Agroecological extension approaches in Africa

AFS Newsletter - Member Article by

Ingrid Oliveira Silva Keller
Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services
ingrid.oliveira@g-fras.org | Linkedin

The Agroecological Transition, Responsive Extension Approaches (ATREA) project, spearheaded by the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS), a regional network of the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS), and supported by GIZ, offers a comprehensive analysis of responsive extension approaches in four African countries: Benin, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Madagascar. This initiative seeks to explore how tailored agricultural extension methods can effectively promote agroecological principles, empower farmers, and foster sustainable farming practices.

As the ATREA synthesis report nears completion, it promises to distil critical findings and lessons learned from these countries, with results set to be published. The report holds valuable implications for Rural Advisory Services (RAS), emphasizing innovative ways to bridge the gap between research, extension, and farmers.

Understanding the ATREA Project

Agroecology emphasizes sustainable, biodiversity-driven farming practices and participatory approaches. However, scaling these practices requires responsive and inclusive extension systems. The ATREA project investigates the efficacy of various extension approaches, including Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) models, Farmer Field Schools (FFS), and e-extension services, across diverse cultural and ecological contexts. By focusing on the co-creation of knowledge and participatory learning, these methods aim to address the unique challenges and opportunities of agroecology in Africa. These methods formed the core of the EU/BMZ funded «ProSilience program: Enhancing soils and agroecology for resilient agri-food systems in Sub-Saharan Africa.» ATREA is a follow-up study to this program.

The ATREA study analysed:

• How farmers are incentivised to adopt agroecological practices.
• The costs and sustainability of different extension approaches.
• Best practices for scaling agroecological principles while maintaining inclusivity and effectiveness.

The Role of Country Fora and Partnerships

A key feature of the ProSilience program was its emphasis on collaboration. These partnerships fostered knowledge-sharing, resource pooling, and the integration of traditional and scientific knowledge into extension services.  During the comparative study of ProSilience, AFAAS through its Country Fora in Benin, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Madagascar worked with local stakeholders to understand the impact of the extension approaches used.

Key Findings and Relevance for Rural Advisory Services

• Participatory Approaches Empower Farmers Agroecological extension approaches, such as FFS and F2F models, rely on co-creation and shared learning. In Ethiopia, for example, Farmer Training Centres (FTCs) and FFS platforms provided spaces for farmers to learn from one another, enhancing adoption rates. In Benin, the innovative Tem Sesiabun Gorado (TSG) model leveraged social accountability ("social debt") to encourage knowledge-sharing and community engagement.
• Cost-Effectiveness of E-Extension Digital tools like SMS platforms, community videos, and radio broadcasts proved to be cost-effective, particularly in Kenya and Madagascar. These methods allowed advisory services to reach a broader audience while addressing challenges such as limited infrastructure and literacy barriers.
• Tailored Incentives Drive Adoption The report highlights how incentives, such as farm inputs, training opportunities, and market access, vary in effectiveness depending on the local context. For instance, Ethiopian farmers valued community-based incentives, while Beninese farmers preferred direct input support.
• Challenges of Scaling Despite their benefits, intensive methods like FFS and F2F models are resource-heavy, requiring significant investment in training, facilitators, and logistics. The report underscores the importance of blending these methods with scalable, lower-cost options like e-extension for broader impact.

Lessons for Scaling Agroecological Practices

The ATREA project offers actionable insights for scaling agroecological practices:

• Integrate Participatory Models: Embedding agroecological principles in existing extension systems, such as Kenya’s Training and Visit (T&V) method, enhances adoption and sustainability.
• Leverage Technology: E-extension tools should complement hands-on methods, ensuring accessibility for remote and underserved farming communities.
• Foster Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships: Collaboration between governments, NGOs, private sectors, and farmer organizations is vital for mobilizing resources and ensuring long-term project viability.
• Address Local Contexts: Tailoring approaches to the cultural and ecological realities of each region ensures relevance and effectiveness.

Implications for Rural Advisory Services

The ATREA synthesis report will serve as a valuable resource for RAS providers, offering:

• Evidence-Based Insights: Clear comparisons of costs, incentives, and outcomes across different extension models.
• Best Practices: Proven strategies for integrating agroecological principles into advisory systems.
• Policy Recommendations: Guidance on creating supportive environments for agroecological transitions.

By making this knowledge accessible to global networks, the GFRAS community aims to inspire innovation in advisory services worldwide, bridging gaps between research, extension, and farming communities.

With its publication scheduled for the end of 2024, the ATREA synthesis report promises to be a cornerstone for advancing agroecological transitions. Its findings underscore the transformative potential of adaptive, farmer-centred advisory systems in building sustainable food systems. As GFRAS and its partners continue to champion innovative extension practices, the insights from ATREA will undoubtedly shape the future of RAS, ensuring that agroecology becomes a viable pathway for farmers across Africa and beyond.

Related resources:

• https://www.afaas-africa.org/agroecological-transition-responsive-extension-approaches-atrea/
• https://iucn.org/resources/publication/agriculture-and-conservation