Publications

A capability statement concerning our work on Agriculture in Africa which focuses on equity and growth for smallholders.

La présente note thématique est basée sur les expériences de la SNV en matière d’appui aux pasteurs en Afrique, en vue d’améliorer leurs moyens d’existence. Elle se fonde sur une large gamme d’études de cas qui, à travers le continent, mettent en évidence un certain nombre de traits communs aux
pratiques des pasteurs. La collaboration avec les pasteurs nous a appris qu’ils ne sont pas les traditionalistes que l’on décrit souvent. Ils s’adaptent au changement rapide comme tout autre groupe en Afrique. La présente note met en exergue l’éventail de stratégies d’adaptation, d’options de commercialisation et de mécanismes institutionnels qui ont cours à l’heure actuelle au sein de ces communautés. Ces expériences démontrent que le travail de la SNV a permis d’apporter des améliorations  tangibles aux moyens d’existence des éleveurs, tout en augmentant leur contribution au développement écon omique dans certains des milieux les plus difficiles en Afrique aujourd’hui.

In June 2010 SNV, together with IFAD, organised a conference on ‘brokering knowledge for upscaling best practices in Inclusive Markets Access in East & Southern Africa’, which brought together over 70 participants from 11 African countries from donor, public and private sector to share experiences. This report summarizes the main issues discussed during the conference, of which the main focus was seeking to bring about systemic change for larger-scale sustainable inclusive markets with a wider significance.

Le travail de la SNV dans le secteur Agriculture est basé sur une approche à trois volets : un positionnement renforcé des paysans  dans la chaîne de valeur, la promotion d’une agriculture favorable au climat et la facilitation pour un meilleur accès à l’alimentation. Les interventions ciblant l’atteinte du troisième objectif tentent d’apporter des solutions pour garantir les 4 dimensions principales de la sécurité alimentaire que sont la disponibilité, l’accès, l’utilisation et la stabilité alimentaire tels que défini par la FAO. La situation alimentaire en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre demeure fragile bien que le potentiel agro-écologique de la région soit suffisamment important pour satisfaire la demande croissante, avec un recours aux importations pour un nombre limité de produits. Cette déclaration de capacité de la SNV sur la sécurité alimentaire en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre présente différents axes d’intervention et résultats contribuant à garantir la sécurité alimentaire des populations vulnérables de la sous-région.

Energy in Africa capability statement

An organisational crisis of producer organisations in the cotton sector, coinciding with effects of the financial and food crisis in 2008 exposed small farmers to extremely poor living conditions. Within this context, regional cotton producer unions partnered with SNV in developing a new model for agricultural services based on the ‘Farm Management Advice System’ (FMAS). This case highlights that implementing FMAS may help small family farms in Mali to better ensure food security for their households, and to fight against hunger and extreme poverty.

A technical feasibility study on the implementation of a biogas promotion programme in the Sikasso region in Mali (2007).

Study findings in terms of technical feasibility revealed that although water resources availability was sufficient for a biogas system, and the average temperature allowed for the installation to function, collecting manure difficulties proved to be the biggest challenge, as it was not guaranteed throughout the year due to the temporary migration in the dry season. Further, the number of families that do have cattle around the household year-round was too small. A biogas system that requires daily input was, therefore, not feasible in the studied context. In terms of energy consumption, kerosene was the most widely lighting source used and its costs were constantly rising which was seen as a considerable problem by rural households. Further, if biogas was to be introduced, both men and women would use it mainly for lighting and not for cooking. In terms of financing, it was concluded that even with a high subsidy the value of the biodigester was considered insufficient.

Based on the study results, it was concluded that biogas introduction would most likely be unsuccessful in the studied region. Firstly, this is because there is absence of a regular supply of dung at most farms. Secondly, the costs for the biogas plant construction are high because of the need for large batch-fed plants, and thirdly, gas would only be used for lighting which makes other renewable energy sources more suitable.

SNV’s work in the agricultural sector is based on a three-pronged approach: enhanced positioning of (smallholder) farmers within value chains, promotion of climate friendly agriculture and facilitating increased access to food. Intervention related to the third objective aim to provide solutions that guaranty the four main dimensions of food security which are food availability, access, utilization and stability as defined by FAO. The food situation in West and Central Africa remains fragile though the region’s agro-ecological potential is high enough to satisfy rising demands, with recourse to imports for a limited number of products. This SNV capability statement on food security in West and Central Africa presents the different interventions axes and some results contributing to guaranty food security of vulnerable population in the sub-region.