology all overtheworld.Itstartswith and supportingagroecology assistance toactorsimplementing mechanisms toredirect financial agencies, andglobalfinancial (inter-)national development report callsupongovernments, Development Goals(SDGs),this relation totheSustainable of agroecology, especiallyin economic andsocialbenefits of themultipleecological, By furtherbuildingevidence just way. environmentally soundandsocially forests andagroecosystems inan and forest dwellersinmanaging introduction 9

and agroecology in particular. Afterwards, it presents eight WHAT IS AGROECOLOGY? case studies from civil society Agroecology has historically been defined as the inclusion actors around the world that of ecology into agricultural farming systems, especially as a show how their grassroots work response to the external environmental effects of industrial with agroecological practices agriculture, by redesigning and managing agricultural systems contributes to multiple SDGs in based on traditional knowledge and ecological principles.9 More culturally and spatially diverse recently, the definition of agroecology has been broadened settings. Finally, the report to represent a transdisciplinary scientific field of study, an concludes with a series of agricultural practice, and a social movement that aims to recommendations for increasing understand and transform food and agricultural systems towards financial and institutional support greater ecological sustainability, social justice, and resilience.10 for agroecology.

BUSINESS-AS-USUAL VS. AN ALTERNATIVE VISION The SDGs constitute an important equality (5), increasing water-use Agroecological farming systems framework for tackling today’s efficiency (6), promoting decent have the potential to address most important global challenges. jobs (8), ensuring sustainable many of the core sustainability Developed by the UN in 2015 consumption and production (12), issues that the agricultural sector as a follow-up to the Millennium building climate resilience (13), is currently facing. Not only are Development Goals (2000-2015), securing sustainable use of marine such systems able to meet the they show the interconnectedness resources (14), and halting the loss need for increased productivity and interdependence of different of biodiversity (15).12 through deliberate use of beneficial environmental, social, and ecological processes, they are also economic development issues While this sounds promising at more resilient towards external and, unlike their predecessor, a first glance, it is important to threats like climate change and perceive those issues globally.11 mention that agroecology doesn’t price volatility.6 By making use of By applying a holistic approach stand in isolation. Claims about the a knowledge-intensive approach to food and agricultural systems contribution to the SDGs have also that stresses the value of both – which highlights not only been made by proponents of other traditional and scientific knowledge economic, but also ecological and agricultural approaches, some of (and the synergies between social implications – agroecology which promote a fundamentally the two), agroecology offers a can change agriculture into a different vision of agricultural great opportunity to improve the catalyst for achieving the SDGs, development. While there is livelihoods of farmers and forest rather than a key contributor to widespread consensus about the communities while simultaneously climate change and environmental need to make agricultural systems respecting our planetary degradation. Increasing carbon more sustainable, there are very boundaries. Through mutual sequestration, reversing land different ideas about how this is learning, knowledge sharing, degradation, halting biodiversity supposed to be achieved. social cohesion, and creation loss, securing (women’s) land of economic opportunities, rights, strengthening local food One prominent example is agroecology has shown to be systems, and promoting inclusive ‘climate-smart agriculture’, which effective in empowering women, economic growth are all examples has recently gained ground in addressing gender inequalities of positive contributions that international fora’. First coined in and instigating social change.7 agroecological practices can 2009 and brought forward by the It can therefore be stated that make to the SDGs. According FAO a year later, climate-smart agroecology has the potential to the ‘Scaling up Agroecology agriculture is meant to address to meet the triple challenge of Initiative of the FAO’, agroecology the interlinked challenges of food eradicating poverty, increasing contributes directly to the following security and climate change. productivity and achieving SDGs: The eradication of poverty More specifically, it is defined sustainability – which is at the (1) and hunger (2), ensuring quality as ‘agriculture that sustainably heart of the SDGs through the education (4), achieving gender increases productivity, resilience pledge of leaving no one behind.8 10 introduction

(adaptation), reduces/removes agroecology does and equally poor small-scale farmers and GHGs (mitigation), and enhances does not stand for. In contrast forest dwellers in rural areas of achievement of national food to climate-smart agriculture, especially Sub-Saharan Africa and security and development goals’.13 agroecology has a far more South Asia, were among those transformative vision – one worst affected by increasing food At first glance, the concept sounds that stresses the importance of prices.20 promising and certainly similar to inclusivity, equality and sovereignty agroecology. Yet, it clearly fails to on all levels. It focuses on Since then, agriculture has been describe the agricultural practices circular, localised, and resilient identified as a crucial catalyst and models with which the stated food systems that aim not only for the achievement of several goals are supposed to be achieved to achieve food security, but landmark international agreements, and which role small-scale farmers also food sovereignty. Thereby, including the SDGs as well as the are to play.14 Advocacy groups like it tries to challenge the power mitigation and adaptation targets the Global Alliance for Climate- imbalances in the food system that on climate change set by the UN Smart Agriculture (GACSA) are climate-smart agriculture seems Framework Convention on Climate dominated by agribusiness giants to adhere to. It is no surprise then Change (UNFCCC) in the Paris such as Yara International and that the IAASTD, which found Agreement in 2015.21 The latter Syngenta and their respective that a radical change in current was further emphasised by the lobby organisations.15 Likewise, food and agricultural systems was Koronivia joint work on agriculture the World Business Council on needed, highlighted agroecology (KJWA), a decision reached at Sustainable Development’s Low as the most promising alternative the UNFCCC’s 23rd conference in Carbon Partnerships available. Similarly, Olivier De November 2017, which officially initiative runs a Climate Smart Schutter, the current co-chair of acknowledged the significance Agriculture Working Group headed the International Panel of Experts of the agriculture sector in by the world’s leading food on Sustainable Food Systems adapting to and mitigating climate and agribusinesses, including (IPES-Food) and former UN change. The Green Climate Bayer, Olam International, Special Rapporteur on the Right Fund (GCF), set up as a financial Unilever, PepsiCo and Kelloggs, to Food, has also advocated for a mechanism in 2010 by UNFCCC amongst others.16 Climate- paradigm shift towards diversified to assist ‘developing countries’ in smart agriculture thus does not agroecological farming systems adaptation and mitigation practices seem to question the structural in his much-discussed report to counter climate change, has causes of the problems it claims ‘Agroecology and the Right to also taken up agriculture as one to address. Rather, it continues Food’.18 of its key potential investment with a supposedly climate-friendly priorities.22 Likewise, official version of a ‘business as usual FINANCING AN development assistance (ODA) approach’ that encompasses AGROECOLOGICAL for agriculture through (inter-) virtually any agricultural practice TRANSFORMATION national development agencies and maintains a corporate- After nearly two decades of has increased, with the aim of controlled vision of agricultural low prioritisation by foreign linking the agricultural sector with development.17 Advocates of aid programmes, agriculture climate adaption and mitigation this approach have yet to define is again high on the agenda of targets.23 The sector is equally what exactly they understand as governments, (inter-)national important in advanced economies ‘climate-smart’ and yet to say development agencies and global like the European Union (EU) given whether the voices of small-scale financial mechanisms.19 The its potential for climate change farmers are included when climate- increase in world food prices mitigation and adaptation, as well smart projects are executed by in 2007-2008 and the resulting as for reduction of soil degradation multinational and often export- socio-economic crisis revealed and overall environmental oriented corporations. the vulnerability of the global food pollution.24 The EU’s Common system. This became apparent Agricultural Policy (CAP) has Supporters of agroecology on through the fact that people thus set-up cross-compliance the other hand have persistently living in extreme poverty, about mechanisms and Green Direct stressed the relevance of what two-thirds of whom are resource- Payment schemes intended to introduction 11

stimulate environmentally and funding outnumbering adaptation than one-fifth is actually targeting climate-friendly farming.25 funding considerably.27 Even of small-scale farmers.28 Zooming those projects that do focus on in on the UK as the EU’s second While one might assume that agriculture and climate change largest provider of ODA (after this increased attention to adaptation, only a third is found Germany), a recent study revealed agriculture has translated into in Sub-Saharan Africa and South that aid for agroecological projects increased support for climate- Asia, where the majority of – even when using the most resilient and/or climate-friendly marginalised small-scale farmers generous interpretation of what small-scale farming systems, and forest dwellers are located. this includes – counted for less unfortunately this is not the case. The volume of funding also often than five per cent of agricultural According to recent research by exceeds $50 million, a figure aid and less than 0.5 per cent the FAO, only twelve per cent far beyond the reach of local of the total UK aid budget since of total GCF funding is going to civil society organisations that 2010.29 Instead, there has been projects considered primarily are best placed to ensure that a recent surge in interest in the agricultural and linked to one or funding meets the needs of local EU and its member countries more KJWA topics (Figure 1).26 communities. However, if the focus to look into ways of how to Given the enormous potential that is adjusted accordingly, the GCF support agricultural development the support of climate-resilient can be a transformative tool in abroad through public–private agriculture can offer in terms of shaping the role of agriculture in partnerships (PPPs).30 which climate change adaptation in climate mitigation and adaptation. often focus on leveraging private the Global South, this number is finance for the commercialisation strikingly low. Instead, the GCF Looking at the EU’s ODA on and export-orientation of well-off has mainly focused on energy and agriculture, a 2017 study by Oxfam and medium-scale farmers, rather industry improvement projects, of more than 7,500 EU-funded than supporting marginalised and which has resulted in mitigation projects showed that little more climate-change prone households to enhance the resilience of their farming systems. PPPs thus risk reinforcing pre-existing inequalities 52% 12% and obstructing food sovereignty, 6.515 1.557 one of agroecology’s key goals.31

Within Europe, the situation is not much different. The current CAP still provides most of its subsidies through land-based payment schemes that promote scale, further marginalise small- 29% scale farmers, and discourage 3.674 environmentally friendly agroecological production.32 This is also the conclusion of a 7% comprehensive report recently published by IPES-Food. The 862 report found that ‘the current responses – whether from public Figure 1: Agriculture-related Activities in the Green Climate Fund Portfolio26 policies or from the private sector – are failing to adequately address FUNDING OF GCF PROJECTS (USD MIL) the deep and interconnected challenges in food systems’ and Primarily argiculture project that ‘the prevailing solutions have Non primarily argiculture, but some argiculture component only reinforced our reliance on a Non primarily argiculture, but with some argiculture co-benefits highly specialised, industrialised, Non argiculture project 12 introduction

financialised, standardised Sénégal Emergent (PSE).36 In and export-oriented model of India, whole states (e.g. Sikkim37 NOTES 33 38 agriculture and food production’. and Andhra Pradesh ) are 1 International Assessment of Agricultural switching to agroecological Knowledge, Science and Technology for These findings confirm that and organic farming methods Development (IAASTD). (2009). Synthe- although global investment in to increase farmer’s resilience, sis report: a synthesis of the global and agriculture has been increasing improve livelihoods, and foster sub-global IAASTD reports, Agriculture at in recent years, overall financial environmentally and climate- a crossroads. Island Press, Washington, DC. Retrieved from: https://www.globala- support for small-scale farmers friendly food production. Seeing griculture.org/fileadmin/files/weltagrarber- using agroecological practices that agroecology is gaining icht/IAASTDBerichte/GlobalReport.pdf remains strikingly low through both ground on multiple levels, the 2 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate domestic as well as international following eight case studies are Change (IPCC). (2014). Climate Change funding streams. going to provide further evidence 2014: Mitigation of Climate Change. on the contributions of grassroots Contribution of Working Group III to the In contrast to the limited agroecological projects towards Fifth Assessment Report of the Inter- financial support, the popularity major international agreements governmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, of agroecology over the last like the SDGs and the Paris United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA. decade has increased rapidly, agreement. Retrieved from: https://www.ipcc.ch/site/ moving the approach from assets/uploads/2018/02/ipcc_wg3_ar5_ the margins to the centre of full.pdf discussions on agriculture, food, 3 United Nations Convention to Combat and development. A prominent Desertification (UNCCD). (2017). The Glob- example for this is the FAO, al Land Outlook, first edition. Bonn, Ger- which is now considering many. Retrieved from: https://knowledge. unccd.int/sites/default/files/2018-06/ agroecology integral to its own GLO%20English_Full_Report_rev1.pdf vision for sustainable food and 4 Dudley, N. & Alexander, S. (2017). agriculture and a key approach to Agriculture and biodiversity: a review. tackling climate change and the Biodiversity 18 (2-3), 45-49. DOI: interconnected challenges of food 10.1080/14888386.2017.1351892 security and nutrition. Likewise, 5 Food and Agriculture Organisation of the the popularity is also seen among United Nations (FAO). (2018). Scaling-up governments and (inter-) national Agroecology Initiative - Transforming food and agriculture to achieve the SDGs. development agencies. The French Retrieved from: http://www.fao.org/3/ Development Agency (AFD), for I9049EN/i9049en.pdf example, recently launched the 6 FAO. (2018). The 10 elements of four-year-long initiative ‘Agro- agroecology - Guiding the transition to Ecological Transition Support sustainable food and agricultural systems. Project’ in West Africa.34 Agroecology Knowledge Hub. Retrieved Likewise, the Swiss Development from: http://www.fao.org/3/i9037en/ Cooperation (SDC) and Canadian I9037EN.pdf 7 Khadse, A. (2017). Women, Agroecology International Development Agency & Gender Equality. Focus on the Global (CIDA), amongst others, have been South. Retrieved from: https://focusweb. actively supporting agroecological org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/wom- 35 projects over a number of years. en_agroecology_gender_equality.pdf On national level, Senegalese 8 Casey, J. (2016). Editorial: Agroe- president Macky Sall recently cology and the Sustainable Develop- announced that Senegal will ment Goals. Food Chain, 6 (2). DOI: start preparing the country for 10.3362/2046-1887.2017.004 9 Altieri, M. A. (1995). Agroecology: The an agroecological transition Science of Sustainable Agriculture (2nd by anchoring the approach in Edition ed.). Boulder, CO, USA: Westview the country’s socio-economic Press. development programme, Plan introduction 13

