A&FS Newsletter - April 2025
The newsletter of the SDC Agriculture & Food Systems Network provides you with the latest news on projects, publications and events related to food systems and submitted by network members. It also informs about A&FS Network activities and portrays network members.
Editorial
Dear readers,
To state the obvious, we published our last newsletter in a rather different world. 2025 has come with many new challenges. The sands have been shifting under the stage of international cooperation, old certainties are gone, as are once dependable partners, and fungible resources are in steep decline, while the many planetary challenges that we face have continued to grow. Aid agencies on the front line are on the backfoot everywhere. There is no sugarcoating that a rational look to the future provides a lot of reason for concern.
That said, we should not close our eyes to the many good things that are also happening. In the leading feature, we see how the Increasing Market Employability Programme is contributing to improved sustainable livelihoods, while in our following two articles Daniel Valenghi argues that there is still everything to play for in our quest to ending hunger and Carin Smaller, in pursuit of the same goal, charts the connection between evidence and smart policy decisions. Demonstrating the credibility of his statement are Stefan Häderli, Mohammed Salem, Angela Kateka, Ema Jakimovska, Emmanuel Mutendela and Tchegoun Koba, who in a firework of innovation are showing how food security can be enhanced bit by bit through the likes of caterpillar breeding or potatoes, organic turnips can be turned to health promotion, and peanut butter and hydroponics can transform livelihoods. Then we have Clémont Jous, Francesco Ajena, Ingrid Keller and Setha Rath presenting initiatives covering transformative agroecology in Chad, the link between RAS and nutrition in Indonesia and the impact of training on Conservation Agriculture adoption in Cambodia. Also don’t forget the list of exciting news items that follow.
Last and certainly not least, I also have the pleasure to introduce our new academic Charline Pasche who joined us in February and has undertaken much to compile this newsletter. She will also be editing the upcoming newsletters into 2026. Meet Charline in the who-is-who rubric at the end of this edition.
So closing on this somewhat more upbeat note, I hope you will be lifted by the many contributions of our network members, and be inspired and encouraged by their positive energy to keep changing our world for the better throughout the remainder of 2025, come what may.
Senior Policy Advisor Agriculture and Food Systems (A&FS) / Focal Point A&FS Network
bruce.campbell@eda.admin.ch
Feature
Revitalizing Pomegranate Production in North Macedonia
The region of Valandovo in North Macedonia stands out as a prime location for cultivating pomegranates, olives, and persimmons, thanks to its unique climate and fertile soil conditions. The area benefits from a plentiful water supply from nearby rivers and irrigation systems, ensuring consistent hydration for the crops. These natural advantages, combined with the expertise of local farmers, have made Valandovo a key area for pomegranate cultivation in North Macedonia.
Members' Articles - Positive Inspiration
Ending Hunger is Possible
Solutions for ending hunger were discussed and showcased at the World Without Hunger Conference in Addis Ababa, mentioning that it is possible with concerted action among all partners and especially the contribution of the private sector. Please, read more about possible solutions and what needs to be done.
Hesat2030: Delivering Results in 2025
Hesat2030 seeks to end hunger while also addressing malnutrition, inequity and climate change. It is charting a course for policymakers and donor agencies to make high-impact decisions and investments driven by data. To this aim, they offer evidence-based research, new tools and collective action.
Members' Articles - Success Stories
Enhancing Food Security Through Caterpillar Breeding
The Salvation Army, in partnership with the Congolese NGO “Songa nzila” has launched an innovative caterpillar breeding project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This initiative aims to enhance food security by providing a sustainable, protein-rich food source while also creating new income opportunities for communities.
Pharmaceuticals: Organic Turnips for Medicinal Properties
Turnips are more than just a root vegetable–they’re a powerhouse of health benefits, packed with antioxidants and cancer-fighting compounds. But can they be grown organically with minimal inputs? Bassem, a small-scale farmer in Egypt, took on the challenge despite missing the ideal planting window. With biofertilizers and a pesticide-free approach, he cultivated a thriving turnip crop. His journey proves that organic farming can be both sustainable and profitable. Discover his innovative approach and future plans!
