Periodic Reporting for period 1 - URBANE (One Health approaches to support agroecological transformation of peri-urban farming)
Berichtszeitraum: 2022-07-01 bis 2023-12-31
For rural farmers, migration to urban centers is especially pronounced in Western Africa leading to what is experienced as a rise in peri-urban agriculture. This move has benefits in economic factors for the farmers, addresses the reluctancy of younger population settling in rural areas and helps with augmenting income in LIMCs. However, this subsequent intensification of food systems raises concerns about zoonotic diseases, sanitation issues, local environmental degradation, and antimicrobial resistance linked to health risks during the transition from subsistence to market-oriented production. URBANE adopts a One Health approach and it is designed to promote sustainable practices that can tackle the challenges with intensified peri-urban farming. These sustainable practices consider the principles of agroecology, assisted also with employment of user-friendly tools and methods to measure progress and assess the impact of the agroecological transition in farming. The URBANE approach is showcased in six Africa-based case studies with the potential for transferability to other regions. Finally, URBANE will develop new or adapted business models for the six case studies, serving as exemplary models that can be replicated with suitable local adjustments informed by regional specifics
In the first period (M1-M18) the work focused on identification of groups of direct and indirect stakeholders, requirements’ collection for the technologies and case studies, selection of the pilot sites (18 in total) and redesign of the six case studies. Progress was made in the identification, distribution of main insect pests and vector-borne plant diseases, and weather stations have been delivered to the CS to assist with climate monitoring and types of analysis for characterizing the biodiversity of microbial population in soil and water, have been decided. A native probiotic strain library was compiled and work for the characterization of the synbiotic mixes was initiated. Synbiotic trials are underway, to enhance animal health, crop growth & nutrient density as well as use as a biopesticide for fonio plants and functional feed for fish. The novel technologies in URBANE have undergone upscaling during this first period, development of the SWINOSTICS device and the smart traps has progressed, while measurements for calibration for the portable spectrometers have been underway in Senegal, Nigeria, Benin and Morocco Gateways to connect the smart (IoT) devices have been delivered to all the case studies and connection protocols have been established. Designs of the two DSSs have been created and backend development is progressing. Additionally, the local genetic resources (livestock, crops and fish) have been listed and the combinations of agroecological practices have been for case study deployment have been designed. Initial sampling began in all case studies following the established study protocol. Identification of the current farming practices in Western Africa have been running in parallel to the design of alternative business models guided by sustainable changes in the farming sector.
The project adopts the One Health approach, rooted in agroecology principles. Its primary focus is on the transformation of the agricultural sector, particularly emphasizing peri-urban farming. This type of farming, still in the early intensification stage in many African regions and continually expanding in Europe, is a pivotal aspect for URBANE. The initiative firmly believes that the agroecological transition should encompass all types of agricultural systems, ensuring benefits for producers, consumers, and the overall well-being of the planet. By applying agroecology, URBANE aims to enhance ecosystem, animal, and human health holistically, fostering improvements in the health of humans, non-human animals, and the broader ecosystem. URBANE is dedicated to supporting the agroecological transition of peri-urban farming by collaborating closely with local farmers. This involves providing assistance through innovative technological tools, implementing suitable policies, and introducing new business models tailored to the specific contexts of the regions involved. Through these comprehensive efforts, URBANE seeks to contribute to the sustainable advancement of peri-urban farming while considering the well-being of the environment and all stakeholders involved.