Who We Are
Our Roots
At African Organic Network, we know that sometimes all it takes to change the world is a little support. Since our founding in 2014, we have been determined to make an impact. The core of our efforts is to bring our team’s fresh ideas and passion to the range of activities we’re involved in. Through all of our endeavors we hope to display the conviction behind our beliefs.
IIABA PROJECT
The “Institutional Innovations for Organic Agriculture in Africa” (IIABA) project is based on the premise that in order to encourage organic agriculture, it is not enough to increase organic agricultural production. It is also necessary to develop the appropriate institutions, whether in terms of markets, certification of the “organic” quality of products, or public policies. From 2020 to 2023, African Organic Network (AfrONet) and its partners will strive to identify institutional innovations in these three areas and to promote them at the national and continental levels.
It was launched on 28 February 2020 in Zanzibar, Tanzania, for a duration of three and a half years; the aim of the IIABA project is to support the development of organic agriculture in Africa.
INTERCROPPING
Since different plants may require slightly different nutrient absorption, mixed cropping reduces the risk of depleting the soil. It also reduces the risk of complete crop failure from a single pest or disease.
MULCHING
A cover crop provides a natural means of suppressing soil diseases, pests. It can also serve as a mulch or cover to assist in suppressing weed growth. A cover crop can provide high-quality material for grazing livestock or haying and can provide food and habitat for wildlife, beneficial insects, and pollinators.
SEED
The approach of favoring the 'formal' commercial seed sector is weakening smallholder farmers' core rights to save, share, exchange and sell their seeds. Farmer managed seed systems are an effective, context-specific way to distribute seeds.
" African small-scale farmers can produce adequate food to feed the continent sustainably, provided they have secure access to land, water, seeds/breeds and other natural resources. "