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Retrieved from: 34 Fore more information, see: https:// fao.org/gacsa/members/members-list/en/ https://donortracker.org/sites/default/files/ www.ecowas.int/agro-ecological-tran- 16 World Business Council for Sustain- highlightstories/pdf/DT_HighlightStory_ sition-support-project-in-west-afri- able Development (WBCSD). (2018). AreWeMakingProgress_March2018_1.pdf ca-is-now-a-reality/ Low Carbon Technology Partnerships 24 Heinrich Böll Foundation, Friends of the 35 Wijeratna, A. (2018). Agroecology: initiative ’18 – Going further, faster. Low Earth Europe and BirdLife Europe & Cen- Scaling-up, scaling-out. Carbon Technology Partnerships initiative tral Asia. (2019). Agriculture Atlas 2019 – Action Aid. Retrieved from: https:// (LCTPi). Retrieved from: https://docs. Agriculture Atlas 2019 – Facts and Figures actionaid.org/publications/2018/ wbcsd.org/2018/12/LCTPi_progress_re- on EU Farming Policy. Retrieved from: agroecology-scaling-scaling-out port_2018.pdf https://www.boell.de/en/2019/05/02/ag- 36 Sall, M.C. (2018). Message à la Nation 17 Coopération Internationale pour le riculture-atlas-facts-and-figures-eu-farm- de son Excellence Monsieur le Prési- Développement et la Solidarité (CISDE). ing-policy dent de la République à l’occasion du (2015). ‘Climate-Smart Agriculture’: the 25 European Commission. (2015). EU Nouvel An. Retrieved from: http://www. Emperor’s new clothes?. CIDSE Discus- Agriculture and Climate Change. Fact- presidence.sn/actualites/message-a-la- sion paper. Retrieved from: https://www. sheet. Retrieved from: https://ec.europa. nation-de-son-excellence-monsieur-le- cidse.org/publications/just-food/food- eu/agriculture/sites/agriculture/files/ president-de-la-republique-a-loccasion- and-climate/csa-the-emperor-s-new- climate-change/factsheet_en.pdf du-nouvel-an_1536 clothes.html 26 FAO. (2018). A Preliminary Review 37 Masucci, M. (2018). A 100% 18 De Schutter, O. (2010). Agroecology of Agriculture-Related Activities in the organic world is possible. The Indi- and the Right to Food. UN Report Green Climate Fund Portfolio. Retrieved an state of Sikkim shows us how. A/HRC/16/49 to the 16th Session of the from: http://www.fao.org/3/CA2698EN/ Lifegate. Retrieved from: https:// Human Rights Council. Retrieved from: ca2698en.pdf www.lifegate.com/people/lifestyle/ http://www.srfood.org/images/stories/pdf/ 27 Green Climate Fund. (2019). Con- sikkim-organic-agriculture-model officialreports/20110308_a-hrc-16-49_ sideration of funding proposals. Meet- 38 UN Environment. (2018). Andhra agroecology_en.pdf ing of the Board GCF/B.22/10/Rev.01. Pradesh to become India’s first Zero 19 Islam, N. (2011). Foreign Aid to Ag- Retrieved from: https://www.greencli- Budget Natural Farming state. Press riculture - Review of Facts and Analy- mate.fund/documents/20182/1424894/ Release. Retrieved from: https://www. sis. International Food Policy Research GCF_B.22_10__Consideration_of_fund- unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/ Institute (IFPRI) Discussion Paper 01053. ing_proposals.pdf/522c5e26-e0c6-511f- press-release/andhra-pradesh-become- Retrieved from: http://ebrary.ifpri.org/utils/ 06c3-377914489751 indias-first-zero-budget-natural-farming- getfile/collection/p15738coll2/id/124880/ 28 Mayrhofer, J. & Saarinen, H. (2017). state filename/124881.pdf Missing out on Small is Beautiful. Oxfam Briefing Paper. Retrieved from: https://www.oxfam.org/en/research/ missing-out-small-beautiful 14 introduction

Sustainable Development Goals According to FAO, agroecology is contributing directly to 10 (black) and indirectly to 5 (dark grey) of the 17 SDGs

1 2 3 4 5

NO POVERTY ZERO HUNGER GOOD HEALTH QUALITY EDUCATION GENDER EQUALITY AND WELL-BEING

6 7 8 9 10

CLEAN WATER AND AFFORDABLE AND DECENT WORK AND INDUSTRY, REDUCED SANITATION CLEAN ENERY ECONOMIC GROWTH INNOVATION AND INEQUALITIES INFRASTRUCTURE

11 12 13 14 15

SUSTAINABLE CITIES RESPONSIBLE CLIMATE ACTION LIFE BELOW WATER LIFE ON LAND AND COMMUNITIES CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

16 17

PEACE AND PARTNERSHIPS JUSTICE STRONG FOR THE GOALS INSTITUTIONS introduction 15 Case Studies

Ms. Isabella Kaguna showing the harvest of her indigenous and millet varieties. (Photo credit Institute for Culture and Ecology) 16 case 01 Microbial biocontrol case agents as an agroecological contribution to food 01 security and sovereignty in Bolivia

MIGUEL ANGEL CRESPO, PRODUCTIVIDAD BIOSFERA MEDIO AMBIENTE (PROBIOMA) – BOLIVIA OVER THE LAST 25 YEARS, PROBIOMA (PRODUCTIVIDAD BIOSFERA MEDIO AMBIENTE), BASED IN BOLIVIA, HAS BEEN www.probioma.org.bo CONTRIBUTING TO THE VALUATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND BIODIVERSITY AS A BASIS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. THE ORGANISATION CONDUCTS RESEARCH AND ENVIRONMENTAL Sustainable Devopment Goals: REMEDIATION WHILST FOCUSSING ON THE PROMOTION OF AGROECOLOGY AND FOOD SOVEREIGNTY IN BOLIVIA 2 3 AND ABROAD. AMONG OTHER THINGS, PROBIOMA HAS DEVELOPED A SUCCESSFUL METHOD OF BIOLOGICAL PEST CONTROL THAT CAN BE APPLIED TO BOTH INTENSIVE AND ZERO HUNGER GOOD HEALTH EXTENSIVE CROP PRODUCTION SYSTEMS. AND WELL-BEING 6 13

CLEAN WATER AND CLIMATE ACTION SANITATION 15

LIFE ON LAND

Small green bug (Piezodorus guilldinii) controlled with the Beauveria bassiana fungus in a field of soya . (Photo credit PROBIOMA) Bolivia 17

THE DESTRUCTIVE IMPACT OF AGRIBUSINESS IN commercialise such biological pest and disease BOLIVIA control, PROBIOMA as a non-profit organisation has Bolivia is among the world’s richest countries in created an independent entity called PROBIOTEC biodiversity.1 But the agro-industrial business model, SRL.8 Through working together over the past which relies heavily on the use of agrochemicals 15 years, the application of bioregulators based (pesticides and synthetic ) and transgenic on entomopathogenic and mycoparasitic fungi seeds, is having serious social, environmental and has reached more than 500,000 hectares in over productive impacts on the country. Export crops such 60 agricultural crops and a number of as , sorghum and cane (produced for throughout Bolivia.9 Additionally, PROBIOMA agrofuel) are increasingly replacing food crops. The has promoted other agroecological practices production of cereals, , , tubers and accompanying biological pest control. The organisation fodder has therefore declined by more than 27 per has for example developed different organic foliar cent over the last ten years, generating dependency fertilizers and engaged in the conservation and on food imports and hampering food security and recovery of native seeds. Additionally, PROBIOMA sovereignty.2 The area under soybean cultivation on has worked on bioremediation of soils to counter soil the other hand has more than doubled since the early degradation and helped restoring degraded forest 2000s, increasing disproportionately to the increase systems through analog forestry. Apart from those in total cultivated area (Figure 4). As a consequence, practices, PROBIOMA has also introduced an official soybean accounted for 36 per cent of the country’s agroecology label (Sello de Identidad Agroecológica) total area under cultivation in the 2016-2017 as an alternative to conventional certification, has agricultural season.3 reached out to media on alternatives to large-scale agribusiness and has given trainings for organisational Bolivia’s shift to export crops has also been capacity development. responsible for significant , with approximately 3.5 million additional hectares cut down TACKLING HUNGER AND CLIMATE CHANGE since the turn of the century.4 It has also contributed to WHILE REDUCING NEGATIVE IMPACTS ON LAND the degradation of soils on 40 per cent of the land, and PROBIOMA’s agroecological practices have shown to to climate change, resulting in an increase in contribute to several SDGs. On SDG 2 for example, and torrential . From 2000 to 2017, the import of the use of biological control activities has shown agrochemicals has increased fivefold in Bolivia – from to improve yields considerably10 – a significant around 30 to more than 150 million kilograms per contribution towards SDG Target 2.3 of increasing year5 – while at the same time, the area cultivated only agricultural productivity. Next to increased yields, also went up for around 80 per cent (Figure 4). Taking into the access to safe and nutritious food for people in consideration that no considerable improvements in vulnerable situations (SDG Target 2.1) is addressed, yield levels have been achieved for major cash crops as the organisation arranges weekly agroecological during that period – soya yields for example fluctuated fairs where more than 250 different organic foods between 1.9 and 2.4 tons per hectare, this means that are being sold. The agroecological label, which agrochemicals have been excessively used without guarantees that agroecological production methods any justifiable benefit.6 On the contrary, it has had have been used, is popular among consumers and serious social, health and environmental impacts. gives farmers the opportunity of value addition (part The use of the herbicide glyphosate on transgenic of SDG Target 2.3). PROBIOMA has also helped soybean has also been linked to serious human health to accelerate the implementation of agroecology impacts.7 on a broader scale, as several municipalities of the Chiquitania are incorporating the use of agroecological HARNESSING THE POWER OF NATURE practices in their policies as a fundamental basis for PROBIOMA supports the development and transfer of the sustainable management of their natural resources. knowledge about biological pest and disease control. Equally, on national level, Bolivia has adopted a law In laboratories specially designed by the PROBIOMA based on agroecological principles, Law 3525 on team, the organisation has developed a system based Ecological Agriculture (SDG 2.4).11 on the use of beneficial microorganisms which are present in nature. These microorganisms are natural Currently, the Bolivian state continues to import regulators of insects that are considered pests, as agrochemicals in a volume of 150 million kilogram well as of diseases. To be able to manufacture and per year, mainly for the production of export crops. 18 case 01

Taking into consideration that through the use of therefore takes action to combat climate change (SDG biological pest control, PROBIOMA has contributed 13) and help reaching the Paris Agreement. Likewise, to the replacement of more than 420,000 kilogram of PROBIOMA has set up an internationally accredited pesticides that have not been applied in the fields, institute, the Institute of Biodiversity and Biotechnology the organisation actively works on SDG 3 Target 3.9 (INBIOTEC), which, in 18 years, has trained more of “substantially reducing the number of deaths and than 2,000 people from different groups of social, illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water governmental, non-governmental organisations, and soil pollution and producer associations contamination” and and journalists, with the SDG Target 6.3 of “PROBIOMA has contributed to purpose of preventing “improving water quality environmental and by reducing pollution, the replacement of more than climatic disasters. eliminating dumping and minimizing release 420,000 kilogram of pesticides Finally, Probioma of hazardous chemicals that have not been applied in strongly focuses on SDG and materials, 15 of preserving life on thereby avoiding the the fields.” land. In 2017, Bolivia contamination of imported food (especially waters of rivers and tubers, cereals, fruits underground aquifers”. This is especially relevant in and vegetables) destined for the domestic in a Bolivia given that during a recent agricultural census, volume of 980 million kilograms, which reflects the almost 40 per cent of communities in the country had current situation of public policies prioritizing the the perception that their waters are contaminated with production of export crops at the expense of local agrochemicals.12 and diversified production.13 As a consequence, the countries cultivated area is covered by a handful of By promoting biological pest control and other crops (with transgenic soybean being the majority on agroecological practices like analog forestry, more than one third of the land), considerably harming PROBIOMA actively resists the expansion of industrial Bolivia’s (agro)biodiversity. PROBIOMA has therefore and agriculture in Bolivia. Taking into consideration the decided to contributie to the conservation of native enormous environmental and climatic consequences genetic resources by having a stock of 420 types of that are associated with such practices – especially microorganisms beneficial for agriculture, livestock, soil considering the deforestation that precedes the bioremediation and for the control of vectors of human creation of large-scale monocultures – the organisation diseases. It also has a germplasm bank with 82 seed

Figure 4: Proportion of total cultivated area in Bolivia used for soybean production.2

4,0 3,5 3,0 2,5 2,0 1,5 1,0

Area in Million hectares Area 0,5 0,0

2000-01 2001-022002-032003-04 2004-052005-062006-072007-082008-092009-102010-112011-12 2012-132013-142014-15 2015-162016-17

All other agricultural products Soya Bolivia 19

varieties of different crops, among which are more than More research and dissemination of knowledge 16 varieties of native corn and four varieties of non- The use of biological pest and disease control in transgenic , thereby focussing on SDG 15 combination with other practices is key to the growth Target 15.6 of “promoting the fair and equitable sharing of agroecology in Bolivia. With its wealth of experience of the benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic using those control techniques, PROBIOMA serves as resources and promoting appropriate access to such a key reference in the country. PROBIOMA promotes resources”. biological control via the Agroecological Platform, the Urban Ecological Orchards Network, the Santa Cruz In partnership with other organisations, PROBIOMA Beekeepers Association, the International Analog also contributes to the consolidation of Forest Forestry Network (IAFN), the International Seeds of Management Plans in indigenous territories of the Life Network, the Pantanal Without Limits network Chiquitania (Lomerio) through the implementation of and several universities. PROBIOMA believes that more than 80 ecological gardens that are in harmony further support is needed to deepen and consolidate with the forest (SDG 15 Target 15.2). Where areas research, such as field tests of biological pest control have been degraded, the organisation conducts agents for new pests that affect crops. Resources are bioremediation of soils. This is especially the case also needed to disseminate such knowledge and to in highland arid zones that produce and train more producers and their organisations about in lowland areas of extensive crop and livestock biological pest control. production. Encompassing 50,000 hectares, this work helps combat the process of soil degradation, effectively targeting SDG Target 15.3 of combat desertification and restoring degraded land and soil.

5 Salinas, J.C. (2018). Quintuplican el uso 11 Presidencia de la Repùplica Bolivia. NOTES de agroquímicos para evitar nuevas áreas (2006). Regulación y Promoción de la de siembra. El Deber. Retrieved from: Producción Agropecuaria y Forestal No https://www.eldeber.com.bo/ Maderable Ecológica. Bill. Retrieved 1 Convention on Biological Diversity economia/Quintuplican-el-uso-de- from: https://www.ciaorganico.net/ (CBD). (n.d.) Bolivia (Plurinational agroquimicos-para-evitar-nuevas- legislacion/385_Ley_3525.pdf State of) Biodiversity Facts. Country superficies-20180717-0011.html 12 INE. (2014). Un pincelazo a las Profile. Retrieved from: https://www. 6 See 2 estadísticas con base a datos de censos. cbd.int/countries/profile/default. 7 Dixon, E. (2019). Common weed killer Report. Retrieved from: http://www.fao. shtml?country=bo#facts glyphosate increases cancer risk by 41%, org/family-farming/detail/fr/c/317135/ 2 Instituto National de Estadística study says. CNN. Retrieved from: https:// 13 INE. (2017). Estadísticas de Comercio (INE). (2017). Estadísticas por edition.cnn.com/2019/02/14/health/us- Exterior - Importaciones. Databank. Actividad Económica – Agricultura. glyphosate-cancer-study-scli-intl/index. Retrieved from: https://www.ine.gob. Databank. Retrieved from: https:// html bo/index.php/comercio-exterior/ www.ine.gob.bo/index.php/ 8 For more information, visit: introduccion-3 estadisticas-por-actividad-economica/ http://www.probiotec.org industria-manufacturera-y-comercio-4 9 El Mundo. (2018). Probioma apoya 3 See 2 control biológico en 500.000 ha. 4 Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Agua Newspaper article. Retrieved from: http:// & Autoridad de Fiscalización y Control elmundo.com.bo/web2/index.php/ Social de Bosques y Tierra. (2018). noticias/index?id=probioma-apoya- Deforestación en el Estado Plurinacional control-biologico-en-500-000-ha de Bolivia. Periodo 2016-2017. Informes 10 Van Lenteren, J.C. et al. (2018). Anuales. Retrieved from: http://www.abt. Biological control using invertebrates gob.bo/images/stories/Transparencia/ and microorganisms: plenty of new InformesAnuales/memorias-2016-2017/ opportunities. BioControl 63 (1), 39-59. Memoria_Deforestacion_2016_2017_opt. DOI: 10.1007/s10526-017-9801-4 pdf 20 case 02 Increasing plant genetic case diversity in farmers’ fields for resilient communities and food sovereignty in 02 Iran

NAHID NAGHIZADEH, CENESTA – IRAN CENESTA IS WORKING TO IMPROVE THE AGROECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS OF SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN IRAN. SINCE 2008, www.cenesta.org THE ORGANISATION HAS IMPLEMENTED AN EVOLUTIONARY PARTICIPATORY PLANT BREEDING PROGRAMME TO RAPIDLY INCREASE BIODIVERSITY IN FARMERS’ FIELDS, ENHANCE RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND RECORD Sustainable Devopment Goals: TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE. BY DOING SO, CENESTA IS CONTRIBUTING TO A SYSTEM OF HEALTHY FOOD 1 2 PRODUCTION AND SUSTAINABLE ECOSYSTEMS.

