Periodic Reporting for period 1 - CANALLS (Driving agroecological transitions in the humid tropics of Central and Eastern Africa through traNsdisciplinary Agroecology Living LabS (CANALLS))
Période du rapport: 2023-01-01 au 2024-06-30
The humid tropics of Central and Eastern Africa hold much promise for enhancing food and nutritional security within and beyond Africa. With a rich variety of agroecological zones and diverse farming systems, the humid tropics are home for a great part of the regional rural population with large diversity of living organisms, offering vital ecosystem services and potential for sustainable development. Still, if we are to tap into this potential, we need to address the complex environmental, social and economic challenges this region faces, in cases exacerbated by conflict and high vulnerability.
The overall objective of CANALLS project is to drive agroecological transitions in the humid tropics of Central and Eastern Africa via multi-actor transdisciplinary Agroecology Living Labs (ALLs). We start with eight ALLs in DR Congo, Burundi, Cameroon and Rwanda, working alongside and enabling over 20,000 farmers and value chain actors. Together, we co-create optimal combinations of agroecological practices focusing on crops vital for subsistence and economic development (cocoa, coffee, cassava, rice, maize). In parallel, we engage in multi-actor collaboration and policy dialogues with rural communities, advisory services and governments throughout the project and its activities to develop practical tools and evaluate the socio-economic and environmental performance of the agroecological practices tested in our ALLs. Ultimately, we aim to employ the evidence generated through our activities and build capacity for agroecological farming practices in Africa and beyond, share good practices to increase successful replication, as well as, deliver sustainable business models for our focal crops, facilitating access to local and international markets and ultimately support financially the involved rural communities.
The overall objective of CANALLS project is to drive agroecological transitions in the humid tropics of Central and Eastern Africa via multi-actor transdisciplinary Agroecology Living Labs (ALLs). We start with eight ALLs in DR Congo, Burundi, Cameroon and Rwanda, working alongside and enabling over 20,000 farmers and value chain actors. Together, we co-create optimal combinations of agroecological practices focusing on crops vital for subsistence and economic development (cocoa, coffee, cassava, rice, maize). In parallel, we engage in multi-actor collaboration and policy dialogues with rural communities, advisory services and governments throughout the project and its activities to develop practical tools and evaluate the socio-economic and environmental performance of the agroecological practices tested in our ALLs. Ultimately, we aim to employ the evidence generated through our activities and build capacity for agroecological farming practices in Africa and beyond, share good practices to increase successful replication, as well as, deliver sustainable business models for our focal crops, facilitating access to local and international markets and ultimately support financially the involved rural communities.
To understand the context for our rural communities, the CANALLS project conducted a thorough analysis of needs, settings, and practices in our ALLs. This also included mapping of the food systems, value chains, and markets for agroecological products. Our analysis was informed by a literature review complemented by targeted surveys with local communities. These surveys involved focus group discussions, household surveys, and interviews with traders and decision-makers. The findings provided valuable insights into the biophysical characteristics of existing farming systems, the socio-economic conditions of our focal rural communities, indigenous knowledge and practices, the value chains and markets for coffee, cocoa, cassava, rice, and maize. In parallel, we examined policies, systemic factors, trade-offs, and synergies related to transitioning to agroecological farming through interviews and focus group discussions with policymakers and local decision makers in our four target countries.
The final step in our analysis involved evaluating available support services in these countries using the Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems (AKIS) framework. The knowledge generated from this analysis has informed our current activities and will continue to guide future planned activities in the project.
Concurrently, we developed an operational plan for our ALLs to guide their establishment and the formation of their multi-actor communities. This plan outlines the steps needed to set up an ALL and includes a monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure successful activity implementation. Agroecology training sessions were conducted at each ALL, and the multi-actor communities were established following a thorough selection process. The ALLs are now prepared to implement the agroecological practices (AEPs) chosen for each site, based on the co-creation process and methodology we developed.
