CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/117909

Part of the CGIAR Action Area on Systems Transformation

Primary CGIAR impact area: Environmental health and biodiversity

https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/31-transformational-agroecology-across-food-land-and-water-systems/

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The cost of soil erosion in sub-Saharan Africa: Insights for policy
(Brief, 2025-06-13) Bolo, Peter; Kinyua, Michael; Waswa, Boaz; Kihara, Job
Soil erosion is an urgent environmental concern. Nearly 494 million hectares in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are experiencing some form of land degradation. Of these, about 227.4 million hectares (i.e., 46%) are affected by water erosion, wind erosion (186.5 million; 38%), loss of nutrients via chemical degradation (12 %), and physical deterioration (4%). With losses of about 50 kg of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) per hectare per year, and 50–66% of yield – costing SSA approximately USD 68 billion annually – soil erosion impacts the socio-economic wellbeing of millions of households across SSA. Regenerating degraded soils and building soil health is critical for sustainable food systems transformation. Across Africa, agriculture needs to aim for zero erosion and runoffs by embracing complementary soil management practices (e.g., combined conservation agriculture and integrated soil fertility management -ISFM), and structural measures (e.g., contour farming, terracing, and zai pits). Policy efforts should focus on provisioning incentives for long-term sustainable management efforts against soil erosion through complementary soil management interventions and supporting farmers and other stakeholders with enabling conditions for implementing appropriate agriculture practice bundles (see section on Policy Intervention Areas).
Achieving agroecological food system transformation
(News Item, 2025-03-20) Fuchs, Lisa Elena; Awiti, Alex; Nyawira, Sylvia; Chege, Christine G. Kiria; Guettou Djurfeldt, Nadia
While agroecological solutions exist at farm level, scaling them to broader food, land and water systems entails many hurdles. The CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology was launched in order to clear them. Based on their experience in Kenya, our authors share some overarching insights. A redesign of food systems is urgently needed to achieve ecological, economic and social sustainability. Agroecology offers a transformative pathway that integrates sustainable and resilient agricultural practices with increased agency for smallholder farmers and other food system actors, and pays special attention to women, youth and other marginalised groups. Agroecological solutions are well documented at farm level, but applying them to broader food, land and water systems remains a challenge given insufficient evidence, misaligned policies, inadequate capacity, insufficient attention to intersecting inequalities and limited financing mechanisms. The CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology (see Box) has been aiming to address these barriers by promoting the application of contextually appropriate agroecological principles by food system actors such as farmers, businesses, government entities and policy-makers in so-called agroecological living landscapes (ALLs). The latter are geographically bounded landscapes in which farmers, agroecology practitioners, researchers and other development actors identify, test and promote agroecological innovations across sectors and scales, thus generating evidence on the transformative potential of agroecology and identifying institutional innovations. As we come to the end of a three-year cycle of collaborative implementation and transition to a new CGIAR Science Program on Multifunctional Landscapes, the Agroecology Initiative Kenya research team leads share the following nine key messages.
Agency and behavior change in agricultural research for development: New directions for guiding agri-food system transformations
(Journal Article, 2025-08) Freed, Sarah; Voss, Rachel C.; Falk, Thomas; Rietveld, Anne M.; Alary, Véronique; Chimonyo, Vimbayi G.P.; Frija, Aymen; Guettou-Djurfeldt, Nadia; Lestrelin, Guillaume; Singh, Sonali; Ndiwa, Aurillia Manjella; Zingwena, Taurai
CONTEXT Agri-food system transformations require change across sectors and actors within the system. Initiatives contributing to these changes need to connect system change processes to individual and collective agency and behaviors. OBJECTIVE We propose a conceptual framework on agency and behavior change for transforming agri-food systems (ACT framework). ACT emphasizes agri-food system actors' behaviors with attention to their power, agency, and the influence of structural agri-food system elements. Researchers can apply ACT to assess an initiative's contributions to changes in system elements through individual and collective behaviors. METHODS We conducted literature reviews and key informant interviews for 29 initiative case studies. Using ACT, we identified patterns in terms of initiatives' targeted actors, behaviors, and the factors shaping actors' agency and behavior. We then applied ACT in an initiative in Zimbabwe to develop a theory of change that links behavior change pathways with broader systems transformation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The reviewed initiatives focused heavily on shaping producers' behavior through knowledge transfer, less often considering other actors and structural challenges and opportunities. Key informants frequently reported enablers and impediments to achieve initiative outcomes that were associated with structural system elements. Few were able to articulate their initiative's theory of change and underlying assumptions. SIGNIFICANCE ACT can support a more diverse and theory-based exploration of agri-food system initiatives' target actors, behaviors, and factors shaping behaviors. Development professionals can apply the ACT framework to design more effective TOCs that attend to diverse actor groups and leverage the factors influencing these actors' agency and behaviors.