NO POVERTY ZERO HUNGER 13 15

CLIMATE ACTION LIFE ON LAND

Farmer’s examining the quality of a evolutionary population in the field. (Photo credit CENESTA) Iran 21

LACK OF ACCESS TO GENETIC RESOURCES wheat and . Activities were started by one Most of Iran’s climate is considered hot and dry – 85 farmer in Kermanshah (-fed condition) and per cent of its land area is classified as either arid or another in Garmsar (irrigated condition). The farmer semi-arid.1 At the same time, the agriculture sector in Kermanshah then served as a multiplier of the continues to play a key role in the countries’ economy. evolutionary population to several other farmers in The majority of farmers are smallholders as 75 per cent Kermanshah and beyond. Today, populations cover of them work on less than 5 hectares.2 Most of them several hundred hectares and are planted in 17 Iranian live in drylands with low soil fertility and high exposure provinces. Although it was an innovative methodology, to climate change, including severe droughts, low both farmers and the government have reacted precipitation and water scarcity.3 They lack access to positively to the programme.8 plant genetic resources, including varieties that are adapted or resilient to climate change. As most small- RESILIENT COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL FOOD scale farmers have been excluded from participation SOVEREIGNTY in formal agricultural research, their engagement with Evolutionary Participatory Plant Breeding helps agricultural research stations is very low. building resilient communities and local food sovereignty, thereby contributing to several Sustainable EVOLUTIONARY PARTICIPATORY PLANT Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 1, 2, BREEDING 13 and 15. By supporting local food producers in The Evolutionary Participatory Plant Breeding (EPPB) reducing production costs and increasing both income approach is a combination of two specific breeding and resilience, EPPB contributes to more reliable methods: evolutionary breeding and participatory plant and sustainable agricultural productivity – thereby breeding. Evolutionary breeding is based on a mass contributing to SDG 1 Target 1.5 of building the selection technique used by farmers for over 10,000 resilience of the poor and reduce their exposure and years of crop improvement and represents a dynamic vulnerability. Recent molecular studies on evolutionary and inexpensive strategy to enhance the adaptation populations of barley in Italy confirmed their yield of crops to climate change. It has been shown to stability over time and under different agro-ecological increase yields, disease resistance, genetic diversity, conditions.9 Evolutionary populations are able to nutrient food and adaptability of a crop population over control weeds, diseases and insects, and therefore time.4 Participatory plant breeding on the other hand can reduce production costs considerably towards originated in developing countries and is designed a low/no input agroecological system. This protects to meet the needs of low-input, small-scale farmers farmers from dependence on subsidies and/or input in marginal environments – those who were often price fluctuations, which in the past have considerably overlooked by conventional crop breeders.5 affected farmers’ incomes. Equally, it returns control of genetic resources and agrobiodiversity to small-scale EPPB can be considered a living gene bank in farmers’ farmers and gives them crucial independence in both fields which rapidly increases on-farm biodiversity seed supply and genetic diversity. as one of the fundamental elements of small-scale agroecological systems.6 EPPB emphasises the Coupled with the fact that fields of evolutionary utilisation of natural selection in combination with plant populations have shown increased yields10, site-specific farmer selection in early segregating EPPB directly contributes to most SDG 2 Targets, generations of a heterogeneous crop population. It in particular Target 2.3 of doubling the agricultural represents a dynamic and inexpensive strategy to productivity and incomes of small-scale food quickly enhance the adaptation of crops to climate producers and Target 2.5 of maintaining the genetic change and promote in situ conservation of agro- diversity of seeds, cultivated plants and farmed and biodiversity. EPPB enables production of varieties domesticated animals and their related wild species. specifically adapted to an agroecological agricultural The evolutionary plant populations are a permanent model and puts control of seed production back in the asset in the hands of the farmers. They provided a hands of farmers.7 valuable opportunity for small-scale farmers to engage in a ‘learning by doing process’ that can enhance their Iran was among the first group of countries – together knowledge for reliable and sustainable productivity with Syria, Jordan, Algeria and Eritrea – where the patterns based on natural selection and different types idea of EPPB was first discussed with farmers and of agronomic management. Indications from the field implemented with an evolutionary population of (Italy, France, Iran, and Ethiopia) also suggest that the 22 case 02

evolutionary populations exhibited superior quality farmer-saved seed and seed exchange that enable characteristics (protein content, cooking quality, taste, small-scale farmers to access and benefit from reduced gluten intolerance), require fewer chemical gene diversity. The EPPB programme provides a inputs and are well adapted to organic farming. For valuable opportunity for small-scale farmers to ‘learn example, one of the important issues of rain-fed bread by doing’ and enhance their knowledge of reliable wheat in Iran is its low quality for making bread.11 and sustainable productivity patterns based on Following the EPPB programme, a number of women natural selection and in different types of agronomic in Garmsar started management. using the evolutionary population of bread “EPPB can be considered a living BROADENING THE wheat in their EPPB APPROACH bakeries. Both the gene bank in farmers’ fields The evolutionary farmers and bakers populations of wheat and have been pleased which rapidly increases on- barley continue to be with the results. farm biodiversity as one of the spread throughout Iran, They confirmed that both through farmer- creating mixtures not fundamental elements of small- to-farmer exchanges only brings greater and through exchanges yield stability, but also scale agroecological systems.” organised by the Dryland greater aroma and Agricultural Research quality to the bread.12 Institute (DARSI), the Department of Agriculture of Fars Province, and EPPB is also strengthening resilience and adaptive CENESTA. In addition, DARSI established a similar capacity to climate-related hazards (SDG 13 Target programme for bread wheat. Evolutionary populations 13.1). By increasing genetic diversity, the approach of a variety of crops are now also grown in several offers a flexible and efficient strategy to enhance the other countries. adaptation of crops to climate change.13 The genetic diversity serves as a way for populations to adapt The EPPB programme will continue in Iran and beyond to changing environments: EPPB mixtures of wheat (Jordan, Bhutan, Nepal, Ethiopia and Uganda) with and barley therefore have the opportunity to adapt to the aim of sustainably increasing crop productivity climate change, which in turn increases the resilience and enhancing resilience to climate change of farming of the small-scale farmers who plant them. It is a highly communities under low-input, rain-fed and less suitable approach to in-situ conservation of plants favoured production conditions.16 The continuing and genetic material that incorporates traditional and programme specifically aims to enhance resilience of indigenous knowledge. farmers in partner countries through higher and stable yields under the agronomic and stress conditions The EPPB approach is strongly contribution to SDG of local farms, including , salinity, pest and 15 Target 15.6 of promoting the fair and equitable diseases. sharing of the benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources and promote appropriate access CENESTA believes that the establishment and to such resources, as internationally agreed.14 The recognition of organisations of small-scale farmers programme in Iran offers a model for giving a large at local, regional, national and international levels is number of farmers access to a great amount of critical. More focus is also needed on women’s role in biodiversity in a relatively short time . Contributing the process of local agroecological systems. Policies to agricultural biodiversity, including conservation to support, disseminate, up- and out-scale EPPB and use of landraces (domesticated, locally adapted, achievements and best practices are also needed, traditional varieties) and crop wild relatives, is widely as is capacity building to enhance participation recognised to be essential for adapting successfully among small-scale farmers and agricultural research to climate change.15 Moreover, EPPB promotes institutions. Finally, promotion of EPPB and the fair and equitable sharing of genetic resources evolutionary crop populations in general will contribute with all stakeholders through customary systems of to more resilient communities and ecosystems. Iran 23

4 Raggi, L. et al. (2017). Evolutionary 10 See 4 NOTES breeding for sustainable agriculture: 11 Haghparast, R. et al. (2009). Selection and multi-environmental Review on Participatory Bread Wheat evaluation of barley populations and lines. Breeding Program in Kermanshah, Iran 1 Naghizadeh, N., Didari, A. & Farvar, Field Crops Research 204, 76-88. DOI: under Rainfed Condition: Importance, M.T. (2012). Recognition and Support 10.1017.01.011 Opportunities and Challenges. Middle of Territories and Areas Conserved 5 Murphy, K. et al. (2007). Breeding Eastern and Russian Journal of Plant by Indigenous, Peoples and Local for organic and low-input farming Science and Biotechnology, 3 (1), 1-4 Communities in Iran, A National Case systems: An evolutionary–participatory 12 See 8 Study. ICCA Consortium, IUCN/TILCEPA, breeding method for inbred cereal grains. 13 Ceccarelli, S., Galie, A. & Grando, Kalpavriksh, and Natural Justice. Retrieved Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems S. (2013). Participatory Breeding for from: http://www.cenesta.org/wp- 20 (1), 48-55. DOI: 10.1079/RAF200486 Climate Change-Related Traits. C. content/uploads/2012/12/publication- 6 Rahmanian, M., et al. (March 2014). Kole (ed.), Genomics and Breeding for cbd-technical-series-no64-iran-en.pdf Evolutionary Populations: Living Gene Climate-Resilient Crops, 1, 331-376. DOI 2 CENESTA. (2010). Implementation of Banks in Farmer’s Fields. Farming Matters 10.1007/978-3-642-37045-8_8 Farmers’ Rights in the Islamic Republic 30.1. Cultivating Diversity. Retrieved 14 See 6 of Iran. Report for the 3rd Session from: https://www.ileia.org/wp-content/ 15 FAO. (2019). The State of the World’s of the Secretariat of the International uploads/2017/02/30_1_Agrobiodiversity. Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture, J. Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for pdf Bélanger & D. Pilling (eds.). Food and Agriculture. Retrieved from: 7 See 6 FAO Commission on Genetic Resources http://www.cenesta.org/wp-content/ 8 CENESTA. (2014). Using Agricultural for Food and Agriculture Assessments. uploads/2015/10/farmers-rights-in-iran- Biodiversity and Farmers’ Knowledge to Retrieved from: http://www.fao.org/3/ 2010-en.pdf Adapt Crops to Climate Change. Grant CA3129EN/CA3129EN.pdf 3 Jamshidi, O. et al. (2018). Vulnerability completion report, Grant #1214 16 For more information, visit: http:// to climate change of smallholder farmers 9 See 4 www.libird.org/app/projects/view. in the Hamadan province, Iran. Climate aspx?record_id=82 Risk Management, 23, 146-159. DOI: 10.1016/j.crm.2018.06.002

Diversity of different barley populations grown in the same field. (Photo credit CENESTA) 24 case 03 Mixed gains from case cash and subsistence crops. Agroecology of indigenous people in the 03 Indian’ Nilgiri Mountains

SNEHLATA NATH, KEYSTONE FOUNDATION – INDIA KEYSTONE FOUNDATION WORKS WITH INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN THE NILGIRI BIOSPHERE RESERVE OF www.keystone-foundation.org THE WESTERN GHATS TO ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE AGROECOLOGICAL MODELS IN MARGINAL LAND HOLDINGS. SUCH MODELS USE BOTH TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND MODERN METHODS. THEY INCLUDE Sustainable Devopment Goals: EFFORTS TOWARD CROP DIVERSITY, SOIL IMPROVEMENT, ORGANIC AGRICULTURE, INCREASING THE NUMBERS 2 13 OF POLLINATORS AND OVERALL BIODIVERSITY. THESE INTERVENTIONS HELP TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND NUTRITION OF FARMING FAMILIES AND PROVIDE HIGHER RETURNS FOR ZERO HUNGER CLIMATE ACTION CASH CROPS. KEYSTONE ADDRESSES THE WHOLE VALUE CHAIN, FROM THE FARM AND FOREST TO THE MARKET, 15 WHERE EFFORTS ARE MADE TO ENSURE SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION.

LIFE ON LAND

Traditional millet variety grown among various trees. (Photo credit Keystone Foundation) India 25

THE LOSS OF TRADITIONAL FOOD GROWING that address social, economic and ecological issues. PRACTICES Traditional seeds of millets and vegetables, which The Western Ghats in India are categorised as a world perform better given their resilience to climate biodiversity hotspot.1 Located within that range, at variabilities, are used and Keystone has helped to the junction of the three states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala create local seed banks. In millet fields, small patches and Karnataka, is the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR). are dedicated for vegetables, local medicinal plants, The region’s plantation economy – which features tea, and wild foods (e.g. tubers and greens). Similarly, , rubber, areca and timber species of Eucalyptus, coffee and mixed crops are intermixed with shade Acacia and Teak – has drastically changed land use in trees like silk , jackfruit and spices like clove, the region. Over the years, many Indigenous people pepper vines, nutmeg and cinnamon to increase both abandoned traditional food growing practices. Millets, food and income. Beekeeping is also integrated into , amaranths and vegetables were either replaced the mix. Bio-fencing using tall tree species helps by cash crops or land was left fallow while people protect farms from wildlife. Soil improvement practices took up other work or migrated.2 Attacks by wildlife include mulching and organic application, (elephants), the lack of economic viability of millets and increasing dried biomass and leaves to retain and the increasing threats of climate change are moisture in the soil and add organic nutrition. Among among the causes behind these shifts.3 While some other things, these practices have helped improve soil people turned to paid employment to buy food, most health, increase the number of pollinators, and attract relied on the Public Distribution System.4 The latter other insect species. provides , not millets, and resulted in changing diet patterns. The incidence of anaemia is high among Forest protection and sustainable use of its services women in the region and symptoms of malnutrition are is integrated into Keystone’s interventions. Working common among children. The health and well-being with NTFPs as a livelihood means, the group has built of the forest-dwelling Indigenous communities also awareness and conducted research on sustainable worsened due to the loss of access to forests for wild use practices directly with communities. ‘Barefoot food, medicine and small game. Livelihood options ecologists’ from the community monitor and protect like marginal agriculture and non-timber forest product the forests. Keystone also works on community (NTFP) collection provide only minimal income due to forest rights under the Forest Rights Act; claims have the exploitative practices of traders and middlemen.5 been made by indigenous community members for sustainable management of forest resources. BUILDING SUSTAINABLE FARMING SYSTEMS AND PROMOTING NTFPS DIRECT BENEFITS OF LOCAL FOOD IN A LOCAL Keystone Foundation has supported eco-development MARKET in the NBR since 1994 and has been working since A key element of Keystone’s agroecological model 2001 to promote agroecology among Indigenous is the promotion of local food in a local market, farmers. Keystone has worked with more than 2000 bringing producers and consumers closer together, families in over 89 Indigenous hamlets at different shortening the value chain, and thereby reducing food elevations, covering over 2000 acres of indigenous miles. This is significantly contributing to contributing land in the NBR. Keystone promotes both traditional to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), practices of Indigenous communities (used for especially efforts to end hunger, achieve food security generations and passed down to younger community and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable members) and modern agroecological methods. agriculture (SDG 2). More specifically, Target 2.2 to Methods include crop diversification, organic and end all forms of malnutrition is addressed by increased ecological practices, soil and moisture conservation, diversity, as the mix of millets, vegetables, medicines, and use of appropriate . The group also wild foods, and bee products greatly improves the works to ensure people’s land tenure and improved food basket of families. Keystone also facilitates employment opportunities through value added ‘nutritional fests’ organised by the community, aimed products, collective production and marketing. at reviving traditional practices pertaining to nutrition Keystone has helped develop land-use plans for by sharing experiences and knowledge linked to marginal farm holdings (average of two acres) within traditional food and recipes. These interventions are a framework of food sovereignty and cash income. spread across six regions and involve at least 600 The plans involve cultivation of millets, vegetables and vulnerable indigenous families. mixed coffee, as well as agroecological techniques 26 case 03

