Agroecological Solutions for Resilient Farming in West Africa

Unlocking Agroecology’s Potential in West Africa

Welcome to the new edition of The Agroecologist!

Inside this edition, you'll find highlights from the successful CIRAWA Agroecology Conference in Ghana, policy recommendations, media coverage, and the latest project and agroecology updates from across West Africa.

"The agroecological transition has immense potential" said Professor Saa Dittoh, one of the hosts of the Agroecology Conference. "But it will depend on responsible science and strong local, national, and governmental movements. We have to lobby, and that’s why coming together to do this is very important."

Thank you for following CIRAWA's journey and for being part of the growing movement advancing agroecology across West Africa. We hope you enjoy reading!

The CIRAWA Agroecology Conference

Agroecology needs to become a social movement to succeed in West Africa

Direct farmer-politician dialogues, youth engagement, social movements, and clear market certification processes can help dismantle the constraints holding agroecology back from its wider implementation in West African nations.

These were some of the conclusions drawn from a high-level policy roundtable held on the third day of the CIRAWA Agroecology Conference in Accra, Ghana, between 1-3 July 2026. 

Policy Briefs Overview

Agroecology is not new to West Africa – it is the foundation of how many smallholder farmers have long worked on the land. What is missing is the policy, institutional, and market architecture to scale it. Across all of the country-specific policy briefs for CIRAWA participants Cape Verde, Ghana, Senegal and The Gambia, a consistent message emerges: without coherent national strategies, fair market incentives, and equitable access to resources and training, agroecology will remain a promising idea rather than a productive and sustainable way forward. 

Conference Photo Gallery

More Project Updates

Farmers Exchange Agroecological Practices Across Cape Verdean Islands

Farmers from Cape Verde's Maio and Santo Antão islands came together through the CIRAWA project to exchange knowledge, explore agroecological practices, and discuss practical solutions to shared challenges such as water scarcity and sustainable farming. The visit strengthened collaboration between farmers, researchers, and local partners while showcasing innovative approaches adapted to different climatic conditions. 

The Role of Composting and Vermicomposting for Agroecological Systems

Composting and vermicomposting are practical, low-cost techniques that transform agricultural waste into valuable organic fertilisers. Beyond improving soil fertility, they help retain water, reduce reliance on synthetic inputs, support circular farming systems, and strengthen resilience to climate change. 

Discover how these simple yet effective techniques contribute to circular agroecological systems and why they play an important role in strengthening climate resilience and food security in West Africa. 

The Living Heart of the Soil

Soil microbiota play a key role in carbon sequestration and climate regulation. Instead of releasing carbon into the atmosphere, they help store it in the ground by turning organic residues into stable forms of organic matter. Certain microbial groups act as a natural barrier that fortifies plant defences and minimises the need for chemical inputs by supressing harmful pathogens.

However, unsustainable practices, soil degradation, and climate change represent an increasing threat to the delicate balance of this underground ecosystem. Microbial diversity and the soil’s capacity to support life are both diminished by depletion of organic matter, excessive use of pesticides and fertilisers, and increasing salinity. 

CIRAWA In The Press

We were delighted to see such strong interest from journalists during the CIRAWA Agroecology Conference. The event was featured in across more than 13 news outlets, helping to bring the conversation on agroecology and sustainable food systems to a wider audience. A selection of the coverage is featured below. 

Meet our partner

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAA) is the Cape Verdean government department whose mission is to design, coordinate, control, implement and evaluate specific policies defined by the government for the sectors of agriculture, forestry, livestock, agro-industry, food security, environment, water and sanitation.

In CIRAWA, the MAA is involved throughout the project, particularly in WP5, carrying out the economic, social and environmental assessment of the validated agroecological strategies; it assesses market strategies for food and bio products resulting from agroecological practices.

Upcoming Events

The Role of Living Labs in the Agroecological Transition in Africa

Early October 2026

Online Workshop

International Conference on Agricultural Science - Agroecology and Sustainable Systems

21-23 October 2026

Bologna, Italy

Agroecology Week of Action 2026

26-30 October 2026

Kampala, Uganda

5th International Conference on Agroecology and Organic Farming

29-30 October 2026

Paris, France

Terms to know

In each of CIRAWA's newsletters, we share with you 
a definition of one of the important terms to know for the CIRAWA project.
Today's term to know is:

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.​