A scoping review of the incentives for promoting the adoption of agroecological practices and outcomes among rice farmers in Vietnam
(Journal Article, 2025-04-25) Ogutu, Sylvester; Mockshell, Jonathan; Minh, Thai; Remans, Roseline
Recent research and development efforts to achieve sustainable rice production in Vietnam have incorporated agroecological principles and practices. These efforts have come as a result of increasing pressure on food systems to achieve global food security. Growing food demand, rising population, climate change, and natural resources degradation, make it necessary to transform the current production systems towards more sustainable models. Agroecology is being promoted as one of the pathways to transition toward sustainable food production, with broad adoption requiring incentives for farmers. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, we conducted a scoping review of 120 articles to understand the incentives applied for promoting agroecological practices, whether and how the incentives promote the adoption of agroecological practices, and their relationship with economic, environmental, and social outcomes among rice farmers in Vietnam. Such in-depth reviews of the role of incentives in the agroecological transition are scarce. Results show that in about 60% of the articles, incentives led to adoption, outcomes (e.g., yield and income gains), or both, suggesting the importance and common use of incentives among rice farmers in Vietnam. Four types of incentives used were market, non-market, regulatory, and cross-compliance. These incentives directly or indirectly influenced outcomes through the adoption of agroecological practices. Market incentives (33%) were relatively more important for directly influencing outcomes, while non-market incentives (50%) were more important for indirectly influencing outcomes. Market, non-market, and regulatory incentives were more associated with the adoption of new agronomic practices, such as farm diversification, improved varieties, and organic agriculture than with other practices, while cross-compliance incentives were more highly associated with adoption of agroforestry. Generally, the incentives used were more associated with economic outcomes (56%), than with environmental (31%), and social (13%) outcomes. Overall, the results show that incentives influence outcomes differently, and a combination of different incentives is required to achieve holistic outcomes.
Identifying critical incentives for scaling out the adoption of agroecological practices–a systematic review of Peruvian cacao value chains
(Journal Article, 2025-05-02) Mockshell, Jonathan; Omulo, Godfrey; Asante-Addo, Collins; Nielsen Ritter, Thea; Quintero, Marcela; Remans, Roseline
The growing global importance of agroecology highlights the pivotal role public and private sectors play in providing incentives and investments to catalyze behavioural changes and transform food systems. However, limited research exists on incentives for scaling agroecological practices in cacao value chains. This study employed a systematic review approach, focusing on Peruvian cacao sector, to explore incentives promoting agroecological practices and their sustainability outcomes. Findings reveal that within Peru’s cacao value chains, non-market incentives constitute the majority (36%), followed by regulatory measures (25%), market-based incentives (22%), and cross-compliance incentives (17%). Main providers of incentives include certification bodies, community-based organizations, and international funding organizations. Effective incentives include sustainability standards, market support subsidies, in-kind rewards, and agroecological schemes that support the adoption of practices such as intercropping, nature conservation for carbon sequestration, and the use of green and animal manure. These incentives have significantly improved sustainability outcomes: economic (39%), environmental (33%), and social (28%). However, limited use of cross-compliance incentives and modest emphasis on social outcomes highlight the need for policy instruments targeting the adoption of agroecological practices within cacao sector. This study provides insights for policymakers, development agencies, and private-sector to design effective incentives for advancing agroecological transitions in Peru and beyond.