Furthermore, Target 2.3 of doubling the agricultural in the region. Looking at Target 15.1 – ensuring productivity and incomes of small-scale food the conservation, restoration and sustainable use producers, in particular women and indigenous of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems peoples, is tackled in multiple ways through and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, Keystone’s interventions. Farmers have, for example, mountains and drylands, – Keystone carries out organised into an Indigenous farmer-producer forest conservation efforts such as the removal of company, Aadhimalai Pazhangudinyar Producer exotics and restoration with indigenous species, Company Ltd (APPCL), which ensures better and water conservation projects. Spring sheds and agricultural returns spring protection and local boxes are being employment. Many “A key element of Keystone’s made with community of the crops grown participation. Efforts are value added agroecological model is the also include hill wetland locally and sold at protection and stopping a premium through promotion of local food in a encroachments from the company. The local market, bringing producers dumping and intensive company functions agriculture. District and with five local village and consumers closer together, state level advocacy collection and value on water conservation addition centres and shortening the value chain, and is an important part of three local shops its work: Keystone has which employ 35 thereby reducing food miles.” the only nursery in the Indigenous women. region with wetland Its operations and spring shed plants. involve ten members, as well as four trainers and By promoting the use of NTFPs as a sustainable way field coordinators, all of whom are selected from of managing forests, Keystone is directly contributing the local regions and receive training. This model to SDG 15 Target 15.2. Finally, being a key member has proven to be successful and has encouraged of the Save Western Ghats Campaign aimed at government agencies to take up similar work through working on ecologically sensitive area demarcation their livelihood promotion projects. The centre was and sustainable planning for the mountains, Keystone recognised by the state government and awarded is helping to obtain Target 15.4 – ensuring the a building and machinery for improved work and conservation of mountain ecosystems, including expansion. Marketing of products is supported by Last their biodiversity, in order to enhance their capacity Forest Enterprises, a consumer and market-focused institution, which works to promote the values of slow food, organic, and fair trade among consumers. Last but not least, the group has established a slow food restaurant that promotes locally and sustainably produced food and creates recipes that infuse international flavours with local ingredients and recipes. Provision of local, organic, nutritious food and promotion of local recipes builds the economy as well as promotes a resilience within the community.

Next to SDG 2, Keystone’s interventions and the promotion of agroecological practices also help Indigenous peoples adapt to and mitigate climate risks

(SDG 13), which is crucial given the risk that the NBR Bee keeping integrated into 6 is currently facing. a mixed cropping system of fruit trees, coffee and various Finally, the interventions aim to tackle SDG 15, given vegetables. (Photo credit the high amount of biodiversity that can be found Keystone Foundation) India 27 to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable NOTES development of all types of forests.

1 United Nations Educational, Scientific THE BROADER IMPACT ON POLICY AND THE and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). QUEST FOR MORE INVESTMENT (2012). Western Ghats. Website Entry. Beyond direct work with Indigenous communities, Retrieved from: https://whc.unesco.org/ Keystone staff are part of the national level authority on en/list/1342 biodiversity. Keystone is also a member of agriculture 2 Nath, S. & Sharma, K. (2007). Honey Trails in the Blue Mountains. Published by forums in the state and advisor to the national rural Keystone Foundation, Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu livelihood scheme. The group holds a position on 3 Arasu, S. (2018). Nilgiris threatened by the regional council for the Participatory Guarantee climate change. India Climate Dialogue. System in India, which certifies small and marginal Retrieved from: farmers for sustainable organic practices. Moreover, https://indiaclimatedialogue. being part of the Save Western Ghats, Keystone net/2018/02/05/nilgiris-ecosystem- lobbies the Ministry of Environment and Forests for threatened-climate-change/ conservation policies and a sustainable development 4 Government of India. (2016). Evaluation Study on Role of Public Distribution agenda for the Nilgiri mountain ecosystem. System in Shaping Household and Nutritional Security India. NITI Aayog Keystone also with networks and civil society Development, Monitoring and Evaluation organisations to spread agroecological approaches Office. Retrieved from: http://www. to different regions in the country. To expand such indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/file/ efforts to similar Indigenous, forest ecosystems, more Final%20PDS%20Report-new.pdf documentation, research, and outreach is needed. 5 See 2 Other regions and state institutions can learn from 6 See 3 small successes and take them into account in policies and schemes for forestry, horticulture and agriculture. Keystone believes that investment in sustainable land- use planning involving small and marginal growers is critical for ensuring a positive impact on both income and quality of life, as well as ecological security. Subsidies for nurseries, soil improvement and large- scale promotion of organic production and marketing are also critical. 28 case 04 Analog forestry as case an agroeological tool ensuring food security, biodiversity and climate 04 resilience in Sri Lanka

LAKSHI DILHARI, RAINFOREST RESCUE INTERNATIONAL – RAINFOREST RESCUE INTERNATIONAL (RRI) HAS SRI LANKA BEEN IMPLEMENTING PROJECTS BASED ON NATURE CONSERVATION, ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION AND ORGANIC www.rainforestsrilanka.com FARMING FOR MORE THAN 16 YEARS. THE GROUP PROMOTES ANALOG FORESTRY, AN AGROECOLOGICAL TOOL THAT ENCOURAGES BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

Sustainable Devopment Goals: AND SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS. ANALOG FORESTRY RELIES ON PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION, 1 2 UTILISING ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES AND VALUING BIODIVERSITY, WHILE CONSIDERING THE EXISTING LANDSCAPE AND THE ECOSYSTEMS IN THE PARTICULAR TERRITORY. ANALOG FORESTRY CAN BE IMPLEMENTED IN NO POVERTY ZERO HUNGER DIFFERENT LAND FORMS, SUCH AS COMMUNITIES, FARMS OR HOME GARDENS. THROUGH ANALOG FORESTRY, RRI 13 15 IS STRENGTHENING LOCAL COMMUNITIES BY ENSURING THEIR FOOD AND WATER SECURITY WHILE CONSERVING BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY. RRI IS WORKING WITH WIDOWS

CLIMATE ACTION LIFE ON LAND IN SRI LANKA’S VAVNIYA DISTRICT TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVELIHOODS, AND ENHANCE BIODIVERSITY AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE THROUGH ANALOG FORESTRY PRACTICES.

A war widow harvesting coconuts in her analog forestry home garden. (Photo credit Lakshi Dilhari) Sri Lanka 29

THE CHALLENGE OF DROUGHT, FLOODS AND other existing land use patterns with water streams, DEFORESTATION pasture, crops, forest, human settlement, etc. This The northern dry zone of Sri Lanka is a largely helps to understand the state of the ecosystem, agriculture-based area and home to about a third of its characteristics and geographical positioning for Sri Lanka’s population of about 21 million. The climate, development of an integrated land design. The basic which features one rainy season of four months and a design of the AF model includes three steps related long dry spell of eight months, makes farming difficult. to the selection of species, soil improvement and Farmers must contend with flooding at the end of the management activities. Species are selected to add a rainy season and severe water shortages at the end missing structural component in the system, eventually of the dry season. Household incomes are around improving healthiness, growth, production, economic 10% lower in the dry zone than in other parts of the value, lignification and overall ecological services to country. Deforestation is one of the most serious the environment.6 issues in Sri Lanka, which loses about one per cent of its forests each year.1 The problem is mainly due to One of the basic concerns of analog forestry is unsustainable development projects such as road and restoration of degraded lands. After evaluating the soil, infrastructure development, and land encroachments the group takes several measures to accelerate the for commercial cultivation (e.g. tea, palm oil). As soil enrichment process, including by adding organic a result of deforestation, a considerable number matter through mulching, use of green manure and the of natural habitats, faunal and floral species, and planting of hedgerows with suitable species on contour different ecosystems are gradually disappearing. With lines. An analog forest follows four major stages of regard to the 1099 indigenous angiosperm species ecological succession. At each level of succession, (flowering plants) assessed through the recent National a roughly equal level of species is maintained. In Red Listing exercise, 675 species were found to be the pioneer stages, to help increase diversity and threatened, of which 412 (61 per cent) were endemics, productivity, RRI uses annual crops such as cereals, and 37 per cent were Critically Endangered.2 , squashes. In the later seral stages, perennials Significantly, a further 72 species (6.5 per cent) had such as coffee and fruit are used. At the climax stage, already become extinct. The dipterocarps, with a the particular territory will be an ecosystem with a remarkable endemicity of 100 per cent, comprised complexity comparable to a natural climax forest, 6.5 per cent of the threatened plants in the list, with including abundance of species diversity and complex 42 threatened out of 58 species assessed, and one interaction between biotic and abiotic components extinct species. Among fauna, 41 mammals, 46 bird ensuring ecological and economic values (Figure 3). species, 56 reptilians, 52 amphibian species and 28 freshwater species are under the threatened category.3 DEVELOPMENT OF HOME GARDENS BASED ON ANALOG FORESTRY THE PRINCIPLES OF ANALOG FORESTRY The northern dry zone region is home to high number Analog forestry begins with an evaluation of the of war widows due to the country’s 30-year-long existing physiognomic structure of the original climax civil war.7 For six years, RRI has been working with of a forest ecosystem. The gaps between the original 150 war-affected widows to address some of the forest ecosystem and the current structure are then challenges they face, including the need for steady identified to assess which species are missing from the income generation and climate resilience, by creating plot. An ecological evaluation based on approaches home gardens based on the principles of analog like the Soil Foodweb determines the impacts of the forestry. land in three basic variables: soil quality, biodiversity and ecosystem structure.4 During the ecological The gardens produce marketable fruits, medicines, evaluation, RRI evaluates soil quality, including: spices, tubers, cereals and vegetables which help the physical components such as structure, texture, women earn a livelihood. Their products are mostly apparent density and infiltration; chemical components sold to the local market through community hubs, such as nutrients levels, soil PH, conductivity and which have been initiated to improve market access. organic matter content; and biological components After four years, the women were able to harvest such as soil biodiversity (e.g. earthworms, rate of perennials in their analog forests. This, together residual, vegetation and decomposition).5 with the produce from fruit trees, of which they have The land is then mapped out into two forms, one comparatively more than do conventional farmers, has that includes topography and contours, and the enabled the women to earn more money than seasonal 30 case 04

crops. In addition to fresh fruit, the women are making ANALOG FORESTRY AND SUSTAINABLE dehydrated mango, jack fruit and pickles and jam, DEVELOPMENT which are increasing in demand in the export market. Analog forestry is contributing to various Sustainabel Next to designing the gardens, RRI introduced analog Development Goals (SDGs) in the northern part of Sri forestry techniques and provides on-going guidance Lanka. A study analysing the benefits of home gardens and support. Live fences around the farmers’ lands (used interchangeably with analog forests) with regards provide compost to food security shows materials and help that home gardens reduce evaporation. “Deforestation is one of the most in Sri Lanka provide The use of inorganic farmers in general and fertilizers such as serious issues in Sri Lanka, which widows in particular pesticides, weedicides loses about one per cent of its with additional food and insecticides and income (SDG 1 has been replaced forests each year.” and SDG 2) – they are by analog forestry “the poor farmers’ techniques. For insurance and example, if the fields are affected by different pests, safety-net in dire food situations, giving additional RRI uses traditional pest control mechanisms (Kem nutrition and calories”.9 Likewise, Analog Forestry methods, light and sticky traps) to avoid their spread.8 is contributing to both climate change adaptation and mitigation (SDG 13). While the former is visible The women farmers have been trained in composting through the way Sri Lanka’s home gardens/analog and mulching, and now use these techniques (e.g. forests are efficiently and effectively made resilient wormy compost and liquid fertilizers) to enhance soil to cope with climate change,10 the latter is shown moisture content while also conserving soil. They are through the fact that analog forests store significant also generating additional income by selling excess amounts of carbon.11 Given that soil health is vital in compost. RRI has also established a community seed analog forestry to provide macro and micro elements bank to enable farmers’ self-sufficiency in heirloom for new species to grow, big amounts of compost and seeds, which are vital for climate resilient farming. mulch are being used through different techniques. Evaluating soil nutrients and other soil characteristics Once the women started harvesting, RRI shifted its are considered crucial to identify the soil health. focus to post-harvest techniques, trainings on value Finally, analog forestry is also increasing biodiversity addition and ensuring market links to increase farmers’ by mimicking stratification of the natural forest and income. By growing new crop varieties, the women providing habitats for terrestrial fauna (SDG 15), farmers are linking to new and different local and something considered crucial given the alarming rates international markets.

Climax forest Figure 3: Following nature’s design: analog forestry in the successive serial stages of the forest climax.

Increasing biodiversity

Agriculture Agro-Forestry Perma-culture Analog forestry Natural forest ecology

Sri Lanka 31 of biodiversity loss in the country. Different species NOTES (trees for fruit and timber, shrubs, bushes, lianas, bromeliads and epypites) provide habitats and food for 1 Kariyawasam, R. & Rajapakse, C. (2014). small mammals, reptiles, butterflies, as well as nesting Impact of Development on deforestation and breeding places for birds. Land is restored through in Sri Lanka: An analytical study. IOSR the use of plants with diverse growth forms and Journal of Environmental Science, morphologies, including woody and non-woody plants, Toxicology and Food Technology, 8 (7), 35- plants with deep rooted filtration plants, etc. RRI’s 39. DOI: 10.9790/2402-08723539 2 Gunatilleke, N. (2008). Biodiversity of efforts help to speed up the soil quality improvement Sri Lanka. Journal of the National Science process: organic matter is increased through mulching, Foundation of Sri Lanka, 36, 25-62 DOI: use of cow dung and the planting of hedgerows on 10.4038/jnsfsr.v36i0.8047 contour lines with different species. Drought tolerant 3 See 2 crop species such as yams, fruit and perennials that 4 For more information on the Soil grow in shade, help diminish problems caused by Foodweb Approach, visit: https://www. drought. soilfoodweb.com/ 5 International Analog Forestry Network A TRADITION OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE (IAFN). (2012). Analog Forestry: A Practitioner’s Guide. Retrieved from: Sri Lanka has a rich history of sustainable agricultural http://www.analogforestry.org/wpsite/ practices. In ancient Sri Lanka, traditional farming wp-content/uploads/2015/03/AF- systems included mix cropping, such as Kandyan Practitioners-Guide.pdf forest gardens, Spice gardens and Ellanga systems.12 6 See 5 Such practices provided income, while conserving 7 Haynie, D. (2017). Sri Lanka War water and biodiversity. RRI believes that there is Widows: The Women Left Behind. Sri much to be gained from documenting and reviving Lanka Brief. Retrieved from: http:// srilankabrief.org/2017/05/sri-lanka-war- such practices. Despite the Ministry of Agriculture widows-the-women-left-behind/ continuing to provide standardised tenure systems, 8 Widanapathirana, C.U. & Dassanayake hybridised seeds and subsidies, different D.L.A.L.A. (2013). The Use Of Plant Parts government institutes have started to engage in new In Pest Control Activities In Traditional Sri research on organic farming practices, integrated Lankan Agricultural Systems. International crop management, and pest management to optimise Journal of Scientific & Technology yields. In addition, the national education system Research 2, 22-27. includes agriculture, agroforestry, and ecology aimed 9 Mattsson, E., Ostwald, M. & Nissanka, S.P. (2017). What is good about Sri at enhancing the quality of sustainable farming Lankan homegardens with regards to while overcoming the issues regarding climate food security? A synthesis of the current change, deforestation, resource depletion and other scientific knowledge of a multifunctional environmental issues. land-use system. Agroforestry Systems, 92 (6), 1469–1484. DOI 10.1007/ However, RRI is concerned that the younger s10457-017-0093-6 generation in Sri Lanka is struggling with modern 10 Weerahewa, J. et al. (2012). Are technologies, and ignoring the ecological, spiritual Homegarden Ecosystems Resilient to Climate Change? An Analysis of the and social values of the country. The group is also Adaptation Strategies of Homegardeners concerned about the lack of adequate policies and in Sri Lanka. APN Science Bulletin, 2, legislation around forest management in Sri Lanka. 22-27. Therefore, the group is engaging in discussion with 11 Mattsson, E. et al. (2013). the government, advocating for more sustainable Homegardens as a Multi-functional Land- plantation management and implementation of policies Use Strategy in Sri Lanka with Focus on to prevent deforestation, wildlife poaching, and Carbon Sequestration. Ambio 42, (7), 892– biodiversity loss. 902. DOI: 10.1007/s13280-013-0390-x 12 Pushpakumara, D.K.N.G. et al. (2012). A review research on homegardens in Sri Lanka: the status, importance and future perspective. Tropical Agriculturist, 160, 55-125. 32 case 05 Promoting agroforestry case and indigenous seed varieties for healthy agroecosystems and 05 livelihoods in Kenya

