Helping smallholders farm sustainably

Switzerland’s Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) presented its African Organic Agriculture Training Manual at the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) World Congress in South Korea.

FiBL created the manual to support smallholders in implementing organic farming techniques and in improving long-term agricultural productivity, with the ultimate goal of reducing poverty and hunger in Africa. The manual is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture (SFSA).

The manual covers techniques for protecting and enhancing soil and plant health, as well as water and energy resources, improving farm management and accessing markets for farm produce. Materials include illustrated booklets, fact sheets, videos and a comprehensive directory of organic agriculture contacts throughout Africa.