CASO
Unlocking the potential for agroecology: grassroots evidence for agroecology innovations in the Savannah and transition zone of Ghana
Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Organizational Development (CIKOD), 2024
Idiomas
English
Etiquetas
Agroecology, Transformation, Soil management, Soil health, Ecosystem restoration, Biodiversity, Community resilience, Food security, Environmental justice
Países cubiertos
Ghana
Zona geográfica
Savannah and Transition ecological zone

Productos de comunicación

Productos de comunicación desarrollados para presentar el caso al público destinatario. Puede tratarse de vídeos, presentaciones, documentos u otros formatos pertinentes.

Video documentary
Microsoft word version of the policy brief

DETALLES DEL CASO

DECLARACIÓN

Agroecological techniques such as soil management practices, pest control methods, animal integrations, and composting, demonstrate practical applications of agroecology and highlight how these practices contribute to enhancing soil health, reducing reliance on synthetic inputs, and emphasize agroecology's potential to restore ecosystems and enhance biodiversity. If famers, farming communities, consumers, policymakers and other actors within the food system shift towards an agroecological approach they will build healthy, resilient and sustainable food systems.

PÚBLICO META

  • Policymakers and governments.
  • Consumers, and food systems stakeholders.
  • General agricultural community, farmers and farming communities.
  • NGOs and development agencies.

Prioridades y valores del público meta

Policymakers and governments


  • Priorities: Economic growth, food security, sustainable development, social equity.


Consumers and food systems stakeholders


  • Priorities: Health, environmental sustainability, ethical consumption, food quality.


General agricultural community, farmers, and farming communities


  • Priorities: Productivity, farm sustainability, resource efficiency, community resilience.


NGOs and development agencies


  • Priorities: Sustainable development, poverty alleviation, empowerment, environmental protection.

FORMULACIÓN DEL ARGUMENTO

Showcasing testimonies/success stories of Innovative agroecological techniques:

We showcase the testimonies, and success stories of the practices and applications of agroecology in enhancing soil health, reducing reliance on synthetic inputs and cost, and restoring ecosystems while enhancing biodiversity. This directly relates to the evidence of research, studies, and case studies comparing environmental and agronomic outcomes of agroecological farming practices versus conventional methods, as well as showcasing innovative agroecological techniques such as soil amendment practices and natural pest control methods.


1. Policymakers and governments


Framing:

  • Economic benefits: We highlight how agroecology can reduce costs associated with synthetic inputs, improve food security, and create resilient agricultural systems that contribute to economic stability.


Consumers and food systems stakeholders


Framing:

  • Health and nutrition:  We focus on how agroecological products are healthier and free from harmful chemicals.
  • Environmental impact: We emphasize the environmental benefits of supporting agroecological practices, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land use.
  • Ethical consumption: We appeal to consumers’ values by highlighting the ethical implications of their choices supporting smallholder farmers, promoting gender equity, and preserving traditional food systems.


General agricultural community, farmers, and farming communities


Framing:

  • Practical solutions: We present agroecology as a set of practical, field-tested methods that can enhance productivity, improve soil health, and reduce reliance on expensive synthetic inputs.
  • Community and economic resilience: We showcase how agroecological practices can build stronger, more resilient communities by diversifying income streams, preserving local knowledge, and fostering cooperation.
  • Long-term viability: We emphasize the sustainability and long-term benefits of agroecology, including its potential to increase resilience to climate change and market volatility.


NGOs and development agencies


Framing:

  • Impact on poverty and empowerment: We highlight how agroecology can lift communities out of poverty by increasing yields, improving market access, and empowering women through economic opportunities and decision-making roles.
  • Scalability and replicability: We frame agroecology as a scalable and replicable model for sustainable development, with proven success in diverse contexts.
  • Environmental and social synergy: We emphasize the synergy between environmental sustainability and social justice, showing how agroecology can address both ecological and social issues simultaneously. 

ESTRATEGIA

 1. Comparison-based argument 


Strategy: 
We compare agroecological practices with conventional agricultural methods to highlight the benefits and advantages of agroecology. 


Approach:  

  • Cost-effectiveness: We highlight testimonies of how agroecology reduces dependency on costly synthetic inputs, leading to greater financial stability for farmers. 
  • Ecosystem restoration: Contrast the impact of conventional agriculture on ecosystems with the restorative potential of agroecology.