MARTIN MWENDA MURIUKI AND ELIJAH KAMAU KARUGIA, FOR THE LAST DECADE, THE INSTITUTE FOR CULTURE AND INSTITUTE FOR CULTURE AND ECOLOGY (ICE) HAS BEEN SPEARHEADING AGROFORESTRY ECOLOGY – KENYA AND THE RECUPERATION AND MULTIPLICATION OF INDIGENOUS SEEDS VARIETIES (MAINLY OF TRADITIONAL www.icekenya.org FOOD CROPS) IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN KENYA. BY SUPPORTING SMALL-SCALE FARMERS, THE INSTITUTE

Sustainable Devopment Goals: AIMS TO ENHANCE HEALTHY AGROECOSYSTEMS WHILE IMPROVING FOOD SECURITY IN THE REGION. 1 2

NO POVERTY ZERO HUNGER 13 15

CLIMATE ACTION LIFE ON LAND

Collection of various indigenous and traditional seed varieties. (Photo credit Institute for Culture and Ecology) Kenya 33

PRACTICES THAT LEAD TO LOW AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY Agriculture continues to play a vital role in the Kenyan economy. It is the leading economic sector, accounting for around a quarter of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).1 In 2017, it also provided for almost two thirds of Kenya’s total exports and constituted employment for at least 56 per cent of the population.2 Almost 90 per cent of farmers in Kenya are small-scale farmers (operating on less than two hectares) whose majority depend on rain- fed agriculture for their livelihood.3 These farmers experience low agricultural productivity, mainly due to degraded agroecosystems arising from ecologically and economically unsound soil management practices and a lack of crop diversification. Persistent nutrient depletion coupled with soil degradation have resulted in low overall soil quality. Crop diversity has been seriously eroded by farmer’s focus on only a handful of crops, of which just two (maize and beans) were grown on 85 per cent of Kenya’s cultivated land 4 in the 2015/2016 growing season , with maize yields Agroforestry in Mrs. Ruth Kirimi’s farm where a variety of fruit trees stagnating or even decreasing among small-scale are integrated in the farming system. (Photo credit Institute for 5 farmers. The aggressive promotion of a few exotic Culture and Ecology) crops resulted in the abandonment and neglect of indigenous and locally adapted crop varieties, which has let to considerable genetic .6 Next to both biotic and abiotic factors, also policies can be attributed to this development, which, to a large small-scale farmers’ poor access to seeds as well extent, advocated for the use of high yielding cultivars adaptation to the threats of unpredictable weather and the displacement of traditional plant varieties.7 patterns. Climate change, particularly the increased frequency of droughts, has worsened the situation for many After conducting a research on indigenous seed small-scale farmers.8 varieties in its project areas in Central and Eastern Kenya, ICE started to recuperate and multiplicate ENGAGING SMALL-SCALE FARMERS TO IMPROVE various indigenous seed varieties, including sorghum, FOOD SECURITY three types of millet, black and green grams, four Not only does Kenya’s small-scale farming sector types of cow/pigeon and castor bean, mainly in currently contribute the vast majority of the the semi-arid areas of Kivaa (Machakos County) and countries food production, it also remains the most Tharaka (Tharaka-Nithi County). It then embarked important income source for the majority of the on a campaign to promote seed sharing among rural population.9 Hence, it is crucial to include members of farmer groups. Simultaneously, also the these farmers in interventions geared at climate vegetative propagation of arrow roots, , yams, adaptation and sustainably improving food security sweet potatoes and indigenous vegetables has been in Kenya. Since 2008, ICE has engaged more than encouraged. The results indicate that households’ 5,000 small-scale farmers in implementing projects stock of seeds, food and incomes have increased geared towards environmental conservation and significantly. At the same time, ICE has also tapped improved food security. The group promotes into the potential of increased tree cover on farms as agroforestry and recuperation of lost indigenous a means to adapt to climate change. Farmer groups and traditional varieties as a means to restore have been trained on agroforestry practices and degraded agroecosystems and increase agricultural supported in initiating nurseries to raise trees and productivity. By doing so, ICE is addressing shrubs suitable for use in agricultural systems. 34 case 05

STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT agroforestry practices on the other hand increases ICE’s strategies are geared at contributing to several overall production and diversifies the system, thereby of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “ensuring sustainable food production systems Despite Kenya’s rapid economic growth in the last through the implementation of resilient agricultural decade, resulting in the country acquiring lower- practices that increase productivity” (SDG 2 Target middle-income status, 2.4). the increased wealth has not benefited the “The aggressive promotion of a Another SDG that population equally. Over is influenced by one third of all Kenyans few exotic crops resulted in the the organisation’s still lives under the interventions is international poverty line abandonment and neglect of SDG 13 on climate of $1.90 a day and social, action. A study economic and gender indigenous and locally adapted on agroforestry in disparities remain.10 This Western Kenya has is especially the case crop varieties, which has let to shown the practices in rural areas, where to be an effective nearly one in two people considerable genetic erosion.” strategy to help are poor compared farmers reduce to only three in ten in their vulnerability Kenya’s urban areas.11 Hence, ICE has taken up the to climate change13, which is at the heart of SDG 13 challenge of SDG 1 on ending poverty in all its forms Target 13.1 on “strengthening resilience and adaptive by engaging 500 households per year. By focusing on capacity to climate-related hazards and natural improving and diversifying agricultural production, the disasters”. At the same time, the integration of tress organisation’s interventions have helped to improve in farming systems also constitutes an effective way household incomes by up to 30 per cent – thereby of bringing carbon back into the soil, highlighting contributing to SDG 1 Target 1.1. of reducing extreme the important role agroforestry can play in mitigating poverty. Equally, a diversified income stream and climate change.14 By recuperating traditional crops seed saving have built the resilience of marginalised like sorghum and millet known to be relatively drought farmers, which has “reduced their exposure and tolerant, ICE also helps farmers to diversify and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and increase the resilience among their staple crops, other economic, social and environmental shocks and something crucial given the increased frequency of disasters” (SDG 1 Target 1.5). droughts in the arid and semi-arid parts of Kenya.

At the same time, ICE is also focusing on SDG 2 Finally, also SDG 15 (life on land) has been addressed of achieving food security and improved nutrition by ICE’s interventions through tackling both soil and in its target communities in Central and Eastern genetic erosion. Agroforestry practices have shown to Kenya. Given that access to adequate quantities address the former through significantly decreasing of nutritious food remains a challenge for many surface run-off while at the same time increasing people in rural areas, both agroforestry practices soil fertility15 – a considerable contributing to SDG as well as indigenous seeds are able to provide 15 Target 15.3 of combating desertification and households with diversified sources of food. In restoring degraded land and soils. The recuperation Kenya, indigenous food crops like sorghum, millet and multiplication of indigenous seeds varieties on the and various of the traditional legumes mentioned other hand helps in maintaining genetic diversity of above have shown significant nutritional superiority food crops, which helps safeguarding and promoting over the corresponding exotics like maize and field the benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic beans12, indicating that their preservation and resources (SDG 15 Target 15.6). dissemination helps in tackling SDG 2 Target 2.1 of “ensuring access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round”. Including different fruit trees in the farm through Kenya 35

MOVEMENTS BRINGING AGROECOLOGY These efforts are crucial given that over the years, FORWARD indigenous seeds have been under threat as they ICE has been working with small-scale farmers in are either undermined by the radical introduction of promoting agroforestry and the use of indigenous and hybrid varieties or attempted to be commodified to traditional seeds as a sustainable way of enhancing serve corporate purposes.17 Hence, there is a need to food security and adapting to climate change, counteract genetic erosion and protect farmer’s rights particularly in Kenya’s semi-arid areas. Next to the as agreed upon in several international agreements work on the ground, ICE is also engaged in different like the International Treaty on Plant Genetic networks throughout the country and abroad. ICE Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). While is a member of Participatory Ecological Land-use lobbying responsible institutions can help in publicly Management (PELUM) Kenya, the African Biodiversity supporting those struggles, there is also need to Network (ABN), Greenpeace Africa and the Alliance for upscale activities that build the capacities of farmers Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA).16 Being present in on how to effectively protect their both their rights such networks has been instrumental in spearheading as well as indigenous seeds. Given the recent wake advocacy initiatives collaboratively as a movement on up calls on the alarming trends of agrobiodiversity both national and region level, calling for policies to loss18, initiatives like this are crucial for achieving food protect farmer’s rights, access to indigenous seeds and income security while preserving our planet’s and the preservation of agrobiodiversity. biodiversity.

7 See 6 13 Thorlakson, T. & Neufeldt, H. (2012). NOTES 8 Ochieng, J., Kirimi L. & Mathenge, M. Reducing subsistence farmers’ vulnerability (2016). Effects of Climate Variability and to climate change: evaluating the potential Change on Agricultural Production: The contributions of agroforestry in western 1 World Bank Group (2019). Unbundling Case of Small-Scale Farmers in Kenya. Kenya. Agriculture & Food Security 1 (15). the Slack in Private Sector Investment NJAS - Wageningen Journal of Life DOI: 10.1186/2048-7010-1-1 - Transforming Agriculture Sector Sciences 77, 71-78. DOI: 10.1016/j. 14 De Stefano, A. & Jacobson, M.G. Productivity and Linkages to Poverty njas.2016.03.005 (2017). Soil carbon sequestration in Reduction. Report. Retrieved from: 9 See 1 agroforestry systems: a meta-analysis. http://documents.worldbank.org/ 10 World Food Programme. (2019). Agroforestry Systems 92 (2), 285-299. curated/en/820861554470832579/pdf/ WFP Kenya. Country Brief. Retrieved DOI: 10.1002/ldr.3136 Kenya-Economic-Update-Unbundling- from: https://www1.wfp.org/countries/ 15 See 13 the-Slack-in-Private-Sector-Investment- kenya 16 For more information, see: Transforming-Agriculture-Sector- 11 Musyoki, M. (2018). Kenya National www.afsafrica.org Productivity-and-Linkages-to-Poverty- Bureau of Statistics Study Reveals 17 African Centre for Biodiversity. (2015). Reduction.pdf Counties With Lowest Poverty Rate, The expansion of the commercial seed 2 See 1 45.2% Kenyan Population Poor. sector in sub-Saharan Africa: Major 3 See 1 Kenyans.co.ke. Retrieved from: players, key issues and trends. Report. 4 See 1 https://www.kenyans.co.ke/ Retrieved from: https://acbio.org.za/wp- 5 Njagi, T. (2017). Use technology to news/20426-kenya-national-bureau- content/uploads/2015/12/Seed-Sector- increase maize production in Kenya. statistics-study-reveals-counties- Sub-Sahara-report.pdf Standard Digital. Retrieved from: lowest-poverty-rate-452-kenyan 18 FAO. (2019). The State of the World’s https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/ 12 Muthoni, J. & Nyamongo, Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture. J. article/2001232559/use-technology-to- D.O. (2010). Traditional Food Bélanger & D. Pilling (eds.). Retrieved increase-maize-production-in-kenya Crops and Their Role in Food from: http://www.fao.org/3/CA3129EN/ 6 Wambugu P.W. & Muthamia Z.K. (2009). and Nutritional Security in Kenya. CA3129EN.pdf The State of Plant Genetic Resources For Journal of Agricultural & Food Food and Agriculture in Kenya. Kenya Information 11 (1), 36-50. DOI: Agricultural Research Institute and National 10.1080/10496500903466745 Genebank of Kenya. Retrieved from: http:// www.fao.org/3/i1500e/Kenya.pdf 36 case 06 Farmer-managed natural case regeneration and other agroecological practices to restore soil fertility 06 and improve agricultural production in Senegal

EL HADJI FAYE, ENDA PRONAT – SENEGAL www.endapronat.org FOR MORE THAN FORTY YEARS, ENDA PRONAT HAS WORKED WITH FARMERS’ ORGANISATIONS TO PROMOTE AGROECOLOGICAL ALTERNATIVES IN SENEGAL. SINCE 2008, THE ORGANISATION HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNE Sustainable Devopment Goals: OF DIOUROUP (FATICK REGION), WHERE AGROECOLOGICAL PRACTICES HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTED TO LOCAL 2 13 FOOD SECURITY, IMPROVED INCOMES AND REGENERATION OF DEGRADED ECOSYSTEMS. ENDA PRONAT IS ALSO INVOLVED IN NATIONAL AND PAN-AFRICAN NETWORKS TO EXCHANGE KNOWLEDGE AND RESULTS, AND TO SCALE UP ZERO HUNGER CLIMATE ACTION AGROECOLOGICAL PRACTICES. 15

LIFE ON LAND

FMNR is based on the pruning of shrubs present in farmer’s fields to enable the growth of healthy trees. (Photo credit Enda Pronat) Senegal 37

