Agroecology
Farming with nature to strengthen livelihoods
Across East Africa, we work alongside smallholder farmers, upskilling them in sustainable agriculture techniques, to restore soil health, grow diverse crops and build long-term resilience in the face of climate change.
Through our Agroecological Climate Positive Approach (ACPA), farming systems become less dependent on expensive and harmful external inputs like agrochemicals and synthetic fertilisers. As a result, land becomes more productive and climate-resilient, strengthening families and local food systems.
Speciose, project participant in Rwanda
What is agroecology?
Agroecology is a way of farming that works in harmony with nature. Practices such as the use of compost and organic matter help build healthy soils by recycling nutrients. It encourages plant and animal diversity, protects the environment, and values farmers’ knowledge. It also strengthens farmers’ participation in managing their farming systems.
It goes beyond typical “nature-based solutions” by looking at the whole farming system - soil, crops, livestock, nutrition and local markets, and how they interact.
Agroecology recognises that farming, climate resilience and community wellbeing are deeply connected.
How we promote resilience through agroecology practices
We work with smallholder farmers to strengthen food systems suited to local environments.
Agroecology promotes biodiversity and climate resilience
All land including small plots of land, despite their size, can be rich in biodiversity and enough to strengthen families’ livelihoods. They don’t necessarily need more land to thrive, but knowledge in how to manage farm resources such as crops, soil, water and livestock sustainably.
Biodiverse farms become more resilient to harsh climates like drought and heavy rain – soil will hold up better in climate crises and recover faster. While some crops may be impacted, others survive. Instead of relying on a whole field of maize lost to drought, farmers will have hardy crops to fall back on.
Our practical training in agroecology practices is designed to improve farm biodiversity, productivity and overall climate resilience, and includes:
- Growing techniques suited to each farm’s location
- Making nutrient-rich compost from animal manure and plant waste
- Boosting soil fertility and water retention with compost and mulch
- Biological pest and weed control – read about push pull
- Agroforestry incorporating multi-purpose trees into farms
- Improved animal management for better welfare, and higher yields from fewer animals
Our impact
To see the latest results from our work, including progress in sustainable agriculture and the environment - visit our Our Impact page.
Support our agroecology work
Your support helps farming families learn sustainable practices that protect their land, improve food security and strengthen livelihoods.
Through the Farming for the Future Fund, you can help communities across East Africa adopt agroecological farming and strengthen their climate resilience.
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