ACT: a framework for effective theories of change and activities in agri-food system transformation initiatives
(Case Study, 2025-04-07) Freed, Sarah Johanna; Rietveld, Anne
The ACT Framework for Agency and Behavior Change in Transforming Agri-food Systems has been used by researchers to 1) guide them in applying a systems approach in understanding the diversity of food system actors and their opportunities for change; and 2) systematically identify, prioritize, and leverage the factors influencing actors’ agency and behaviors. In Burkina Faso, this approach contributed to developing an inclusive, agroecological business model for the dairy value chain. Alliance researchers played a key role in developing and implementing the framework.
Water and aquatic foods in revised principles of agroecology can accelerate food systems transformation
(Journal Article, 2025-05) Freed, S.; Lo, M. G. Y.; McCartney, Matthew; Allison, E. H.; Smith, Douglas Mark; Joffre, O. M.; Sinclair, F.
The interaction between climate change and agricultural intensification contributes to biodiversity loss, while widespread degradation of land and water undermine food system productivity. Agroecological principles aim to guide food systems transformation but rarely refer to water or aquatic foods, which are critical elements of nutritious, sustainable and equitable food systems. Here we examine the principles and frameworks presented in agroecological literature and suggest rephrasing of six of the principles to incorporate water, aquatic foods and land- to seascapes. We recommend three cross-sectoral actions that leverage aquatic features in agroecosystems to facilitate more effective transition pathways towards sustainable food systems.
Principles of engagement and vision to action for transdisciplinary research and co-design in agroecology
(Poster, 2025-04-08) Fuchs, Lisa Elena; Voss, Rachel C.; Freed, Sarah; Rietveld, Anne; Falk, Thomas; Triomphe, Bernard; Bergamini, Nadia; Dickens, Chris; Quintero, Marcela
Living labs or living landscapes are gaining momentum as sub-national territories within which sustainable food system transformation is sought through multi-stakeholder engagement processes. In the CGIAR Agroecology Initiative, 11 ALLs were established in 8 countries. Here, ALLs are defined as multi-stakeholder spaces in which agroecological innovations can be identified, co-designed, tested, and adopted. These landscapes emerge as coherent territories that have fuzzy boundaries defined by the functionality and meaning bestowed onto them by their diverse users, who care about and are willing to take transformative action in pursuit of just food system transitions, rather than by geographical or administrative limits. ALLs respond to the common challenges that external partners face in accompanying and supporting local stakeholders on agroecological transition pathways without imposing their own views and agendas. ALLs offer an opportunity to act as transformation vehicles that foster transdisciplinary research, including the co-creation of knowledge and co-design of innovations. Principle-based engagement methods can help to support and enable locally driven transformation processes.
Explorando los modelos de negocio para las transiciones agroecológicas en los cultivos de cacao y camu camu en Ucayali, Perú
(Brief, 2025-04-01) Blanco, Maria; Mosquera, Leslie Estefany; De Los Rios, Rafael; Crisostomo, Diego; Díaz, César; Ritter, Thea; Ivanova, Yovita; Mockshell, Jonathan; Sanchez, Jose Choy
Mensajes clave La transición agroecológica es una oportunidad estratégica para el desarrollo sostenible en Ucayali. Los productores de cacao y camu camu ofrecen productos de alta calidad, pero enfrentan barreras, como el acceso limitado a financiamiento, una infraestructura deficiente y costos elevados de certificación. Agroindustria y gastronomía valorizan la biodiversidad amazónica. Innovación, economía circular y conexiones con productores locales son claves para fortalecer la competitividad, impulsar el desarrollo regional y promover alimentos sostenibles. Las cooperativas y asociaciones son actores clave para conectar productores con mercados, financiamiento y prácticas sostenibles. Las políticas que refuercen su rol impulsarán la adopción de sistemas agroecológicos y beneficios sociales. Las inversiones público-privadas en riego, capacitación y tecnología, junto con incentivos como créditos accesibles, estrategias de biocomercio y pagos por servicios ambientales, impulsarán cadenas sostenibles. Promover la diversificación, las tecnologías ecoeficientes y los saberes ancestrales reduce los riesgos climáticos y mejora los ingresos. Los incentivos económicos y los programas especializados son esenciales para facilitar esta transición y garantizar un impacto sostenible en Ucayali.