SOIL DEGRADATION AND FOOD INSECURITY facilitated intensification of soil organic amendments, Two-thirds of the in Senegal is considered which consisted of increasing the quantities of organic considerably degraded.1 This is mainly due to the matter applied; diversifying the sources of supply by combined effects of conventional farming practices adding domestic waste, slaughterhouse waste and (e.g. stumping, monoculture, low organic amendments, shells; and improving the quality of organic and slash-and-burn), disturbances in rainfall, and the amendments by training farmers on the composting erosion of soils through wind and water. Salinisation of organic residuals of both agricultural as well as also plays an important role, with more than 1.2 million household origin. Finally, while FMNR and reforestation hectares (around a third of all cultivable land) being were already introduced in the area, Enda Pronat affected in the country.2 helped to intensify these practices not only within farms, but also in community spaces throughout the This soil degradation significantly affects the area to contribute to the restoration of fertilizing trees. productivity of family farms and, consequently, their food security. The prevalence of food insecurity in the RESULTS IN DIOUROUP CONFIRM THE PROMISE Fatick region, part of the so-called ‘groundnut basin’, OF AGROECOLOGICAL PRACTICES is currently around 30 per cent.3 This situation has In 2017, two studies evaluating the effects of inspired agricultural producers, researchers, state and agroecological practices were conducted in Diouroup non-state actors, including Enda Pronat, to support in collaboration with students and professors of alternative soil fertility practices, based on locally AgroParisTech and the universities of Dakar and St. available resources, to increase agricultural production. Louis. One study involved around 400 farms (200 beneficiaries and 200 referents)4 and the other 66 AGROECOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS BASED ON farming plots.5 The studies showed that 58 per cent of PARTICIPATORY DIAGNOSES the 200 beneficiaries adopted agroecological practices Enda Pronat’s activities in Diouroup began with a recommended by Enda Pronat. The evidence showed participatory diagnosis of the ecological state of the that application of agroecological practices can be environment. Responding to the previously mentioned considered a main pathway towards achieving several constraints, farmer field schools were set up to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly promote local and scientific knowledge. The schools SDG two of eradicating hunger. (SDG 2). They had served as a framework for experimentation and sharing a major impact on millet yields (+17 per cent among of knowledge between farmers and technicians to test beneficiaries), cowpea (+19 per cent) and to a lesser the application of different types of organic matter, extent peanut (+4 per cent).6 It was also observed that farmer-managed natural regeneration (FMNR) and the the higher the level of integration of agroecological cultivation of fertilizing plants and different varieties practices, the higher the yield of millet (+5 per cent of short cycle certified seeds (e.g. groundnuts, between parcels that had a low level of integration of millet and cowpea, etc.). Market gardeners also agroecological practices and those with a high level of benefited from advisory support and training for integration). The combined effect of repeated use of the production of organic vegetables (i.e. nursery agroecological practices for several years in a row was preparation, solid and liquid compost production, crop even more significant. The parcel with the highest level combinations, rotations, biological pest treatments, of integration of agroecological practices over three etc.). Technical capacity building and experimentation years recorded a yield of 2,890 kg/ha of millet in 2016, were complemented by the strengthening of local nearly four times the average yield of the 66 parcels governance systems, which was accomplished surveyed.7 through the implementation of a local convention on the sustainable management of natural resources. The increase in yields of food products resulting from agroecological practices contributes not only Based on action research, Enda Pronat focused to Target 2.3 of the SDGs, which aims to improve its efforts on three main practices: millet-cow agricultural productivity, but also to the access of poor intercropping, intensified use of organic amendments, households to healthy food (SDG Target 2.1). Indeed, and FMNR. While the mixing of millet and cow-pea studies have shown that the average amount of food was already practiced by a few producers, Enda (millet, groundnuts, cowpeas, etc.) produced by the Pronat improved the technique by suggesting to 200 farmers who practice agroecology in Diouroup is farmers to intercrop in lines rather than mixing the 14 per cent higher than that of the reference group. In crops randomly throughout the field. Enda Pronat also low-income groups, the advantage is close to 60 per 38 case 06

cent. The adoption of agroecological practices has the fields without FMNR (Faidherbia albida being the also contributed to the increase in farmers’ incomes most frequent species with 67 per cent) (Indicator 2.3.2). In systems with a high degree of • the tree density (young and adults) has been integration of agroecological practices, the income of recorded to be twice as high in the FMNR bands as in receptive families is two the other types of land use to four times higher than • the rate of regeneration, that of other families for “In systems with a high given by the percentage the equivalent size of an ratio between the total area.8 degree of integration of number of young plants (diameter of less than 3.5 The comparison and agroecological practices, the cm and less than 1.3 m modelling of different income of receptive families is in height) and the total production systems population, has been made it possible to two to four times higher than reported higher in the highlight the positive bands of FMNR (59 per effect on agricultural that of other families for the cent) than the average of income of those the soil (48 per cent). who have integrated equivalent size of an area.” the principles of Evaluating the study agroecology. The revealed that a period of families concerned can more easily escape situations two years was too short to comprehensively measure of economic, social and ecological crisis, which affect all the eventual effects. Nonetheless, it also showed a large part of West African family farming. These that after the continuous application of practices over positive effects reinforce the climate resilience of a longer period of time, and especially when trees have farming communities through increased land fertility improved soil fertility, the real benefits of agroecology and yields, contributing significantly to SDG Target should become more visible. 13.1 (Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries).

Moreover, the improvement of soil fertility was confirmed by soil tests carried out with ten producers who regularly incorporated different types of organic Women harvesting beans in a field where matter at doses equivalent to 10 t/ha. The results of FMNR has been applied. (Photo credit the analyses were positive. They showed significant Enda Pronat) increases in pH, and more than a doubling of both percentage of carbon (0.22 per cent to 0.47 per cent) as well as the amount of organic matter (from 0.38 per cent to 0.8 per cent) between 2015 and 2017, although soils still remain relatively poor in both. They also showed good mineralisation, noticeable through a stable C/N ratio.

In addition to building farmers’ climate resilience, Enda Pronat’s considerable efforts to promote FMNR – about 20 local species with 205 producers on 142 hectares – has contributed to SDG Targets 15.3 and 15.5, which aim for restoration of degraded lands and to stop the loss of biodiversity. The 2017 University of Dakar and AgroParisTech-supported study9 showed that in just two years: • the floristic richness has increased in the FMNR bands, with 49 species recorded, compared to 42 in Senegal 39

ADEQUATE RESOURCES AND A CLEAR POLICY NOTES OF SUPPORT FOR FAMILY FARMING AND AGROECOLOGY 1 Doukkali, M.R., Guèdègbé, T. & Sinsin, Enda Pronat is now spreading agroecological practices T. (2018). La neutralité en termes de in two other communes neighbouring Diouroup – dégradation des terres en Afrique est-elle Tattaguine and Diarrère – and in six communes in the envisageable? Retrieved from: http://www. regions of Tambacounda, Thiès and Saint-Louis. The ocppc.ma/publications/la-neutralité-en- group participates in several key networks, including termes-de-dégradation-des-terres-en- afrique-est-elle-envisageable the National Federation of Organic Farming, which 2 Sidy, A. (2011). Salinisation des sols au brings together 22,000 farmers in the 14 regions Sénégal : sur les 3 800 000 ha cultivables, of Senegal; the Alliance for Agroecology in West plus de 1 230 000 ha sont affectés. Africa which is composed of about fifty farmers’ Retrieved from: http://xalimasn.com/ organisations, research institutes/universities, salinisation-des-sols-au-senegal-sur-les- international NGOs and social movements; and the 3-800-000-ha-cultivables-plus-de-1-230- Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), a broad 000-ha-sont-affectes/ alliance of different civil society actors who are part 3 World Food Programme. (2017). ICA Senegal, 2017 - Recurrence of of the fight for food sovereignty and agroecology Food Insecurity, 2010-2017. Retrieved in Africa. The results in Diouroup highlight the from: https://geonode.wfp.org/layers/ considerable potential that agroecology represents geonode%3Asen_ica_firecurrence_ for agricultural production, economic and social geonode_20170508 development, food and nutritional security and the 4 Bachmann, L. & Seck, S.M. (2018). regeneration of degraded ecosystems. Yet Enda Pronat Promouvoir l’agriculture saine et durable believes that large-scale efforts cannot be achieved auprès des exploitations familiales - without a coherent set of interventions, including Voies durables pour un meilleur système alimentaire au Sénégal. Retrieved from: public policies. http://www.endapronat.org/wp-content/ uploads/2018/10/Etude_agroécologie.pdf Enda Pronat calls on the national government to 5 Assemat, A. (2017). Analyse-diagnostic provide adequate resources and operationalise the d’une petite région agricole en pays country’s National Strategic Investment Framework for Sérère au Sénégal. Projet CALAO, pour Sustainable Land Management (adopted in 2014), and l’étude des impacts et conditions de support to producers through, for example, subsidies développement de l’agroécologie en for organic inputs. The group advocates for a clear Afrique de l’Ouest. Mémoire de Master Agroparistech. 47p. For more information government policy in favour of family farming and on the CALAO Project, check: https:// agroecology. www.avsf.org/public/posts/2211/ rapport_etude_calao_2018-web_avsf_ gret_cedeao.pdf 6 See 4 7 See 5 8 See 5 9 See 5 40 case 07 Coexisting with semiarid case conditions: Combining agroecological practices to face climate change 07 and desertification in Brazil’s drylands

PAULO PEDRO DE CARVALHO CAATINGA – BRAZIL www.caatinga.org.br FOUNDED IN 1988, CAATINGA WORKS WITH PEASANT FAMILIES LIVING IN THE CHALLENGING SEMIARID CONDITIONS OF NORTH-EASTERN BRAZIL. THE ORGANISATION OFFERS ADVICE, TRAINING AND POPULAR Sustainable Devopment EDUCATION ON AGROECOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES AND Goals: PRACTICES THAT ARE APPROPRIATE FOR AND SUSTAINABLE 2 3 IN SUCH CONDITIONS. AMONG OTHER THINGS, CAATINGA FACILITATES EXPERIMENTATION AND EXCHANGE OF GOOD PRACTICES OF WATER STORAGE AND MANAGEMENT FOR ZERO HUNGER GOOD HEALTH BOTH DOMESTIC USE AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION. AND WELL-BEING CAATINGA VALUES AND MAKES VISIBLE THE WORK AND INTERESTS OF WOMEN AND YOUNG PEOPLE, STIMULATING 5 6 THEIR POLITICAL IMPACT AND CONSOLIDATION OF THEIR RIGHTS, ESPECIALLY FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY AND SOVEREIGNTY, AND ACCESS TO WATER. TOGETHER WITH

GENDER EQUALITY CLEAN WATER AND OTHER CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS, THE ORGANISATION SANITATION BUILDS SOLIDARITY BETWEEN COMMUNITIES AND HELPS TO STRENGTHEN THEIR 13 15 CAPACITY FOR ADVOCACY AND POLITICAL IMPACT TOWARD A DIGNIFIED

CLIMATE ACTION LIFE ON LAND AND SUSTAINABLE COEXISTENCE WITH THE SEMIARID ENVIRONMENT.

Local food market selling agroecologically produced fruits and vegetables. (Photo credit CAATINGA) Brazil 41

DESERTIFICATION IN THE CAATINGA • livestock (, , pigs, poultry), beekeeping Brazil’s semiarid region, known as the Caatinga (the and meliponiculture; inspiration behind the organisation name), covers • beneficiation and storage (food, forage, seeds), an area of 850,000 km² – approximately eleven per access to fair and solidary markets and commercial cent of the country. Home to 27 million people, it is mechanisms (agroecological fairs, sales in the region of Brazil most affected by climate change. communities, institutional markets), and seedling The decrease in rainfall has caused longer periods of nurseries (species of the Caatinga and agricultural intense drought, while the increase in temperature is cultivars), and craft production; and above the global average. Prolonged droughts and • education in rural schools. higher temperatures are causes and consequences of desertification which, in turn, have generated more CAATINGA’s technical advice ensures that poverty in rural areas and consequential migration to agroecological food production takes advantage of cities.1 local potential for water and food stocks.3 CAATINGA’s efforts have helped increase families’ food and The Caatinga is one of the most degraded and least nutrition security (SDG Target 2.1) and their access to protected biomes in Brazil. According to the Ministry clean water (SDG 6). Its focus on families with children of Environment, almost 46 per cent of its original has helped to significantly reduce hunger and infant plant cover has been removed.2 Many areas are in an mortality in the area (SDG 2 Target 2.2 and SDG 3 advanced state of desertification. The intensive use of Target 3.9 ). For example, the establishment of so firewood for mining and other industrial and domestic called cisterna de placas (round water tanks that are uses has caused serious deforestation. Forests rich partially below ground) has helped democratise access in biodiversity have been replaced by large areas to water, enabling families to collect and manage their of pastures and monocultures of maize, cassava, own water instead of negotiating access to water from cotton and other crops. This has led to degraded surrounding large private properties. Stable access and compacted soils which hinder water infiltration. to (more) water is critical for families to be able to The larger surface runoff increases erosion, drains produce their own food. During the most recent multi- the water sources (rivers, streams, reservoirs, dams) year drought, CAATINGA reports that 90 per cent of and reduces the recharge of groundwater. The water the 10,000 families with whom it works were able to available for the domestic and agricultural needs of maintain at least three different sources of agricultural peasant families has increasingly diminished. As a produce. In 2017, CAATINGA advised 1,800 families consequence, rates of vulnerability and poverty in rural who, in sum, sold over 500,000 Brazilian reals in areas has increased considerably, as has migration to agricultural produce per year on local agroecological cities. markets, selling points in towns, direct sales in communities and sales to the National Program for TACKLING THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT School Nutrition. On average, these families earned GOALS (SDG) BY STRENTHENING FAMILY about 10,000 Brazilian real per year alongside of FARMING non-monetary income (e.g. family consumption of Since its founding, Centro de Assessoria e Apoio aos agricultural produce) of the same value. Trabalhadores e Instituições Não Governamentais Alternativas (CAATINGA) has worked with CAATINGA is also challenging the exploitation of approximately 10,000 farmers and their families the Caatinga’s natural resources, which is causing providing advice and mobilising support for a wide desertification, polluting soils and water, and variety of agroecological practices, including: contributing to climate change.4 The organisation strengthens family farming that values local resources • captur e and management of rainwater for domestic and biodiversity, combining food production with the use and production, reuse of ‘grey’ water and restoration and preservation of the Caatinga biome sustainable use of groundwater; (SDG 15 Target 15.3 and 15.5). This is done especially • soil recovery and conservation (level curves, by the promotion of agroforestry, the recovery of vegetation cover and dead covering, diversification springs and riverside forests and ecosystems. Several and crop rotation); actions are devoted to the recovery of degraded • agr oforestry systems, including productive backyards areas using reforestation and rainwater soil retention and plots with vegetables, tubers, medicinal plants, techniques. With the recovery of soil fertility and etc. along orchards; intensification of the use of some cultivable areas, it 42 case 07

is possible to reduce the opening of new areas in the IMPROVING EFFECTIVENESS THROUGH Caatinga.5 CAATINGA’s strategy of coexistence with NETWORKS the semiarid region contributes to the mitigation of the CAATINGA works together with other civil society effects of climate change (SDG 13).6 organisations and in partnership with international networks, governments and private sector companies. CAATINGA is also advancing the health and well- The organisation believes that operating within a being (SDG 3) of farmer families, which includes not network strengthens the effectiveness and promotion only the absence of of agroecology. The group is diseases, but involves a founder of the Articulação physical, mental and “The group believes no Sémiárido (ASA, social well-being. The Articulation in the Brazilian organisation encourages that operating within a Semiarid Region)10, which the production of healthy network strengthens the for nearly 20 years has been foods that guarantee proposing and implementing food security and effectiveness and promotion public policies to democratise sovereignty for farmers’ access to water and land for families. These foods of agroecology.” family farming. ASA is one of are also provided to the most important networks public schools and of Brazilian civil society, ensure that children have the necessary nutrients to contributing directly to the eradication of hunger in the prevent against malnutrition, obesity and diseases.7 country. The organisation promotion of equality and respect also contributes to well-being, as it shows people CAATINGA is also a founder of the Articulação that they can live in harmony with nature. CAATINGA Nacional de Agroecologia (ANA - National Articulation facilitates exchange of and appreciation for popular for Agroecology)11 and participates directly in the and ancestral knowledge so that people become more formulation of the National Policy for Agroecology autonomous in relation to the food and pharmaceutical and Organic Production (PNAPO) and other policies industry.8 for family farming and for the semiarid region. The group is part of the ATER Northeastern Network of CAATINGA also strives to ensure gender balance in Agroecology, which strengthens rural extension in team composition, debates and internal decisions. Brazil with an agroecological perspective. In coping with the violation of women’s rights, the organisation prioritises specific training with peasant and urban women on agroecology, rights, public policies and social organisation.9 The Araripe Women’s Forum, which CAATINGA supports, promotes the formation and political participation of women and formulates proposals for policies and programs appropriate to the vulnerabilities, needs and interests of young and adult women. The Forum also enables dialogue sessions with groups of women in communities. The organisation offers training and advice on specific productive activities for women to generate income and contribute to healthy eating habits for their families. Hence, CAATINGA actively supports the achievement of SDG 5 Target 5.1 to give women equal rights to economic and natural resources.

