Madagascar

Our aim is to develop sustainable and equitable food and farming systems through an integrated approach combining ecological and social principles to optimise interactions between plants, animals, people and the environment.

To achieve this, we work with our local partners to improve community resilience and local autonomy. This involves technical training in production methods that respect the principles of agroecology. Producers are given support and advice on managing their farms, processing and preserving agricultural produce and developing commercial channels. Access to inputs is facilitated, with a view to diversifying agricultural products. We also support agroforestry and reforestation, and work with families to develop small-scale economic activities to improve their incomes.

We are also working to build the capacity of local actors. This involves structuring and networking professional agricultural organisations, helping them to set up and manage common assets and funds, and building their technical, management and governance skills. We also support their representation at regional and national level.

Finally, we support the sustainable management of natural resources and the conservation of ecosystems, by raising farmers' awareness of the use of the Environmental Integration Tool (EIT), as well as raising community awareness of the impact of climate change.

Partners : F3M, CoopAgri, FIDEV, DRAE (Direction régionale de l’agriculture et de l’élevage) et DRICC (Direction régionale de l’industrie et du commerce).

RDC

Facilitating local initiatives in the DRC

• Project name: Fil
• Project duration:

Our objective:

To strengthen the capacities of civil society organisations (CSOs) in the DRC to promote a more inclusive and participatory democratic space. The project supports initiatives in the areas of governance, human development and sustainable development.

Our actions

• Establishment of the Local Initiative Support Service (SAIL), a resource centre for CSOs in the 26 provinces of the DRC;
• Training and support for 120 microprojects across the country;
• Funding for local microprojects up to €60,000 for a maximum duration of 12 months each;
• Support for concrete initiatives on a variety of themes:
  • Peacebuilding (Western Kasai)
  • Literacy and integration of young people (Kinshasa)
  • Care for street children (Kinshasa)
  • Detection of complications related to sickle cell anaemia (Kinshasa)
  • Cultural promotion: jazz and piano festivals (Kinshasa)
  • Expansion of hospital maternity wards (Kisenso)
  • Economic resilience of women in mining areas (Ituri)
  • Agribusiness for young people (Central Kongo)
  • Food security and access to water (Kwilu)
  • Urban sanitation and environmental education (Kinshasa)
  • Youth engagement on climate change (North Kivu)
  • Participatory land governance (South Kivu)

Our Impact:

This project helps to revitalise Congolese civil society in all provinces by promoting local initiatives. It strengthens participatory governance, improves access to fundamental rights and gives a voice to grassroots actors, particularly young people and women.

Madagascar

Our aim is to ensure the sustainable management of natural resources, particularly mangrove areas, by working to protect biodiversity, safeguard ecosystem services and promote socio-ecological resilience, with the involvement of local authorities and communities. A great deal of thought is being given to this issue within our consortium of university NGOs, Uni4Coop.

To achieve this, together with our local partners, we are working to improve the governance of mangrove areas, through advocacy in favour of these ecosystems, as well as raising local awareness of regulations.

To strengthen shared knowledge in this area, awareness-raising campaigns on ecosystem development and management plans and environmental education in schools are being set up. We also organise consultation and knowledge-sharing sessions on the proper management of ecosystems. Access to this knowledge requires the ability to read and write. Functional literacy and consciousness-raising courses are therefore offered to adults who have not had the chance to go to school.

To encourage the sustainable use of mangroves, we are working to improve the incomes and living conditions of the people living in these areas. This involves supporting sustainable economic activities that do not destroy the ecosystem, setting up and developing group savings schemes, and supporting fishermen's cooperatives. We also organise exchange visits on mangroves and open days in these areas.

Finally, to encourage the conservation and restoration of mangrove areas, we have set up a "green fund" to support local initiatives. We are also distributing a toolkit of best practices and promoting an economic model that reconciles exploitation and conservation.

Partners : FIVOI, FIAME, OPCI Alokaina, FIDEV, ALEFA MENABE, DRPEB (Direction régionale de la Pêche et de l’Economie bleue) et DREDD (Direction régionale de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable).

RDC

Promoting a Sustainable Food System

• Project duration:

Our Objective:

To promote sustainable and inclusive economic and agricultural models by working across the entire value chain. We promote agroecological practices, support entrepreneurship among young people and women, and strengthen the capacities of local partners for better natural resource management and greater socio-economic resilience.

Our Actions:

• Support for the adoption and appropriation of profitable agroecological practices adapted to local contexts;
• Strengthening the entrepreneurial skills of women and young people in innovative economic sectors;
• Literacy, particularly for women, to strengthen their autonomy and leadership;
• Professionalisation of economic activities through training and technical support;
• Promoting biodiversity conservation and the restoration of natural resources in agroecosystems;
• Close support for vulnerable young people to help them integrate into society and the labour market.

Our Impact:

This project strengthens the economic sovereignty of rural communities while preserving the environment. It promotes the empowerment of young people and women, encourages local innovation dynamics, and improves the resilience of ecosystems and populations to multiple crises.

Burundi

Support for civil society active in the fields of the environment and biodiversity

• Project name: PASCALE B IBIDUKIKIJE
• Project duration: 2022 - 2026

Our Objective:

To influence public policy on the environment by strengthening civil society organisations (CSOs) for the sustainable management of natural resources and biodiversity through the implementation of local, participatory and environmentally friendly projects.

Our Actions:

• Strengthening and structuring 80 organisations active in the fields of the environment and biodiversity.
• Training on natural resource management, agroforestry, ecological land use planning, sanitation, biodiversity, etc.
• Creation of networks and spaces for multi-stakeholder dialogue.
• Support and financing for 16 micro-projects led by CSOs (reforestation, restoration of flora with native species, protection of sensitive areas, improved access to drinking water, etc.).
• Advocacy with local and provincial authorities.
• Support for community management of environmental infrastructure.
• Awareness campaigns to encourage environmentally friendly practices.

Our impact:

This project enables local stakeholders to be better trained, more committed and better organised to protect their environment.

Burundi

Support for entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector

• Project name: SESA-UMWUMBATI WACU
• Project duration: 2023-2027

Our objective:

To support 9,265 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises working in the production, processing and marketing of agricultural products in the cassava sector.

Our actions:

• Production and provision of quality seeds through support for seed producers.
• Training in agroecological practices for producers, seed producers and 53 producer organisations.
• Integration of livestock farming into family farms to diversify production and facilitate access to natural fertilisers.
• Development of processing units to diversify processed products while making use of agricultural waste.
• Facilitating access to finance through banks and microfinance institutions for rural businesses.
• Functional literacy focused on rural economic activities, particularly for women and marginalised groups to strengthen their autonomy.
• Promoting human rights and decent work through awareness-raising and popular education initiatives.
• Educational activities on the environment and the green economy to encourage responsible and sustainable behaviour.

Our impact:

This project helps to sustainably strengthen the economic capacities of thousands of rural actors involved in the cassava sector, while promoting social inclusion and autonomy for the most vulnerable. Thanks to an integrated approach, it contributes to more resilient, equitable and environmentally friendly agriculture.