Pathways to Sustainable Wheat Business Models: Exploring agroecological practices and investment opportunities in Doyogena, Ethiopia
(Report, 2025-04-04) Mosquera, Leslie Estefany; Blanco, Maria; Balcha, Yodit; Mockshell, Jonathan; Ritter, Thea
Ethiopia, the largest wheat producer in sub-Saharan Africa, relies heavily on wheat for both household income and food security. In the Dogoyena district in the southern part of the country, there is significant potential to advance agroecological practices within the wheat value chain. While most smallholders primarily depend on wheat for their livelihoods, many are beginning to diversify their crops as part of broader economic diversification efforts. This shift is occurring despite government initiatives promoting wheat intensification to meet growing national and international demand. Producers Doyogena is a critical project area for the Private Sector Incentives and Investments (PSii) under the TRANSITIONS program due to it has conditions that favor the cultivation of wheat, which is predominantly cultivated by smallholder producers in the district. This study focuses on four wheat clusters in the Dogoyena district: Tumma, Adoye, Selam, and Telle. This study is crucial as it will help identify the most effective incentives and investment opportunities within wheat clusters, considering the social and economic local contexts of the key stakeholders in the Dogoyena district. This report is part of the PSii project and provides an in-depth analysis of three cooperative business models in four wheat clusters, as well as of agroecological practices in Ethiopia. Utilizing focus group discussions and the Business Model Canvas tool, the study offers a comprehensive examination of wheat production strategies and their alignment with sustainable practices. The analysis of farmer cooperatives from four wheat farming clusters (Tumma, Adoye, Selam, and Telle) reveals distinct approaches to wheat production. Amecho Seed Multiplication cooperative (Adoyo cluster) and the Serara producer cooperative (Telle and Tumma cluster) focus on high-quality production and strong customer relationships, investing significantly in labor, inputs, and credit. Angacha producers Cooperative (Selam cluster) integrates resource sharing through partnerships while Serara emphasizes waste reduction and manages costs related to interest rates, storage, and transportation. The findings on agroecological practices show that producers have low engagement in market connectivity and integration, indicating a need for improved market linkages and cooperative development. Knowledge sharing and multi-stakeholder participation are also insufficient, emphasizing the need for better extension services and collaborative learning. Although some agroecological practices are adopted, there is significant potential for improvement in soil health, biodiversity, and fairness in income distribution. Encouraging practices like cover cropping, reduced tillage, and integrated pest management can enhance sustainability and resilience. This report analyzes the opportunities for improvement and appropriate investments and incentives to promote and support the transition towards more sustainable practices in the study area.
CGIAR Research Initiative on Agroecology: Annual Technical Report 2024
(Report, 2025-04) CGIAR Research Initiative on Agroecology
A one health approach to address foodborne diseases in low‑ and middle‑income countries
(Journal Article, 2025-01) Kumar, Praveen; Zhang, Wei
Foodborne diseases (FBDs) are defined as any diseases that result from the ingestion of contaminated or naturally hazardous food [1]. Health outcomes due to FBDs lead to more than 100 million USD of annual preventable economic burden, and over 90% of these economic losses occur in low‑ and middle‑income countries (LMICs) [2]. FBDs disproportionately impact children under 5 years of age. Representing only 9% of the global population, they experience detrimental health outcomes including 38% of all FBD incidence and as much as 30% of premature mortality [3]. Stunting and wasting are pernicious consequences of FBDs among children under 5 years of age. Africa and South‑East Asia have the highest FBD incidence and mortality. Although 41% of the global population are poor, they account for 75% of FBD‑related premature mortality and a 72% loss in global disability‑adjusted life years (DALYs) [3]. In LMICs, FBDs arise primarily owing to the interconnected issues of dwindling animal and plant health, food systems vulnerable to contaminations, and food pathogens and zoonotic threats [1, 2, 4]. There has been a dramatic upsurge in urbanization in LMICs. This trend has accompanied dietary shifts. For example, there is an increase in consumption of animal products (the foods with the highest FBD risk) and intensively managed farming systems. Further, simple food value chains have been supplanted with complex food systems with little traceability. It is now widely acknowledged that human health is intricately linked with animal health, along with our shared ecosystem. The reduction of FBDs, thus, demands a unified framework that pays concurrent attention to the health of humans, animals, and the shared environment. This merits increased attention to adopting a One Health (OH) approach to address FBDs, and by extension, contributing to food security.