Woman keeping poultry for manure and additional income. (Photo credit CAATINGA) Brazil 43

At the international level, CAATINGA is part of the NOTES Drynet network.12 Its members, which cover four continents, are all operating in drylands susceptible 1 Ministério do Meio Ambiente (MMA). to desertification. More recently, CAATINGA has (2005). Programa de Ação Nacional de participated in a regional network of civil society Combate à Desertificação e Mitigação organisations in Latin America and the Caribbean dos Efeitos da Seca. MMA Secretaria focused on the United Nation Convention to Combat de Recursos Hídricos. Retrieved from: Desertification (UNCCD). It is also within the UNCCD http://www.mma.gov.br/estruturas/sedr_ desertif/_arquivos/pan_brasil_portugues. that CAATINGA has until recently played a role as pdf Focal Point of the Civil Society Organisations in Brazil. 2 UNESCO Brazil, Pernambuco State The actions performed by CAATINGA are multiplied Government & MMA. (2007). Região nationally and regionally from its activities in these do Araripe, Pernambuco: diagnóstico networks and in other political spaces. Looking florestal. Retrieved from: http://www. forward, the new political context in Brazil may affect mma.gov.br/estruturas/sedr_desertif/_ support for CAATINGA’s activities if the government arquivos/129_08122008042625.pdf shifts investments and programmes toward 3 Grupo de Trabalho da Sociedade Civil para a Agenda 2030. (2018). Relatório development of large-scale agribusiness. Luz da Agenda 2030 de Desenvolvimento Sustentável – Síntese II. Retrieved from: http://actionaid.org.br/wp-content/ files_mf/1499785232Relatorio_sintese_ v2_23jun.pdf 4 See 1 5 See 1 6 See 1 7 Conselho Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (CNSAN). (2015). Relatório Final Encontro Nacional 5ª Conferência Securanca Alimentar E Nutricional. CNSAN. Retrieved from: Typical small-scale farm in the dry Caatinga. (Photo credit CAATINGA) http://www4.planalto.gov.br/consea/ eventos/conferencias/conferencias- 2/5mais2/Web.pdf 8 See 1 9 See 1 10 For more information, visit: http://www.asabrasil.org.br 11 For more information, visit: http://www.agroecologia.org.br/ 12 For more information, visit: https://dry-net.org/ 44 case 08 Productivity and case resilience through a cooperative, agroecological, 08 community-supported market garden in the

DEE BUTTERLY AND ADAM PAYNE, SOUTHERN ROOTS United Kingdom ORGANICS – UNITED KINGDOM www.southernrootsorganics.org

SOUTHERN ROOTS ORGANICS IS A COOPERATIVELY RUN MARKET GARDEN USING AGROECOLOGY TO ADDRESS CHRONIC ISSUES FACING SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN Sustainable Devopment Goals: THE UNITED KINGDOM (UK). IT IS AN ACTIVE PART OF THE 2 8 LANDWORKERS’ ALLIANCE, A GRASSROOTS UNION OF FARMERS, GROWERS AND LAND-BASED WORKERS IN THE UK WHO SHARE A VISION OF A FOOD SYSTEM BASED ON AGROECOLOGY AND FOOD SOVEREIGNTY. ZERO HUNGER DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 13 15

CLIMATE ACTION LIFE ON LAND

Community farm day and squash harvest showing crop diversity in the field. (Photo credit Dee Butterly) United Kingdom 45

THE LOSS OF THOUSANDS OF SMALL FARMS Southern Roots Organics uses knowledge and In the UK, lack of support for small-scale farming is practices that have been developed by small-scale having a detrimental impact on the farming population, farmers and peasants around the world. The farm ecosystems, communities and local economies.1 The uses a mixed rotation system to grow over 50 types UK has one of the highest levels of concentrated land of vegetables and 200 varieties. It grows rare and ownership2 and inflated land prices in the world.3 heirloom seed and varieties, helping to Between 2005 and 2015, almost 30,000 English preserve and strengthen threatened species. It also small to medium-sized farms closed down or were raises all its own seedlings and saves seeds from consolidated into larger holdings (Figure 2).4 The specific crops to improve their performance. A wide average farmer’s age is above 60.5 Many farmers live range of flowers and herbs are planted to attract in poverty or in precarious economic situations as bees, insects, birds and other pollinators and create the food market become increasingly concentrated.6 equilibrium in the farm’s ecosystem. Southern Roots Farmers receive less than ten per cent of the value Organics is minimising external inputs and working of their produce sold in supermarkets7 and eight towards a ‘closed loop farm system’. Compost is supermarkets control over 95 per cent of the food retail made from the farm’s plant waste, animal manure markets.8 Meanwhile, industrial agriculture continues and hay. Water comes from the farm’s own spring. No to rely on unsustainable inputs of fossil fuels and chemical pest or disease control products are used. chemicals that are contributing to climate chaos and jeopardising the future of food production. The UK The principles of social ecology are also an important already has low self-sufficiency in food, producing only feature of Southern Roots Organics’ CSA model. The 60 per cent of its needs.9 farm provides meaningful work opportunities and a living wage to new entrant farmers. By selling directly MARKET GARDEN FARMING BASED ON to households in the local area, the farm is supporting AGROECOLOGY AND FOOD SOVEREIGNTY the local economy. PRINCIPLES Southern Roots Organics, located in in South West PROTECTING AND INCREASING SMALL-SCALE England, is a 2.5-acre organic market garden that AGROECOLOGICAL FARMING CONTRIBUTES IS uses the ecological, economic and social principles KEY TO SDGS of agroecology and food sovereignty to address the Protecting and increasing small-scale agroecological problems faced by farmers across the UK. Southern farming, creating meaningful farm livelihoods, re- Roots Organics aims to provide local communities distributing land, reinvigorating short supply chains with good, healthy and nutritious food that is produced and supporting industrial farms to transition to sustainably and in harmony with the land and agroecological practice are key to achieving many ecosystems. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Southern Roots Organics is based on a Community Southern Roots Organics’ agroecological farming Supported Agriculture (CSA) scheme: the farm is contributing to SDG 2 Target 2.4 of ensuring has a contract with local customers in which the sustainable food production systems. The farm makes responsibilities, risks and rewards of farming are use of on-farm fertility by composting plant and animal shared. In practice this means that customers sign up wastes and applying it to the soil. Leguminous ‘green and commit to a weekly box of fresh vegetables for manure’ crops and cover crops are grown to provide the duration of the growing season. This provides the a sustainable source of and nutrients for the farmers with a guaranteed market and stable, regular soil so that vegetable production requires no external income, while also supporting the local economy. In inputs of nitrogen, fertilisers or nutrients. Nitrogen addition, throughout the growing season customers fertilizer production uses large amounts of are invited to participate in open farm days and and some coal, and can account for more than 50 per other events. Southern Roots Organics supplies 50 cent of total energy use in commercial agriculture.10 local households and over 20 independent, local Crop rotation is also key for increasing the resilience greengrocers, cafes, farms shops, caterers and of the production system, biodiversity, ecosystem restaurants. The farm is structured as a co-operative habitats and soil heath, and reducing the energy and provides a living wage income for four new entrant requirements of the farm. Over 200 varieties of 50 farmers. crops are grown in a rotation each season. Crops are 46 case 08

grouped by their biological family, pest and disease their planning time, Southern Roots Organics can time pressures, fertility needs and harvesting schedule, its sowings according to the weather by growing all and then rotated around the field. The combination of seedlings in the farm. The farm also uses polytunnels diversity and rotation significantly reduces pest and for under cover cropping and overwinter mulching disease, so that chemical systems so that some areas controls are not necessary. of the field are ready to plant And given that nearly 15 “The practices and in spring without needing to per cent of overall total plough, which causes severe energy used in agriculture principles we use on our soil damage in wet conditions. is attributed to pesticides, the method not only farm are some of the most Taking urgent and significant increases productivity but ancient and traditional action to reduce the degradation also significant energy of natural habitats and halt the savings.11 Research ways of producing food in loss of biodiversity (SDG 15 carried out by the Target 15.5) is crucial. The UK Landworkers’ Alliance on harmony with the earth has lost more than 44 million 69 farms has shown that breeding birds in the last 50 small-scale agroecological and our communities.” years14, including a 95 per cent farming using these reduction in populations of tree techniques can achieve sparrow, 40 per cent decline higher yields than conventional and large-scale organic in lapwing, 52 per cent decline in skylark and a 54 production for a number of crops.12 per cent decline in linnet numbers since the 1970s.15 The causes include a loss of habitat – over 200,000 As a result of climate change, UK agriculture is miles of hedgerow have been removed between facing both extreme droughts during the summer and 1947 and 199016 – and an increase in monocultures, unpredictably wet and cold weather during the early pesticides and herbicides that disrupt the food chain. spring. Southern Roots Organics’ agroecological Meanwhile, soil damage from erosion, degradation practices contribute to SDG 13 Target 13.1 as they and compaction seriously damages soil habitats and is strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to these estimated to cost £1.2 billion a year.17 challenges. Applying compost builds soil organic matter, thus increasing the capacity of the soil to Southern Roots Organics takes a proactive approach retain moisture and support crop growth. Growing a to habitat restoration on the land we manage. These very wide range of crops allows the farm to spread techniques include managing soil to maintain its health the risk of crop failure due to a volatile climate. and prevent damage of soil habitats; maintaining and Moreover, growing lots of crops in a relatively small planting hedges and shelter-belts to provide habitat area makes use of different plants’ rooting depths and for wildlife; and leaving crop residues standing to moisture needs, thus allowing better plant growth than provide winter feed for wildlife. In addition, the farm would be possible in a monoculture. Plants are also maximises diversity in the field. Southern Roots inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi, creating a symbiotic Organics also focuses on SDG 15 Target 15.6 of relationship with plant roots which allows the plants promoting fair and equitable sharing of the benefits to access water from much greater depths, which is arising from the utilisation of genetic resources and essential in summer droughts. In the 2018 drought, for promote appropriate access to such resources, as example, conventional growers lost around 20 per cent internationally agreed through being part of the South of their yields on crops, including potatoes, and West Seed Savers Co-operative (SWSSC) – a seed carrots.13 Southern Roots Organics, however, suffered production group in the South West of England, no perceptible yield decreases of these three crops, supported by the Gaia Foundation’s Seed Sovereignty nor of the majority of other crops grown. programme.18 The SWSSC trains farmers on how to produce and save seed, and integrate seed saving Southern Roots Organics also uses a combination into crop plans to improve the availability and range of measures to reduce the impact of unpredictable of open pollinated and heirloom seed varieties and weather in early spring. While conventional growers seed adaptation to the UK climate. It is one of several who buy all of their plants on contract cannot adjust initiatives to retrain farmers in the vital but dying United Kingdom 47

knowledge of seed production and seed saving in the Producers selling directly to local markets gain a UK. A national network of small-scale seed producers higher share of the retail price, thus making smaller is being built to counter the loss of seed varieties and enterprises more profitable. Locally-owned and the increased control, concentration of ownership and operated businesses are also more likely to circulate patenting of seed by multinational corporations. and return money spent in their operations back into the local economy, which creates a multiplier effect.19 Finally, the co-operative CSA market garden business Additionally, local food systems encourage enterprise models, like that of Southern Roots Organics, can development and diversification, creating new jobs provide collectively managed, part-time income and and teaching people new skills. It is estimated that meaningful work for farmers, thereby contributing spending in local food and farming businesses to productive activities, decent job creation, generates ten times the local economic wealth20 and entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation (SDG 8 three times the number of people in employment Target 8.3). The farm is increasing productivity and compared with spending in supermarkets.21 income by creating secure and reliable local markets based on community involvement and direct sales. OPPORTUNITIES This helps the farm avoid the fluctuations of price and Southern Roots Organics is actively involved with demand that characterise national and international the Landworkers’ Alliance (LWA), a union of small- commodity markets and is a common strategy used by scale farmers.22 LWA was established in 2012 and small-scale agroecological producers. already has a membership of over 1,000 small-scale

Polytunnel with companion plants to attract polinators. (Photo credit Dee Butterly) 48 case 08

farmers who are committed to agroecological and to the chronic lack of formal learning and training food sovereignty principles. Many members are opportunities in agroecological practices for farmers. new entrant farmers and the majority of organiser LWA also campaigns and lobbies at a national level for roles are held by women. To spread agroecological government recognition and support of agroecology. and food sovereignty principles, LWA members are The Alliance advocates for state support of farmer-led developing a training programme and exchange education programmes and capital grants to support network. This includes farmer-to-farmer exchange new entrants and local food systems. Institutional groups, best practice guidelines for traineeships and support is essential to ensure food sovereignty and on-farm apprenticeships, farm-start incubator farms, an agroecological food farming system that is resilient mentoring schemes and accredited agroecology to climate chaos and sustainable for generations to training schemes. These efforts are in response come.

