FiBL is supporting the planning of an Agroecology Partnerships Policy Dialogue for Sub-Saharan Africa under the EU’s DeSIRA Lift+ initiative, together with FARA, RUFORUM and Biovision Africa Trust. The assignment focuses on analysing needs and opportunities for stronger agroecology-related policy dialogue and partnerships. FiBL’s contribution includes mapping strategic policy arenas, unpacking agroecological debates and identifying entry points for partner organizations to support agroecological transitions across the region.

FiBL Switzerland (Research Institute of Organic Agriculture)
Qualifications: Degree (ETH, university or university of applied sciences) in agronomy, environmental sciences or a related natural science discipline; PhD considered an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate strong interest in organic agriculture, as well as expertise in measurement techniques and/or modelling related to microclimate and crop productivity. Experience in research project acquisition is an asset. The position requires strong coordination, communication and teamwork skills, alongside excellent written and spoken German and English.

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".

A new partnership between Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and the Obala Agricultural Institute (IAO) in Cameroon marks a significant step in strengthening agricultural research and training in Central Africa. Formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the support of Swiss and Cameroonian authorities, the collaboration aims to advance agroecology, education, and innovation across food systems. Together with partners such as Agroscope, the initiative will support applied research, academic exchange, and the development of an agroecology platform, contributing to long-term capacity building and sustainable agricultural development in the region.

A new synthesis by Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) highlights 16 years of research from the SysCom project in India, comparing organic and conventional cotton systems. The findings show that organic cotton can achieve up to 82–93 percent of conventional yields while delivering significant environmental and socio-economic benefits, including improved soil health, biodiversity, and farmer livelihoods. The study also emphasizes the importance of true cost accounting and continued research to support the transition toward sustainable agricultural systems in developing countries.