In the phase of developing methodologies and tools to support the transition to agroecological farming practices, we began with a literature review of existing methods for co-creating optimal AEPs and assessment tools for agricultural and agroecological sustainability. This review established the baseline for co-developing methodologies, means, and tools to facilitate agroecological transitions. An initial version of a methodology for co-creating optimal agroecological combinations was created, and applied in our ALLs to select the first AEPs to test. Our review of agroecological sustainability assessment tools led to the selection of the Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE) as the most suitable for the CANALLS project. We have made necessary modifications to TAPE to meet our specific needs. In parallel, we are developing the first version of our Decision Support Tools (DSTs) based on discussions and feedback from expert workshops and the CANALLS Advisory Board.
Throughout the project, a series of management and coordination as well as dissemination activities have been completed highlighting the progress and activities of the CANALLS project.
The final step in our analysis involved evaluating available support services in these countries using the Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems (AKIS) framework. The knowledge generated from this analysis has informed our current activities and will continue to guide future planned activities in the project.
Concurrently, we developed an operational plan for our ALLs to guide their establishment and the formation of their multi-actor communities. This plan outlines the steps needed to set up an ALL and includes a monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure successful activity implementation. Agroecology training sessions were conducted at each ALL, and the multi-actor communities were established following a thorough selection process. The ALLs are now prepared to implement the agroecological practices (AEPs) chosen for each site, based on the co-creation process and methodology we developed.
In the phase of developing methodologies and tools to support the transition to agroecological farming practices, we began with a literature review of existing methods for co-creating optimal AEPs and assessment tools for agricultural and agroecological sustainability. This review established the baseline for co-developing methodologies, means, and tools to facilitate agroecological transitions. An initial version of a methodology for co-creating optimal agroecological combinations was created, and applied in our ALLs to select the first AEPs to test. Our review of agroecological sustainability assessment tools led to the selection of the Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE) as the most suitable for the CANALLS project. We have made necessary modifications to TAPE to meet our specific needs. In parallel, we are developing the first version of our Decision Support Tools (DSTs) based on discussions and feedback from expert workshops and the CANALLS Advisory Board.
Throughout the project, a series of management and coordination as well as dissemination activities have been completed highlighting the progress and activities of the CANALLS project.
The activities completed so far in the CANALLS project, including background research on the specific farming systems and the co-creation methodology, have enabled us to identify initial optimal combinations of AEPs. Our approach examines the interactions between agricultural practices and ecological processes to assess their impact on farm productivity and environmental impact across various farming systems and agroecological zones in Africa.
By applying AEPs suited to local environments, we enhance the resilience of rural communities, support sustainable development, and ensure the financial viability of the value chain actors involved. Our assessment methodology, based on the Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE), provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating AEPs through a novel participatory approach, leading to more effective implementation. Additionally, our Decision Support Tools (DSTs) will assist farm advisors in facilitating agroecological transitions, supporting the adoption of agroecology, and offering the necessary services and tools for a successful shift to agroecological farming methods.
The establishment of our Agroecology Living Labs (ALLs) and their networks will deepen our understanding and experience in co-creation as we actively involve local communities in the ALLs activities. This engagement will foster knowledge sharing through our ALLs, building capacity and promoting wider adoption of AEPs. Our approach has significant potential to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities concerning the agroecosystems, socio-economic development, and sustainable quality of life.
By applying AEPs suited to local environments, we enhance the resilience of rural communities, support sustainable development, and ensure the financial viability of the value chain actors involved. Our assessment methodology, based on the Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE), provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating AEPs through a novel participatory approach, leading to more effective implementation. Additionally, our Decision Support Tools (DSTs) will assist farm advisors in facilitating agroecological transitions, supporting the adoption of agroecology, and offering the necessary services and tools for a successful shift to agroecological farming methods.
The establishment of our Agroecology Living Labs (ALLs) and their networks will deepen our understanding and experience in co-creation as we actively involve local communities in the ALLs activities. This engagement will foster knowledge sharing through our ALLs, building capacity and promoting wider adoption of AEPs. Our approach has significant potential to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities concerning the agroecosystems, socio-economic development, and sustainable quality of life.