Sustainable Development

Behavioural science promotes sustainable and resilient agricultural practices in Zambia

Villagers have planted maize on two plots of land next to each other. The difference between them is that one is cultivated using the method called ripping, or deep tillage, which uses pointed prongs to break up the soil, allowing it to retain maximum moisture. On the other plot, the regular practice of more extensive, shallower tilling is used. Amid a searing drought in eastern Zambia’s Nyimba region, which left

Rural women ring in change in West Africa

Across West Africa, rural women are showing that small-scale agriculture isn’t just the foundation of sustainable global food systems – it’s an avenue for economic, social and political empowerment. Meet three women who are leading their communities towards a more prosperous and equal future. Breaking ground When Anta was growing up, it was customary for young women to leave their homes in Ngoudiane to find domestic work in Dakar, the Senegalese capital. Anta

Global Call for Stories: Family farmers at the heart of climate-resilient and sustainable agrifood systems

Sharing and learning from the experiences of individuals and organizations driving positive change is critical to advancing the agricultural sector towards greater sustainability. All over the world, there are thousands of stories of distinctive work carried out anonymously by family farmers, including women and youth, on successful transitions to more inclusive, sustainable and fair food systems. Those stories are based on co-creation and sharing of traditional knowledge and innovations that

Calling All Environmental Advocates: Apply Now for Funding and Support!

Are you passionate about driving change for a greener, more resilient future? The Knowledge for Great Green Wall Action (K4GGWA) programme is inviting civil society organizations and dedicated stakeholders from 18 eligible countries to submit their advocacy project proposals. We are seeking initiatives that advocate for critical policy reforms, enhance environmental regulations, and promote more effective land management and restoration practices. Whether you’re a grassroots organization or a national NGO

Rediscovering Africa's native foods for a sustainable agricultural renaissance

Africa’s culinary landscape is a rich tapestry of biodiversity and tradition, holding beneath its vibrant surface a treasure trove of forgotten foods. These regionally adapted crops, once central to the continent’s diverse cultures, are critical to revisit as the world tackles pressing challenges like food security, climate change and environmental sustainability. African agriculture holds a vast, untapped potential that can transform the continent’s socio-economic landscape. Rich with diverse climates and

Call for Applications: Knowledge for Green Wall Action (K4GGWA) Innovation Facility

Do you have an idea to scale up or scale out land restoration solutions? Share it with us! Are you working on innovative solutions that promote sustainable food systems and green wall actions? The Knowledge for Green Wall Action (K4GGWA) Innovation Facility is now accepting applications! Across the Sahel and the Great Green Wall region, powerful ideas like Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), grazing management and land restoration have already changed lives. But

A gift for conservation helps reduce conflict between humans and wildlife

Chipo Munsaka explains that her first name means “a gift” in her language. “A gift for conserving wildlife,” the young Zimbabwean adds radiantly. That neatly sums up her commitment and contribution to addressing the growing problem of conflict between humans and wildlife. Chipo works as a Resource Monitor in northern Zimbabwe with the Mucheni Community Conservancy, which is being established with support from the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme. In

Rice-fish farming in the Land of Milk and Honey: South-South Cooperation is revolutionizing agriculture in Uganda

Anastasia Mwamula roots weeds from her quarter-of-an-acre paddy field barefoot. It’s a back-breaking exercise. But, at 51 years of age and with eight children to feed, she’s gotten used to hard work. Every morning, Anastasia and her 58-year-old husband, Zakaria Wapali, leave their red-brick home on the edge of a tiny village known as Scheme View to tend to this and other crops on their 15-acre field, a two-kilometre walk

International Day of Forests 2025: Forests and Foods

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March as the International Day of Forests in 2012 to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. Each year, countries worldwide organize local, national, and international activities to highlight the role of forests, including tree-planting campaigns, educational initiatives, and policy dialogues. In 2025, the theme for the International Day of Forests is “Forests and Foods”, underscoring the indispensable

International Women’s Day 2025- For all women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment

On March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD). This year, the celebration is under the theme “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”, focusing on unlocking equal rights, power and opportunities for all. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation of youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls as catalysts for lasting change. Progress in Women’s Rights in Agriculture and Rural Development In recent years,