Canadian Foodgrains Bank

Published purpose

This project aims to scale up the results and innovations developed by the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) in conservation agriculture among the poorest farmers (men and women) in East Africa. CFGB has previously demonstrated that conservation agriculture can result in improved food security and improved livelihoods for East African smallholder farmers. Traditional practices of subsistence agriculture are characterized by a low use of inputs and high vulnerability to soil deterioration and increasingly variable climactic conditions. Conservation agriculture focuses on enhancing soil fertility, improved moisture retention and reduced soil erosion and tillage through environmentally responsible agricultural practices. In so doing, it is an effective way to improve the food security and livelihoods of the poorest farmers in East Africa. The project targets the families of 18,000 farmers (of which 40% are women-headed households) for a total of 90,000 beneficiaries in Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. The project is based on three core activities: 1) support to productivity through technical support services (e.g. minimum tillage, soil protection with crop residue, synergy between farming and agriculture, etc.), the establishment of groups savings and the development of links between the public and private sectors to increase capital production of farmers; 2) networking between individuals and organizations to provide information and technical assistance; and 3) political influence and awareness to incorporate conservation agriculture in broader national policy in the target countries to benefit the greatest number. The project is implemented in collaboration with the following local partners: In Ethiopia: FH Ethiopia (formerly Food for the Hungry Ethiopia), Migbare Senay Children and Family Support Organization, Terepeza Development Association; In Kenya: Anglican Development Services in Mount Kenya, Central Rift and Western District, SASOL Foundation, and the Utooni Development Organizations; and in Tanzania: African Inland Church of Tanzania Diocese of Geita and Mara/Ukerewe, and the Diocese of Central Tanganyika Development Services Company.