Biovision Africa Trust is seeking to empower and have more smallholder farmers adopting agroecology organic agriculture practices especially women and youth.
Speaking during the launch of the organisation’s Strategic Plan 2021-2024, Dr David Amudavi, Executive Director, Biovision Africa Trust said the programmes are already being implemented in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Rwanda. In line with changing consumers preferences, Dr Amudavi noted that more farmers are now thinking of alternatives of pesticides and chemical fertilisers.
“Our approach contributes towards more sustainable farming, a healthier diet for citizens, reducing the pace of climate change and minimising its negative impacts. We see ourselves as an agent of change that helps to alleviate poverty and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers particularly women and youth in Africa,” said Dr David.
Ecological sustainable agriculture
“The information we share with farmers is informed by research. We work very closely with researchers and trusted information sources like Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation and International Centre of Insect and Physiology and Ecology that promotes technologies we share with farmers,” explained Andreas Schriber, Board Chair, Biovision Africa Trust.
Dr Amudavi lauds Biovision Africa Trust saying its the institution that is now being recognized to support the comprehensive agriculture development programme of the African Union Commission on the side of ecological sustainable agriculture.
The ecological organic agriculture is supported by the Swiss government and African Union. The German government through GIZ is also establishing hubs which are centres of providing information, training and linking farmers to markets.
Upon completion of the training, a farmer will be able to make own manure from materials within the farm and will be able to mix various crops come up with strong chemicals that kill and keeps away pests and diseases. s Anne Nyaga, Chief Administrative Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives, lauded Biovision Africa Trust for becoming a Pan African Organisation working in Africa and in Kenya advancing ecological organic agriculture in Kenya and African continent.
“We are happy to see Trust’s remarkable recognition by the African Union Commission as its official host of the continental Secretariat to the Continental Steering Committee overseeing the coordination of mainstreaming ecological organic agriculture in food systems in Africa,” she said.
