Agroecology in Africa

Abstract

Agroecology is gaining traction as a possible strategy for enhancing the sustainability and resilience of food systems, prompting increased support from some governments, donors, development organizations and civil society. However, the scope, design and impact of agroecology-related projects in Africa, as well as the perspectives of African stakeholders on agroecology, remain insufficiently understood. This study seeks to address these knowledge gaps by mapping and analysing agroecology-related projects in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Senegal, and Uganda, drawing on insights from project coordinators, and by exploring the perceptions of a broader group of food system stakeholders in Senegal and Uganda.

The findings show that most projects are led by national NGOs and predominantly funded by international donors, primarily European governments. For the most part, the projects demonstrate a high degree of diversification in both design and focus, offering a range of services and promoting a variety of crops and agroecological practices. Both coordinators and stakeholders highlight the environmental benefits of agroecology—especially improvements in soil health, biodiversity, and reductions in chemical input use—while also acknowledging socio-economic linkages, such as impacts on food security, income, yields, and the development of local markets. Insights on economic sustainability and profitability are lacking. Products from agroecological production did not benefit from a price premium.

Key barriers to implementation and scaling include limited stakeholder engagement, inadequate political support, insufficient financial resources, and gaps in technical skills and knowledge. Overcoming these obstacles will require strong local leadership, early stakeholder involvement, integrated training and advisory services and sustained funding. Consistent with existing research, the results also suggest that agroecology is largely perceived as dependent on external expertise and initiative, rather than emerging as a bottom-up movement, highlighting the need to strengthen co-creation and foster greater local ownership.