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.
