Revenue diversification pathways in Africa through bio-based and circular agricultural innovations

Project Information

DIVAGRI

Grant agreement ID: 101000348

DOI

10.3030/101000348

Project closed

EC signature date 6 May 2021

Start date 1 June 2021

End date 30 November 2025

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy

Total cost

€ 8 994 693,75

EU contribution

€ 8 994 693,75

Coordinated by

HOCHSCHULE WISMAR
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - DIVAGRI (Revenue diversification pathways in Africa through bio-based and circular agricultural innovations)

Reporting period: 2022-12-01 to 2024-05-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Global problems today relate to poverty, food security climate change, energy, and economic prospects. Sub-Saharan Africa is especially vulnerable: Agriculture is a key economic sector in all five participating countries. Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa, and Ghana all have large rural populations in drought prone areas where climate change is threatening livelihoods. Smallholders are responsible for most of the food produced in these countries, with the exception of South Africa. Hence, policy priorities include changing climatic and economic trends. However, governments struggle to create an enabling environment for a sustainable, growing agricultural sector. Production on the continent is well below potential and generally unsustainable.in addition, natural resources are in a poor state and land degradation is significant. To address the plight of smallholders and secure economic growth in an environment is vital. As global economic history shows, agricultural development is the foundation of economic growth, improved wellbeing and livelihoods.
Addressing these realities, DIVAGRI is introducing seven innovative technologies and practices, adapted with local communities to create sustainable revenue generating enterprises. The project, based on the concept of circular agriculture, proposes integrated innovative solutions (bio-based technologies) adapted to local conditions. DIVAGRI aims to support ecosystem restoration in combination with crop diversification in regenerative systems, exploring value chain opportunities with communities. Biotechnologies co-developed with smallholders at 12 pilot and 15 demonstration sites across the continent include a desalination greenhouse, artificial wetland, biogas digester, biochar kiln, a subsurface irrigation system, mobile biorefinery and intercropping. Collectively these reduce energy and input requirements, utilise waste and add value. In addition, co-development of business models enables smallholders to increase revenue and generate new opportunities while safeguarding food security and sustainability. The focus is on primary production and bio-based industries, promoting partnerships across value chains. Characterised by efficient resource use and waste utilisation, DIVAGRI contributes to the EU priority of transition towards circular agriculture and bioeconomy.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The team collectively compiled guidelines for farmer and stakeholder engagement that include survey tools. Communities of Practice (CoP’s) that facilitate partnership and mutual learning, were established at demonstration sites. 130 farmers are now CoP members engaging with the technologies. Learning Platform Alliances (LPA’s), with stakeholders in the same areas are being established. A secondary data report provides information on the agro-ecological and socio-economic situation at these sites. A knowledge bank of biorefinery best practice covers products from ten selected crops, highlighting barriers to valorisation of products. The first round of farmer engagement resulted in a baseline from which to monitor progress over the project lifetime. It established the agronomic, environmental, economic, and social realities at demo sites, exposing the team to realities on site, setting the scene for sustainable development. Data is captured in a structured database that is regularly updated, accessible to all partners.
A cross-country report describes dominant value chains and stakeholders, in the light of bio-based technology integration, as well as strategies and business models along these chains. It considers biobased technology optimisation, informing business development and skills development. It indicates that water scarcity and soil fertility loss are common and that bioeconomy concepts are in their infancy. Most farmers utilise tribal land. Equipment is a limitation and cultivation of 0.15 - 5 hectares is mostly manual. Limitations include access to inputs, capital, markets, and infrastructure. The report also describes agricultural policy in the five countries, including bioeconomy incentives and business models. The report also includes a SWOT assessment of the bio-based technologies informed by a workshop with all team members.
Seven technologies and associated prototypes have been developed and feasibility studies executed. For example, an intercropping design is being established on pilot sites, integrating high value crops to improve diversity, soil health and revenue. Water saving technologies such as artificial wetlands and a sub-surface clay-based irrigation system have already caught the attention of farmers in the co-design phase. The desalination greenhouses have been launched, targeting local salt-tolerant plant species, in collaboration with local businesses. Valorisation of residue from intercropping and diversified cropping into biochar, biogas and high value chemicals has been tested. All seven bio-based technologies will be installed at all pilot sites within the next few months.
A sustainability framework (survey tool) has been developed, to monitor the impact of DIVAGRI interventions. Questions for CoP’s will monitor sustainability at farm level, whilst LPA’s will monitor at a systemic level. Gender and youth involvement is dealt with via a dedicated board selected from project partners.
The DIVAGRI project was introduced at various conferences, workshops, teaching events, news platforms and stakeholder events. Dissemination of the general DIVAGRI concept is ongoing.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Work done thus far ensures that technology development and transfer are needs-based and locally embedded, enhancing adoption. Community engagement and collected data indicates that agribusiness development will be crucial in empowering smallholders. Many BBT solutions have potential, but challenges relate to economies of scale, investment required, resource availability and political support. A form of collective action might be explored in mitigation.
Potential biorefinery output is unexplored across countries, as are markets for biochar and biogas. Policy incentives driving agricultural waste utilisation, are limited. Bioeconomy concepts are emerging. A circular agriculture messaging focus will be vital going forward in the project.
By applying the technologies, DIVAGRI should enable smallholders to irrigate more land and increase yields, through expanded land as well as more efficient, sustainable resource use. The project aims to double irrigated land in targeted areas, which should increase yield by more than 200%, with corresponding increases in revenue. Successful dissemination through the CoP’s will add to this and sustainability increases, which should enhance the soil nutrient and productivity status. Two new value chains can be created in each participating country, implying 10 value chains in total. This should double to 20 within 5 years, whilst further diversification could result in further duplication.
By increasing technological knowledge, access to sustainable inputs, value chain integration and diversification, DIVAGRI farmers and ultimately those near the sites, should experience a positive impact from the project. These actions, in the longer term, should address most of the SDG’, strengthen EU-Africa cooperation and impact positively on EU strategies.

DIVAGRI Logo

DIVAGRI concept and solutions