Farmers mapping the land use changes in Madagascar

Photo: Jorge Llopis
Centre for Development and Environment (CDE)
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In FiBL’s Voices on Climate series, Helmy Abouleish, CEO of Sekem Holding and president of Demeter International, explains how biodynamic agriculture in Egypt enhances resilience to climate change. He highlights how living soils, composting, agroforestry, and renewable energy help reduce water use, store carbon, and secure farmers’ livelihoods in arid environments. Sekem’s long-standing work demonstrates how agroecological practices can drive sustainable development in the Global South.

Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL)

In a contribution to the University of Bern’s series “Sustainability – a bewildering (buzz)word”, historian Dr. Juri Auderset traces the evolution of the sustainability concept from its 18th-century forestry origins to today’s global discourse. He warns that the term’s overuse risks diluting its meaning and calls for renewed historical reflection on growth, justice, and environmental limits. His analysis offers valuable context for Agricultural Research for Development (ARD), reminding practitioners that sustainable food and land-use systems must address the long-standing tensions between resource exploitation, social equity, and ecological balance.

Centre for Development and Environment (CDE)

At the Nobel Talks during Expo 2025 in Osaka, Biovision President Hans Rudolf Herren explained why agroecology is a central lever for transforming global food systems. He highlighted how industrial agriculture drives hunger, inequality, and environmental damage, and outlined the political and societal shifts required for a fair and sustainable future.

Biovision Foundation

A SWISSAID partner project in Karnataka has won the UNDP Equator Prize 2025. Since 2018, the Bibi Fatima Self-Help Group has revived millet cultivation, created community seed banks preserving 250+ indigenous varieties, and promoted agroecological practices across 30 villages. The initiative improves food security, nutrition, and women’s empowerment while reducing slash-and-burn farming.

SWISSAID Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)

FiBL-led EU project SustainSahel (2020–2025) supported over 5000 smallholder farmers in Mali, Senegal, and Burkina Faso with agroecological practices such as mulching, composting, and integrating local trees. Results show yield gains of up to 40 percent and improved resilience under climate stress. The “lead farmer” model created strong peer-to-peer learning effects. Final recommendations urge policymakers to integrate agroecology into national strategies and secure farmers’ rights to trees.

Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL)

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