Nyamasvinga’s Investment Journey in Peanut Butter
Meet the Nyamasvinga family from Mudzi District of Zimbabwe. Mrs. Nyamasvinga is the proud founder of Nyamasvinga Investments who has transformed what started as a humble backyard operation into a successful business known for its delicious Premium Taste Peanut Butter. The journey began in 2017, when the Nyamasvinga family harvested their first season of ground nuts. By 2022, demand for their premium peanut butter had grown so significantly that they began sourcing additional groundnuts from other local farmers.
Producteurs de pomme de terre : résilience face à l’insécurité
L’Entraide Protestante Suisse (HEKS/EPER) appuie l’ONG VIFEDE dans le développement de la filière pomme de terre dans le territoire de Masisi, en République Démocratique du Congo. Les producteurs font face à une pénurie de semences de pomme de terre de qualité. Pour surmonter ces défis, VIFEDE, avec le soutien de HEKS/EPER, a introduit une production locale de semences saines à partir de vitro-plants cultivés en serre (greenhouse). Cette initiative a permis d’accroître la production de pommes de terre et d’améliorer les revenus des producteurs.
A Resilient Champion of Urban Climate Sustainability
Ntombifikile Ncube’s journey from a passionate young farmer to a successful hydroponics entrepreneur showcases the impact of the OYE+ Scaling up Youth Employment in Agriculture Initiative. With training, mentorship, and financial support, she built a climate-resilient urban farm in Zimbabwe, promoting sustainable agriculture, food security, and youth empowerment.
Members' Articles - Innovative Programmes
Building Agroecological Territories in Chad
In Chad, the CACOPA approach (Cadre de Concertation pour la Promotion des Pratiques Agroécologiques), supported by SWISSAID, is demonstrating that agroecology can be a driver of territorial transformation. By fostering communities’ involvement, this approach is building resilient, thriving agroecological territories.
Leveraging RAS for Improved Nutrition in Indonesia
Rural Advisory Services (RAS) are key to tackling malnutrition in rural areas. GFRAS networks are involved in a Community of Practice (CoP) identifying case studies, promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture, leveraging digital tools and multi-stakeholder engagement. Learn about a case from Indonesia about RAS can transform nutrition outcomes in the region and beyond.
Case Study of MetKasekor
Smallholder farmers face declining productivity and low profits due to limited awareness of sustainable practices. MetKasekor is the solution, bridging farmers, private companies, and government agencies to drive Conservation Agriculture (CA) adoption. Through hands-on training, field showcases, and strong public-private collaboration, farmers access essential knowledge, services, and technologies. This transformative approach boosts yields, reduces costs, and enhances soil health, ensuring long-term profitability. MetKasekor isn’t just a model, it’s the future of sustainable farming in Cambodia.
News
Organic Sector and Market Development in Ukraine
FiBL has been supporting Ukrainian organic producers in the conversion and marketing of their products for around 20 years. During this period, the organic area has almost tripled. Due to the war, the conditions for local organic producers have been difficult. Despite the challenges, FiBL continues to advise farms on agronomic issues and supports them in finding new distribution channels. Last December, two FiBL experts travelled to Ukraine to meet organic farmers and understand their needs in times of war.
Release: Agroecology Investment Guide Brief
Agroecological enterprises (AEEs) promote sustainable food systems by supporting healthy diets, biodiversity, and resilient farming communities. However, they often struggle to access financing, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. To guide donors, investors and programme managers, Biovision has developed an interactive investment guide outlining AEEs’ benefits and financing solutions. A new Summary Brief condenses key insights, showcasing why investing in AEEs makes economic and ecological sense. The guide also features inspiring case studies and innovative funding mechanisms.