Measuring the holistic performance of food and agricultural systems: a systematic review
(Journal Article, 2025-02-25) Crossland, Mary; Coe, Ric; Lamanna, Christine; Chiputwa, Brian; Orero, Levi; Adoyo, Beatrice; Kumar, Sandhya; Mwangi, Victor Mutugi; Anyango, Edith; Fuchs, Lisa Elena; Kuria, Anne; Geck, Matthias
Measuring the performance of food and agricultural systems is critical for their transformation towards a sustainable, healthy, and resilient future. To guide decisions and ensure agrifood systems deliver multiple functions, a holistic systems perspective is needed. Previous reviews of assessment approaches have focused primarily on the farm level and have been limited in their scope and definition of what it means to be holistic. In this review, we describe and evaluate 206 approaches based on four key characteristics of holistic systems assessment: (1) measuring multiple dimensions of performance, (2) integrating multiple stakeholder perspectives, (3) evaluating emergent system properties, and (4) collecting and presenting data in ways which reveal interactions, synergies, and trade-offs, so that they can be understood and considered when designing solutions. We find that there is recognition of the need for holistic assessment and a growing number of assessments are published each year. However, many assessments limit themselves to examining multiple dimensions of performance, neglecting the remaining three key characteristics of holistic assessment. While a systemic perspective is often acknowledged as important, only 14% of assessments considered synergies and trade-offs between metrics and 26% addressed emergent system properties. There is a trend toward more systemic framings such as agroecology and the inclusion of emergent properties. We conclude that there will never be one assessment approach that will work for everyone, can measure everything, and be used everywhere because of the diversity of agrifood systems and assessment objectives. Improving holistic assessment of agrifood systems is not a question of improving existing assessments. The gap to be addressed is the lack of methods for designing effective holistic systems assessments. This gap can be closed by providing clear guidance on how to navigate the abundance of existing approaches and develop assessments that meet specific needs. A meta-framework for guiding the development of holistic systems assessments, proposed in this review, can offer such guidance.
Agroecological insights for Mandla, Madhya Pradesh, India: a contextual analysis for sustainable transformation
(Report, 2024-12-30) Malaiappan, Sudharsan; Krishnan, S.; Gadewar, P.; Sharma, H.; Priyadarshini, P.; Thakur, A.; Ganvir, S.; Acharya, P.; Kumar, Gopal; Shijagurumayum, M. S.; Singh, Sonali; Samaddar, A.; Alvi, Muzna; Borah, Gulshan; Sikka, Alok
This report examines the agroecological, environmental, economic and social dimensions of Mandla district in Madhya Pradesh, India. Agroecological dimensions include recycling, input reduction, soil health, animal health, biodiversity, synergy, economic diversification, co-creation of knowledge, social values and diets, fairness, connectivity, land and natural resource governance, and participation. The report also highlights the challenges and opportunities for sustainable agroecological transformation. Mandla, a tribal dominated district faces challenges such as land degradation, poor soil conditions, poor land productivity, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic disparities. To address these challenges, CGIAR initiative on Agroecology established Agroecological Living Landscapes (ALLs) in Mandla district. The initiative identified key challenges, captured the vision of local communities, assessed existing farming practices, and developed new agroecological practices to address some of the challenges. Local communities recycle resources such as crop residues, animal manure and invasive plant species to prepare compost, farmyard manure and biochar to a limited extent. There is significant increase in synthetic fertilizer use in the last few decades, however some farmers are applying some amount of locally prepared compost, and operating at low input-output conditions, leaving scope of improvement in production with input reduction. The district, predominantly characterized by black cotton soil, faces challenges like soil erosion, low organic content and nutrient deficiencies. Conservation practices such as green manuring, mulching, bunding, silt application, bio-fertilizer, compost application and crop rotation are practiced sporadically to maintain soil health. Cattle and livestock are integral to farming system. Department of Animal Husbandry and local animal health workers are primarily involved in maintaining animal health. Penning, timing open grazing, prohibition of grazing in some areas, and cattle shed flooring are recent introduction for sustainable feeding regimes. The district is rich in natural biodiversity with wide range of flora and fauna, however due to increasing chemical fertilizer use and unsustainable farming practices has led biodiversity loss. Synergy between various faming system, including crop-livestock, agroforestry, NTFP in the landscape need improvement through targeted interventions. Local communities depend on agriculture, NonTimber Forest Products (NTFP), and fisheries for livelihood, contributing to economic diversification, however dwindling natural resources poses risks to the community livelihood. Farmer to farmer interactions, traditional fairs, informal gatherings, seed festivals, farmers field schools, and formal institutions such as NGO’s, government institutions facilitate co-creation of knowledge. Local communities prioritize diverse, nutritious and traditional diets