2. Value and rights-based argument 


Strategy:
 We base our argument on fundamental values and rights, such as the right to food, gender equality, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation. 


Approach:

  • Environmental justice: We emphasise the ethical responsibility to protect the environment for current and future generations, with agroecology as a means to achieve this. 
  • Cultural rights:  we advocate for the preservation of traditional knowledge and practices as part of cultural rights, with agroecology serving as a vehicle for safeguarding cultural heritage.


3. Evidence-based argument


Strategy: 
Use data and case studies to build a strong evidence-based case for agroecology. 


Approach:

  •  Case studies: We use real-world examples and success stories from farmers who have successfully implemented agroecological practices to illustrate the tangible benefits.
  •  Comparative analysis: Provide  comparisons between agroecological and conventional methods, focusing on long-term sustainability, economic viability, and social outcomes. 


4. Narrative and storytelling-based argument


Strategy:
 We use storytelling to connect with our audience emotionally and make the case for agroecology more relatable and compelling.


Approach:

  • Personal stories:  we share the experiences of individual farmers who have benefited from agroecology, focusing on their journey, challenges, and successes.
  •  Future vision:  we paint a picture of a future where agroecology has led to sustainable, thriving communities, inviting the audience to be part of this vision.

LLAMADAS A LA ACCIÓN

  • Policymakers and governments: Implement and support policies that prioritize agroecological practices to enhance sustainable agriculture, restore ecosystems, and promote gender equity in farming communities. Advocate for funding and resources to scale these practices nationwide.


  • Consumers and food systems stakeholders: Choose and support products from agroecological farms and chemical-free, empower women and sustain local food systems. 


  • General agricultural community, farmers, and farming communities: Adopt and share agroecological practices to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and reduce dependency on synthetic inputs. Join networks that support innovative farming techniques and gender-inclusive approaches to build resilient and sustainable farms.


  • NGOs and development agencies: Support and fund initiatives that promote agroecology, empower women farmers, and protect local food systems. Collaborate with farmers and communities to implement scalable, sustainable solutions that restore ecosystems and enhance livelihoods. 

AFIRMACIONES Y EVIDENCIAS

Esta sección contiene cada una de las afirmaciones hechas por el caso, junto con las pruebas aportadas para demostrar dicha afirmación. Las pruebas pueden ser de primera o segunda mano, incluir cualquier combinación de datos cualitativos y cuantitativos y proceder de diversas fuentes.

Agroecology improves soil health, reduces reliance on synthetic inputs, restores ecosystems, and enhances biodiversity.
EVIDENCIA
  • Field data on soil improvement techniques like composting, crop rotation, and natural pest control used by farmers. 
  • Evidence of increased biodiversity (insects, plants) and restored ecosystems in areas using agroecological methods.
  • Comparisons of input use (fertilizers, pesticides) between conventional and agroecological practices. 
Fuentes
Case studies from a policy brief and farmers' testimonies from a video.
Ver sección productos de comunicación para detalles de la fuente.
Agroecological techniques contribute to resilient and sustainable farming systems.
EVIDENCIA
  • Examples of successful integration of agroecological practices such as animal integration, composting, and natural pest management in farming. 
  • Farmers' feedback and documentation of how these techniques have reduced vulnerability to climate change and economic shocks. 
Fuentes
Case studies from a policy brief and farmers' testimonies from a video.
Ver sección productos de comunicación para detalles de la fuente.

OTROS DATOS

Fotos

Local production of biochar fertiliser

Local production of biochar fertiliser

Guineafowls in the farm: a source fo protein, income diversification, pest control and a source of manure!

Guineafowls in the farm: a source fo protein, income diversification, pest control and a source of manure!

Improved storage of crops developed using local knowledge

Improved storage of crops developed using local knowledge

Integration of beekeeping and protecting other pollinators as a component of an improved system

Integration of beekeeping and protecting other pollinators as a component of an improved system

Use and conservation of locally adapted varieties of cassava as a component of agroecological approaches

Use and conservation of locally adapted varieties of cassava as a component of agroecological approaches

Organización líder

lead-org-logo
Nombre
Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Organizational Development (CIKOD)
Contacto:
Kafui Mensah | mkafui@cikodgh.com