Breaking the vicious cycle of poverty and environmental degradation in Africa
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Sustainable Agriculture and Desertification
Sustainable agriculture is defined as being ecologically sound (low external inputs), economically viable, and socially just, gender sensitive and humane. Sustainable agriculture not only aims to increase food production, but also to build food security, which is defined as the access by all people at all times to adequate and culturally appropriate food for a healthy life.
Activities
Sustainable agriculture related activities are:
- conducting training programmes for local groups and farmers on ecological farming.
- promoting organic pest control and farming methods and the introduction of new varieties of crops (vegetables) and tree fruits.
CAF activities on desertification aim to assist NGOs involved in sustainable development of drylands and in particular in the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. The organisation will focus on the following main areas:
- advocacy to ensure that dryland communities are supported, especially in poverty reduction strategies and polices;
- dissemination of information for helping CBOs and NGOs s deal with the current effects of climate variability, especially droughts, and prepare them for future effects of future climate change;
- information dissemination among NGos to increase their participation in national and international policy negotiations related to the Conventions on desertification and climate changes;
- organise training opportunities for NGOs to enable them assess the local implications of global climatic change as a basis for design and implementation of climate change-related adaptation and mitigation activities;
- formation and strengthening sustainable agriculture networks and groups in Africa;
- increase awareness among NGO about sustainable agriculture practices.