Sustainable agriculture

Name: Ripple Effect
Price range: $

Expensive fertilisers and pesticides are damaging for the environment, and smallholder farmers can’t afford them. Our approach is different.

We start with:

1. Farms as holistic systems: working with what farmers have, as well as what they need. Building an understanding that everything is interconnected.

What’s different about a farm systems approach?

2. Our Agroecological and Climate Positive Approach (ACPA): low-input and productive, and supporting the environment.

What is agroecology?

“Every week I am inspired by the thirst for knowledge amongst the farmers we work with. Once we show them that change IS possible they are eager to learn new ways of working, and to share their experience with others .”

Meshark Sikuku

Farm Systems and Sustainability Coordinator

Listen to Meshark’s podcast with Regenagri on the community benefits of regenerative agriculture:

How sustainable agriculture has worked for the Mukasibo family

Before the Mukasibo family started working with Ripple Effect in Girinka, Rwanda, they did not have enough food, their small house was dilapidated, the children didn’t go to school, and arguments were common.

By the end of the 3-year project, the family had:

income from surplus crops to pay for school fees and medical insurance
improved their home
rented more farmland
occasional employment for both parents as trainers to other farmers.

They plan to buy the land they rent, with their savings from produce and selling goats.

Mr and Mrs Mukasibo show Meshark Sikuku their produce

Global warming +2%

-10% crop yields in sub-Saharan Africa

87% of farmers working with Ripple Effect are confident their land can provide all their food

How our work takes action on the climate crisis

Livestock: valuable nutrition + soil-enriching manure, OR a threat to global warming?

We have 30+ years’ experience in integrated animal management.

How livestock has a positive impact in smallholder farm systems

How we’ll reach more farmers

Our programmes have reached 1.2 million people. We aim to extend our training and skills to 5 million more by 2030.

Farmers training other farmers will help us to get there.

How we’re helping farmers to support the environment by farming without chemicals

Innovative biological pest and weed control.

Find out more

Where do we stand on pesticides, GM seeds, food security and long supply chains?

Read our position statement on sustainable agriculture

Read now

Want to hear good news stories from Africa, get involved in fantastic fundraising and be part of exciting events? Fill out your details below and we will keep you updated by email.