Agroecology: Connecting Land, Climate, and Biodiversity
How did the climate, biodiversity and land degradation COPs deliver on the sustainable food systems agenda, and agroecology in particular? Which opportunities are there for agroecology in the aftermath of the 2024 COPs, as we look ahead to COP30 climate negotiations, set to take place in Belém, Brazil? This policy brief by the Agroecology Coalition, GIZ, Biovision, CARI, and WWF provides new insights and key recommendations to tackle these questions.
Food Systems Countdown Initiative 2024 Report
The Food Systems Countdown Initiative is a global interdisciplinary scientific collaboration that aims to track the progress of food system transformation by regularly providing updated data on 50 food system indicators and producing thematic analyses related to key food system topics. The 2024 Countdown analyses changes in indicator values since 2000 as well as interactions among indicators. In addition to a peer-reviewed paper, a policy report and summaries in six languages are available.
A Suite of New Reports from IUCN
Build your knowledge of the field with a suite of new reports from IUCN’s Food and Agricultural Systems Team: New insights into Sustainable agriculture and Nature-based Solutions; the Biodiversity-Agriculture Nexus; an Arabic translation of the Flagship Agriculture and Conservation Report, and the Spanish version of Exploring the Future of Vegetable Oils. Available for download now.
RAISE - Giving Those Affected a Voice
The international consortium RAISE, led by Fastenaktion and co-financed by the SDC, is committed to agroecological change and the implementation of peasants’ rights. RAISE partner Nyang'ori Ohenjo, representative of Kenyan civil society, attended the WEF in Davos and gave a statement during the Pre-session of Kenyan UPR in Geneva. Read the interviews with Fastenaktion and Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Suisse (VSF) to find out more about his engagement and how important it is for those affected to make their voices heard in political processes.
Young Leaders Transforming Europe’s Food System
The Menu for Change Challenge, led by EIT Food, the Seeding The Future Foundation, and the Young Professionals Platform, including YPARD, has recognized five youth-led teams revolutionizing Europe’s food system. Initiatives range from sustainable university cafeterias and student-run agroecological farms to educational programs reconnecting children with agriculture. Each team receives a €5,000 grant, mentorship, and opportunities to showcase their projects at major events like Next Bite 2024 in Brussels and IFT FIRST 2025 in Chicago.
Safe and Nutritious Food for City Dwellers
Ensuring food security in urban Bangladesh is a growing challenge. Experts at a recent workshop emphasized the need for stronger policies, better public procurement, and community engagement to guarantee safe and nutritious food for city dwellers. In collaboration with key stakeholders, the NICE Project is driving efforts in Rangpur and Dinajpur to improve urban nutrition. While progress is being made, implementation gaps remain. Can Bangladesh create healthier cities through strategic reforms? Discover the key insights and recommendations from the discussion.
Events
HAFL Hugo P. Cecchini Institute Annual Event 2025
10 June 2025 - Save the date! The 2025 HAFL Hugo P. Cecchini Institute Annual Event takes place at HAFL, Zollikofen, on Tuesday 10 June from 14:00-17:30, followed by a networking apéro. This year’s theme is in line with the 2025 UN International Year of Cooperatives, a topic chosen for its importance in non-OECD countries. There’ll be a keynote speaker, panel discussion and workshops. Check our website or LinkedIn account for more details soon.
IFOAM Animal Husbandry Alliance Conference 2026
28-30 April 2026 - Join the global conversation on the future of sustainable livestock production at the IFOAM Animal Husbandry Alliance (IAHA) Conference 2026! This unique event will bring together researchers, farmers, policymakers, and industry professionals from around the world to shape the future of animal husbandry.
Who is who
Who is who: Charline Pasche
Short biography: Charline has been working as an academic trainee for the SDC's Health and Food Section since February 2025. She is supporting the Agriculture & Food Systems Network, and in particular its platform, newsletter and webinars. Passionate about international cooperation, her studies in International Relations, Public Management and Public Policy enable her to approach complex issues with an interdisciplinary, multi-stakeholder approach, aiming at innovation, sustainability and impact. Recently, her semester at the University of Botswana gave her valuable insights into possible approaches and policies to address challenges related to natural resources management, land property, human-wildlife conflict and food security.