Figure 2: Numbers of commercial holdings by size of farmed land in England (in size groups), June Survey.4

Number of holdings/hectares (thousand) Change (+/-%)

2005 2015 2005-15 2005-15

No of Aerea of holdings holdings Size band Holdings Hectares Holdings Hectares change change

Under 20 hectares 57.9 426.9 38.5 318.4 -33.5% -25%

20 to under 50 hectares 26.3 869.5 20.5 685.0 -22% -21.2%

50 to under 100 hectares 21.5 1,544.8 19,0 1,372.3 -11.6% -11.1%

100 to under 200 hectares 16.4 2,284.2 15.2 2,131.2 -7.3% -6.7%

200 hectares and over 10.4 4,043. 11.0 4,485.0 +5.7% +10.9%

Total 132.4 9,168.4 104.2 8,991.8 -21.3% -1.9% United Kingdom 49

13 Harvey, F. (2018). Falling yields of key NOTES UK crops could raise food prices and leave farmers struggling. The Guardian. Retrieved from: https://www.theguardian. 1 Driver, A. (2014) CAP Reform in England com/environment/2018/sep/03/falling- - Your Questions Answered. Farmers yields-of-key-uk-crops-could-raise-food- Guardian Insights. Retrieved from: https:// prices-and-leave-farmers-struggling www.fginsight.com/vip/vip/cap-reform-in- 14 Hayhow, D.B. et al. (2016). The state england-your-questions-answered-374 of the UK’s birds 2015. RSPB, BTO, 2 Transnational Institute (TNI). (2013) WWT, JNCC, NE, NIEA, NRW and SNH. Land Concentration, Land Grabbing and Retrieved from: https://www.rspb.org. People’s Struggles in Europe. uk/globalassets/downloads/documents/ Retrieved from: https://www.tni.org/files/ conservation-science/sukb-2015.pdf download/land_in_europe-jun2013.pdf 15 Portugal, S. (2002). The Plight of 3 Knight Frank. (2016) Farmland Index Q2 Britains Farmland Birds. Birds of Britain. 2016. Knight Frank Research. Retrieved Retrieved from: http://birdsofbritain.co.uk/ from: https://kfcontent.blob.core.windows. features/birds-farming-jun-02.asp net/research/157/documents/en/q2-2016- 16 Willis, G. (2016). New model farming: 38 97.p d f resilience through diversity. Campaign 4 Department for Environment, Food and to Protect Rural England (CPRE). Rural Affairs. (2015) Agriculture in the Retrieved from: https://www.cpre.org. United Kingdom 2015. uk/resources/farming-and-food/farming/ Retrieved from: https://www.gov.uk/ item/4347-new-model-farming government/uploads/system/uploads/ 17 Graves, A.R. et al. (2015). The total attachment_data/file/557993/AUK-2015- costs of soil degradation in England Mixed Brassicas in rotation block showing crop 05oct16.pdf and Wales. Ecological Economics, diversity. (Photo credit Dee Butterly) 5 See 4 119, 399-413. DOI: 10.1016/j. 6 See 4 ecolecon.2015.07.026 7 Kind, M. (2017). A Pebble in the Pond: 18 For more information, visit: https:// Opportunities for Farming, Food and www.seedsovereignty.info/ Nature after Brexit. People 19 Nourish Scotland. (2014). Need Nature. Retrieved from: http:// Growing the Local Food Economy in peopleneednature.org.uk/wp-content/ Scotland. Retrieved from: http://www. uploads/2016/12/A-Pebble-in-the-Pond- nourishscotland.org/wp-content/ final.pdf uploads/2015/06/Local-Food-Economy- 8 Kantar World Panel (2017). Grocery Report.pdf Market Share – Great Britain. Retrieved 20 Sacks, J. (2002). The Money Trail: from: https://www.kantarworldpanel.com/ Measuring Your Impact on the Local en/grocery-market-share/great-britain Economy Using LM. New 9 See 4 Economics Foundation. Retrieved 10 Woods, J. et al. (2010). Energy and the from: http://b.3cdn.net/ food system. Philosophical Transactions nefoundation/7c0985cd522f66fb75_ of The Royal Society B, 365 (1554), o0m6boezu.pdf 2991–3006. DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2010.0172 21 Willis, G. (2012). From Field to Fork: 11 Pimentel, D. (1992) Chapter 2 - Energy The Value of England’s Local Food Webs. Inputs in Production Agriculture. In Fluck, Campaign to Protect Rural England R.C., ed. Energy in Farm Production. In (CPRE). Retrieved from: http://www.cpre. Energy in World Agriculture, 6, 13-29. DOI: org.uk/resources/farming-and-food/ 10.1016/B978-0-444-88681-1.50007-7 local-foods/item/download/2096 12 Laughton, R. (2017). A Matter of Scale: 22 For more information, see: www. A study of the productivity, financial viability landworkersalliance.org.uk and multifunctional benefits of small farms (20 ha or less). The Landworkers’ Alliance and the Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University

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The global food and agricultural particular, all cases studies have system continues to contribute shown the positive contribution significantly to the global of agroecology to ending hunger challenges of climate change and achieving food security and environmental degradation (SDG 2), to taking urgent action without having been able to against climate change (SDG 13) provide everyone with sufficient and to protecting and restoring access to safe and nutritious ecosystems (SDG 15). This is food. Consequentially, it is unable crucial given that the industrial to reveal its own potential in model of agriculture is failing to accelerating the achievement of eradicate hunger, is contributing the SDGs and other important substantially to climate change landmark agreements. The and has radically exhausted our persistence and urgency of the (agro-)ecosystems. Additionally, above-mentioned challenges contributions were also reported means that governments and on ending poverty (SDG 1), donors need to look beyond on ensuring healthy lives and business-as-usual approaches promoting well-being (SDG 3), to agricultural investment to on achieving gender equality stimulate radical and profound (SDG 5), on ensuring availability changes. It is time to rethink how and sustainable management of we grow, share and consume our water (SDG 6) and on promoting food. If done right, agriculture can decent work (SDG 8). At the same provide nutritious food for all and time, the report highlights the generate decent incomes, while limited support for agroecology supporting people-centred rural – shown unanimously throughout development and protecting the the cases studies – and calls for environment. further institutional and financial support in scaling-up successful This report shows how agroecological initiatives. agroecology can constitute a transformative pathway for agriculture to take up its role as a catalyst for sustainable development. By comprising eight case studies from around the world, the report is meant to provide an open space for civil society organisations and community-led initiatives to relate their grassroots work to international agreements like the SDGs, often considered abstract and difficult to associate with. Although some of the case studies are limited in terms of quantitative and scientific substantiation, taken together they provide in-depth examples of how agroecology at the grassroots level can contribute considerably towards

CONCLUSION achieving several of the SDGs. In

51 Recommendations

Although governments, (inter-) through principles that provide circular and solidarity economies national development agencies contextualised solutions to local that reconnect producers and global financial mechanisms problems. Hence, we suggest and consumers, stressing are inherently interlinked – given governments to do the following: transparency and fairness that all of them can be considered throughout a shortened supply public financing tools – the • Think out of the box and chain that reduces exploitation, following recommendations show openness towards waste and food miles. Together are going to address each tool transformative approaches like with the mitigative potential separately. The reason for this agroecology. Agroecology is of different agroecological is that all of them have unique about creating innovation through practices on climate change, the roles to play in scaling up the the co-creation of knowledge, approach should be recognised transition to agroecology. While combining science with the by governments in efforts to the government section focuses traditional, practical and local transition towards inclusive and on steps governments can take knowledge of producers. This circular low-carbon economies. to actively support agroecology shows that agroecology is not a on the national level, the section one-size-fits-all approach, but • Put new and innovative on international cooperation rather a set of principles that governance structures in place gives suggestions to (inter-) can and must be applied site that incentivise production national development agencies specifically.1 Agroecological based on agroecological on appropriate distribution of practices have shown to improve principles as a means to improve official development assistance the economic and environmental the sustainability of current (ODA) beneficial for agroecological sustainability of both intensive agricultural production and transitions in recipient countries. as well as low-input farming distribution. Laws, regulations, The final section focuses on systems, focussing on improved public awareness campaigns financial support provided by efficiency, recycling and resilience. and fiscal incentives are all global financial mechanisms, in At the same time, it is based on mechanisms that can cut across particular climate finance through human and social values that different sectors and integrate the Green Climate Fund. stress the importance of dignity, the entire food system. This equity, inclusion and justice food system should be based GOVERNMENTS as a prerequisite to improved on locally available resources livelihoods. Hence, agroecology and capacities, focussing on Governments can play a key role can provide solutions to several stimulating needs through a in transforming our food and of the lock-ins in which food and more equitable and sustainable agricultural systems towards more agricultural systems currently find market system. Such market sustainability and inclusiveness, themselves. systems bear great potential thereby working towards achieving for innovation, tapping into the the SDGs and other international • Recognise the potential increased demand for healthy landmark agreements. As the of agroecology in reducing food. Support could therefore go eight case studies above have negative externalities throughout to both sustainable production as clearly demonstrated, agroecology the entire food system. By well as the social and institutional can play a central role in this. taking a holistic and integrated innovations in marketing, including While the social, environmental approach, agroecology seeks to cooperatives, local producer and economic components of transform food and agricultural markets, appropriate labelling agricultural systems around the systems by addressing social, schemes and e-commerce, world can differ significantly, economic and environmental amongst others. Subsidies agroecology has shown to dimensions of food production. through direct payments (like in be responsive to all of them Agroecology aims to create the EU’s CAP) should prioritise

52 recommendations

socially and environmentally Guidelines on the Responsible national development agencies is sound farming rather than scale, Governance of Tenure of Land, to embrace agroecology as a tool thereby encouraging small-scale Fisheries and Forests in the to jointly address a wide range of agroecological farming and a Context of National Food Security sustainable development targets. revival of rural areas. (VGGTs), the recently adopted UN Declaration on the Rights • Increase support for • Increase focus on agroecology of Peasants and Other People community-led initiatives, in (agricultural) research Working in Rural Areas, and the farmer’s organisations and and development, extension UN Decade of Family Farming. different civil society actors services and education. So far, implementing agroecology at the the promotion of agroecological INTERNATIONAL local level. This calls for breaking research and innovation in many COOPERATION AND ODA up institutional and professional educational institutions is still biases towards major established limited. Given the potential of While governments of clients with limited interest in agroecology to generate new economically advanced transformative and innovative knowledge and technical, social economies have several options to approaches like agroecology. To and political innovation, resources support agroecology domestically help effectively reach the local should be geared towards as described above, they have level and let agroecology flourish, studying new farming systems that also the opportunity to support (inter-)national development differ significantly from current agroecological transition abroad agencies could consider making mainstream production systems. through international cooperation use of appropriate institutions Next to traditional knowledge and ODA. Given the increased able to channel investments to the institutions, agroecological attention on agriculture in grassroots. Networks of CSOs and research also recognises the recent years as a cause, but farmers’ organisations just like knowledge-generating role of also potential solution to climate small grants facilities can play an farmers and other food producers, change and environmental excellent role in this. indigenous peoples, social degradation, agroecology movements and civil society. At can constitute a pathway for • Express long-term the same time, it also stresses the agriculture towards solving those commitment to agricultural importance of intergenerational issues while maintaining its support in general and and gender-based knowledge mandate of ending hunger and innovative approaches like of land and resources. Overall, achieving food security. Hence, we agroecology in particular. more interdisciplinary food suggest the following to national Agroecology is providing technical systems research is needed and international development innovation by replacing external for agroecology to bear its full agencies: inputs with natural processes, potential. social innovation by encouraging • Value the systems approach genuine cooperation and co- • Support agroecology as the that agroecology incorporates, creation between various central approach to agricultural tackling multiple issues within actors, and political innovation development in multilateral and malfunctioning food and by recognising the knowledge intergovernmental institutions agricultural systems in order and experiences of local land and policy processes – including to make progress on multiple users. Given that investments in FAO, the Committee on World development objectives. By sustainable agriculture often only Food Security (CFS), the focussing on the transformation pay back after a longer period of International Fund for Agricultural of such systems, agroecology time, it is important that support Development (IFAD) and alike. takes a transdisciplinary stake is long-term to make sure that Moreover, governments could at addressing the intersection objectives based on sustainability consider promoting and of ending poverty, achieving are achieved. This is especially strengthening key international food security, protecting and relevant given the importance agreements like the Convention restoring ecosystems and taking that trees play in sustainable on Biological Diversity (CBD), urgent action to combat climate food systems, which often take the ITPGRFA, the CFS Voluntary change. An option for (inter-) a number of years to mature. recommendations 53

Such long-term commitment mechanisms, which, despite project by the United Nations would help agroecology to bear having recognised the role of Development Programme (UNDP) its full potential, revealing positive agriculture in achieving progress for example incorporates several externalities like healthy soils, on several development agroecological practices (albeit carbon storage above and under objectives, have little tapped referred to as climate-smart the ground, increase in (agro-) into the potential of agroecology agriculture) like community- biodiversity and enhanced so far. As already stated in the managed seed banks and kitchen resilience of farming systems. introduction, the GCF currently gardens.3 After first being funded only provides twelve per cent by the Adaptation Fund (managed • Look at positive examples of its total budget for projects by GEF), it is now receiving follow- among donor agencies that considered primarily agricultural. up support through the GCF in an have endorsed and financially Given the crucial role of agriculture enlarged project (FP056). Similar supported agroecology in contributing to climate change to the agroecological practices successfully over a longer period mitigation and adaptation, we presented above, this project has of time. As already indicated suggest to the GCF the following: helped in taking climate action, in the introduction of this improving food security and report, there are several donor • Recognise and actively protecting local (agro-)biodiversity agencies that have recognised support agroecology as a – supporting progress particularly the potential of agroecology, transformative approach to on achieving SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG3, including the Agence Française climate change adaptation and SDG 6, SDG 13 and SDG 15. de Développement (AFD) and the mitigation, noticeably shown in Swiss Agency for Development the eight cases studies provided • Enhance access for and Cooperation (SDC), among previously. Also recognise its community-led initiatives, others. By exchanging outcomes distinctiveness in comparison to farmer’s organisations and and experiences with them, other approaches like climate- CSOs implementing agroecology other national and international smart agriculture, by having on the ground.4 An option for development agencies can learn a transformative vision that is global financial mechanisms to and further develop their grant rooted at the local level. By reach out to communities and portfolio in favour of agroecology. recognising the adaptive potential land users groups is to simplify of agroecology in particular, the the complex and time-intensive GLOBAL FINANCIAL GCF should live up to its initial accreditation process, making MECHANISMS promise of delivering a 50:50 it easier for smaller entities like balance between mitigation and subnational or non-state actors While there are currently a adaptation allocations, ensuring cherishing agroecology to receive number of global financial that at least half of adaptation climate funding for locally- mechanisms in place able to funding goes to particularly based adaptation and mitigation provide potential support vulnerable countries.2 Given that initiatives. At the GCF for example, for agroecology – the Global of all allocations approved so far there could be further support for Environmental Facility (GEF) and almost two thirds go to mitigation and continuation of the Enhanced the Green Climate Fund (GCF) projects, increased attention Direct Access (EDA) modality, being the most prominent ones to agroecology could provide enabling national entities to make – this set of recommendations an excellent opportunity for the independent funding decisions is going to focus specifically on GCF to strengthen its adaptation and opening the potential to the latter given its role as the portfolio. devolve funding and decision- largest multilateral climate fund making to the local level. This on the one hand and persistent • Build on the few existing principle of subsidiarity would help shortcomings in terms of projects that do incorporate making decisions for investments agricultural funding on the other. some aspects of agroecology. at the level that is consistent with At the same time, this does not This is especially relevant to their resolution and is equally mean that agroecology should ensure that good practices and relevant for other financial not be a serious consideration successful initiatives are further mechanisms. There are well- for the GEF or other financial upscaled. The Banking on Seeds established small grants funds on

54 recommendations regional and national level that can NOTES serve as a bridge between global financial mechanisms and actors 1 FAO. (2018). The 10 Elements of implementing agroecology on the Agroecology. Guiding the Transition ground. to Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems. Retrieved from: http://www.fao. • The Koronivia joint work on org/3/i9037en/i9037en.pdf agriculture (KJWA) decision 2 For more information, see: https:// www.greenclimate.fund/publications/ reached during the 23rd gcf-in-brief-adaptation-planning Conference of the Parties of 3 For more information, see: https:// UNFCCC has been a landmark undp-adaptation.exposure.co/ step for agriculture at the UN banking-on-seeds climate talks, recognizing the 4 Both ENDS, Heinrich Böll Stiftung North role of agriculture within the America, Aksi! & Prakriti Resources Centre UNFCCC framework. While this (2018). Local actors ready to act: Six can be considered an important proposals to improve their access to the Green Climate Fund. Report. Retrieved step forward, it is important to move from decisions to decisive from: https://www.bothends.org/en/ Whats-new/Publicaties/Local-actors- action . Given the urgency of the ready-to-act-six-proposals-to-improve- challenges presented by climate their-access-to-the-Green-Climate-Fund/ change, transformative actions are needed in the nearer future to increase resilience of farming systems whilst tapping into their mitigative potential. Actively supporting agroecology could be one of those actions to efficiently address the intersection of agriculture and climate change.

Field trials of organic soybean production. (Photo credit PROBIOMA) 55