Periodic Reporting for period 1 - DIVAGRI (Revenue diversification pathways in Africa through bio-based and circular agricultural innovations)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2021-06-01 do 2022-11-30
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.
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.
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.