Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) on 11^th July officially launched the Agroecology Promotion Programme for Sub-Sahara Africa that will be implemented for a period of 4 years (2024-2027). The launch of APP took place in Gaborone, Botswana with the AUC Continental Steering Committee Members participating. AUC was represented by Dr. Janet Edeme, Head of Rural Development and Acting Head of Agriculture and Food Security Division. SDC was represented by Ms. Stephanie Piers de Raveschoot the Programme Manager of Agriculture & Food Systems and Mr. Daniel Valenghi, Regional Program Officer, Thematic Cooperation, Food Systems, Swiss Cooperation Office Addis Abeba.

Biovision Africa Trust will be the lead coordinating agency for Sub-Sahara Africa component. The implementing partners of the APP are AfroNet, Pelum Association, Pelum Kenya and Agroecology fund. The APP also brings on board global partners of IFOAM, Biovision Foundation, and Agroecology coalition and who also participated in the launch.

The goal of the APP is that ‘Agroecology is broadly promoted as a pathway for food systems transformation to truly sustainable, resilient, localized and healthy food systems, worldwide and in particular in Sub-Sahara Africa and South-East Asia.’

With this overall goal, the APP wants to contribute to the efforts of the countries to reach their SDGs, using agroecology as an implementation compass.

Compiled by Ms. Venancia Wambua, Head of Programmes (EOA&KCOA)