A recent study by Spanish colleagues and Stéphane Saj at the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) examined how different cocoa farming systems affect the environment over the long term, comparing conventional monoculture cocoa with agroforestry systems.

Across the 12-year study, diversified cocoa systems consistently showed better environmental performance and higher overall productivity when considering all crops, not just cocoa. Well-managed agroforestry systems can achieve competitive cocoa yields while improving income stability, resource efficiency, and climate resilience, making them a strong long-term alternative to monoculture. As Stéphane Saj puts it: “If we are thinking about cocoa sourcing in the medium to long term, the message is clear: agroforestry systems are the way forward.”

The research findings and the challenges of adopting sustainable cocoa production systems are further explored in an interview conducted by the Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa.

Read the full interview with Stéphane Saj by clicking on "read more".

This study assesses the impact of conservation agriculture practices on soil conditions and maize yields in a sub-humid region of western Kenya. Results from a long-term field experiment show that residue retention significantly increases soil moisture, while practices such as ripping reduce soil penetration resistance. Crop diversification, particularly maize–soybean rotation, further enhances soil moisture and substantially improves yields compared to continuous maize systems. Combined with appropriate fertilization, these practices lead to marked yield gains, highlighting the effectiveness of integrated soil and crop management strategies in improving productivity under rainfed conditions.

This study examines how long-term cassava-based conservation agriculture systems affect soil greenhouse gas emissions in Cambodia. Drawing on experimental data since 2009, it compares conventional tillage with no-tillage systems that include cover crops and residue retention. The results show that conservation agriculture can improve the greenhouse gas balance by increasing soil carbon inputs and reducing emissions per unit of yield. The findings highlight the potential of integrated soil and crop management practices to reconcile productivity with climate mitigation in tropical farming systems.

A recent literature review conducted by Agroscope within the EU Horizon 2020 project WASTELESS examines the growing body of research on food system by-products and their potential for valorisation. Based on an analysis of 52 review articles, the study finds that plant-based side streams dominate current research, particularly those derived from fruits (e.g. pomace, peels, seeds) and brewery residues, with applications ranging from baked goods to processed foods. In contrast, animal-based side streams—especially from meat—remain significantly underexplored, despite their potential to reduce food losses linked to consumer preferences.

The review highlights that while technological applications for upcycling side streams are expanding, key challenges remain regarding their industrial use and market integration. In particular, consumer acceptance is identified as a critical bottleneck: although there is general openness toward upcycled products, willingness to pay tends to be lower, and factors such as taste, appearance, and perceived added value strongly influence acceptance. The study underscores the need for further research on both technological pathways and consumer behaviour to unlock the full potential of food system side streams.

Experiences from Helvetas projects in Laos, Ethiopia and Mozambique show how biodiversity-based approaches can effectively manage agricultural pests while improving productivity. In Laos, farmers successfully combined biological control methods—such as the use of predatory insects—with locally produced solutions like tobacco sprays to combat the fall armyworm, significantly reducing crop losses and increasing yields. In Ethiopia, smallholder farmers are using mixtures of cattle urine and plant-based extracts (e.g. neem, garlic, aloe vera) alongside crop rotation and organic fertilization, resulting in healthier soils and reduced pressure on pollinators. In Mozambique, the application of “effective microorganisms” has helped suppress plant diseases, reduce pesticide dependence, and increase yields, while also creating new income opportunities through beekeeping. Across all cases, integrated pest management approaches that combine ecological knowledge with local practices contribute to more resilient farming systems and reduced environmental impact.