but shrinking production poses a serious threat to dietary diversity. Seasonal festivals and community gatherings also play a key role in maintaining social values and diets. Limited access to resources, market information, transportation, price disparities and monopoly markets are some of the value chain challenges faced by local communities. Community practices such as wage fixing, labour pooling and labour exchange help maintain fairness. However, Connectivity among various food system and value chain actors is weak and need strengthening. Land and natural resource governance is managed by district administration, state forest department, and local communities including gram sabhas and panchayat committees, which usually adhere to traditional tribal practices. Participation of community organizations such as NGO’s, tribal knowledge networks, state agricultural department, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, department of rural development, Farmers producers’ organization, self-help groups, and Joint Forest Management Committee is crucial for agroecological transition. The assessment reveals that while agroecological practices are being practiced in Mandla, they are fragmented and implemented at smaller scale but shows potential for scaling up. National and state policies, including Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, National Rural Livelihood Mission, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, and local NGO’s can play a pivotal role in agroecological transition. Large scale adoption of agroecology can be achieved by establishing multistakeholder platform, farmers networks and knowledge sharing platforms, access to markets and value chains, capacity building programs, infrastructure and policy support, nature-based solutions, financial mechanisms and incentives, participatory research and trail establishment, inclusive governance structures.
Agroecological Performance and Dietary Diversity Dataset: Household-Level Insights Using the TAPE (Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation) Framework and Qualitative 24hr Dietary Recall in Vihiga, Kenya (2023)
(Dataset, 2025) Clotuche, Emeline; Aluso, Lillian Olimba; Wanyama, Rosina Nanjala; Termote, Celine; Akingbemisilu, Tosin Harold
This dataset originates from a study conducted in September 2023 to assess agroecological performance and dietary diversity among farming households in Kenya. The research employed the Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE) - 2022 VERSION, developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), alongside a qualitative 24-hour dietary recall designed by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. The study aimed to characterize agroecological transitions, analyze farm-level biodiversity, and understand household food consumption patterns. The dataset includes information on 239 households, selected using stratified random sampling from 14 sub-locations across five sub-counties. Households were eligible if they had at least one woman aged 15–49 years. The data collection tools captured: i) Agroecological practices across ten dimensions. ii) Dietary diversity and nutritional intake. The principal investigators sought to answer key research questions, including: i) To what extent are households transitioning toward agroecological farming systems? ii) How does agroecological performance correlate with dietary diversity and nutrition? iii) What factors influence household food choices, preparation, and consumption? iv) How do different farming practices impact household resilience and sustainability? This dataset provides qualitative and quantitative insights into the links between agroecology, nutrition, and food security, offering a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners. Methodology: Data collection for this study was conducted in September 2023 across 14 randomly selected sub-locations in five sub-counties in Kenya. A stratified random sampling approach was used to ensure representation across the study area. The sample was drawn from a farmer database provided by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, with households eligible for inclusion if they had at least one woman aged 15–49 years. A total of 240 households were initially surveyed, and after data cleaning, 239 households remained in the final dataset. Two structured tools were used for data collection: The TAPE (Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation) - 2022 VERSION to assess agroecological practices at the household level. This tool combined structured farmer interviews with enumerator observations to evaluate ten dimensions of agroecology, including biodiversity, resilience, efficiency, knowledge-sharing, and social values. The Alliance-developed qualitative 24-hour dietary recall, which collected detailed information on all foods and beverages consumed by household members in the previous day, capturing ingredients, sources, preparation methods, and consumption locations to provide a nuanced understanding of dietary diversity. Data was collected digitally using XLSForms and deployed on two platforms: KoBoToolBox for the TAPE survey. FormShare for the qualitative 24-hour dietary recall. Five enumerators underwent a four-day training and pre-testing to ensure data accuracy and reliability. Each interview lasted approximately two hours per household. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation of Kenya (NACOSTI License No: NACOSTI/P/23/28607). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. As a token of appreciation, households received small packets of sugar and tea leaves. Data processing was conducted in R software, with agroecological transition scores computed using TAPE GitHub guidelines (tape_calculator).
Site stakeholder workshops report for Mbire and Murehwa
(Report, 2022) Chiduwa, Mazvita S.; Marenya, Paswel; Ngoma, Hambulo; Chimonyo, Vimbayi G.P.
Food systems accelerator report: Strengthening smallholder sorghum contract farming business model in Mbire District
(Report, 2024) Mugabe, Mike
National policy stakeholder workshop synthesis report - Zimbabwe
(Report, 2023) Chuma, Edward; Ngoma, Hambulo; Chiduwa, Mazvita S.; Marenya, Paswel
Over the past two decades, the world and Africa have seen a change in climatic conditions as a result of climate change, which has resulted in droughts, floods, biodiversity loss and other climate-induced shocks. This, in turn, has impacted agricultural production, further plunging over 400 million people in sub-Saharan Africa in poverty and over 200 million in hunger. The vagaries of climate change have been particularly felt in Zimbabwe, where, on average, the country experiences three drought seasons every five years. The Government of Zimbabwe has taken a policy position to adopt Agroecology and other climate-smart agriculture practices as an adaptation and mitigation strategy to cope with climate change. CIMMYT, a member of the CGIAR research group, has been implementing Agroecology projects in Zimbabwe in districts such as Murehwa and Mbire, recognising stated government-stated policy priorities. A national Agroecology Stakeholder Policy Consultations was convened to analyse the potential for agroecological transition from a policy perspective and to understand how best Agroecology principles can be mainstreamed into policy processes at the national level. The specific objectives were to: • Validate key policies, institutional arrangements, and strategies for agroecological transition and mainstreaming of Agroecology principles (scaling up). • Validate identified key policy stakeholders for agroecological transition and mainstreaming of agroecological principles at the national level informed by specific experiences in Mbire and Murehwa Districts. • Map out a preliminary policy stakeholders’ interest-influence matrix. Identify policy recommendation areas for agroecological transition and mainstreaming of agroecological principles. After an interactive setting-the-scene process, three input presentations were made, followed by a process where workshop participants identified key policies, institutional arrangements, and strategies for agroecological transition and mainstreaming of Agroecology principles (scaling up) in the Zimbabwe context. They also identified all the key policy stakeholders and developed interest-influence stakeholder matrices in three groups. The analysis of the stakeholder matrices resulted in recommendations for managing the stakeholders and for agroecological transition and mainstreaming of agroecological principles.
Food systems accelerator report: Strengthening resilient Sasso poultry business enterprises in Murehwa District, Zimbabwe
(Report, 2024) Norton, Alan
Synthesis report 2024 on co-designing agroecology innovations for Lao PDR
(Report, 2024-12-30) Smith, B.; Douangsavanh, Somphasith; Dubois, Mark
The agroecology living landscape (ALL) in Attapeu province, Lao PDR, represents a significant initiative aimed at promoting agroecological transitions through innovative water management, crop diversification, and community-driven practices. Situated in the southern part of Laos, Attapeu is characterised by a diverse landscape, whose population is primarily engaged in subsistence farming. This report explores the implementation of key agroecological practices within two primary sites in the province: Ban Inthee and Nong Lom. In 2023, six key initiatives were identified that could support both environmental and socioeconomic sustainability in the region: i) solar powered groundwater pumping; ii) ricefish systems; iii) organic red-rice cultivation, iv) wetlands management; v) soil improvement, and vi) gender action learning. This report details the methods used to implement these initiatives, highlighting the importance of participatory approaches and collaboration with local communities. The report then evaluates the results of these initiatives, and their contribution to key agroecological principles including diversity, efficiency, resilience, and cultural relevance. The outcomes demonstrated positive environmental impacts, including improved soil health, enhanced biodiversity, and more efficient use of water resources. Socially, the initiatives empowered women and fostered inclusive decision-making, while economically, they contributed to food security and diverse livelihoods. The report concludes with recommendations for scaling up these practices, emphasising the need for infrastructure investment, capacity building, and long-term monitoring to ensure sustainability.

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