Across the globe, farmers are confronting a storm of interwoven crises. Climate change, shifting global social dynamics, and systemic injustices intersect with soil degradation, prolonged droughts, economic instability, and rising insecurity. For rural communities, building sustainable food systems—where both people and ecosystems can thrive—is not just an aspiration, but a necessity for survival and dignity. And this matter affects us all. Smallholder farmers produce up to 80% of the world's … [Read more...] about How to Build a Model Farm through Agroecological Farming: A Practical Guide
Systemic Change
Strengthening Agroecology in Nepal: A New Partnership Between Groundswell International and Tribhuvan University
Groundswell International is proud to announce a new partnership with Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, Nepal, to advance natural farming and agroecology in Nepal through collaborative research, education, and field-based learning. This partnership is a promising step forward for sustainable agriculture in South Asia, deepening academic-practitioner collaboration, equipping the next generation of food systems leaders, and strengthening climate-resilient food systems rooted in ecological … [Read more...] about Strengthening Agroecology in Nepal: A New Partnership Between Groundswell International and Tribhuvan University
Returning to our Grandmothers’ Kitchens: Eating with an Agroecological Mindset
The smell always got there first. Upstairs, while I played with my cousins, the scent of my French grandmother's cooking filled the house; roasted potatoes, bubbling butter, something meaty and rich we couldn't quite place yet. Everything came from nearby: mushrooms from our morning walk in the woods, herbs from the garden, butter churned by a neighbor, and meat from healthy grass-fed cows, locally known as "La Charolaise." Each meal was a long sensory feast. We ate while listening to my … [Read more...] about Returning to our Grandmothers’ Kitchens: Eating with an Agroecological Mindset
Imagining an Agroecological Future: Pathways & Blockers
Vast fields of uniform crops have long defined our agricultural landscapes—a familiar promise of endless abundance. This is the image many of us have known for decades, so ingrained in our way of life that shifting to a different model seems inconceivable. Today, the cracks in this system are undeniable: drought and extreme heat burning hectares of land. Unforeseen frosts and storms disturbing seasons' rhythm and wreaking havoc on plants' growing cycles. Fruits and vegetables that once … [Read more...] about Imagining an Agroecological Future: Pathways & Blockers
Expanding Agroecology in West Africa: Welcoming CEAL and Urbanet as New Partners in Ghana
We are thrilled to announce two new partnerships in Ghana that will strengthen our collective network impact: the Center for Ecological Agriculture and Livelihoods (CEAL) and Urbanet. These local organizations share our commitment to empowering smallholder farmers, advancing agroecology, and building resilient communities. By joining forces, we aim to extend the support available to those most affected by poverty, food insecurity, and climate change in Northern Ghana, and pool learnings … [Read more...] about Expanding Agroecology in West Africa: Welcoming CEAL and Urbanet as New Partners in Ghana
Transforming Food Systems From the Ground Up: Our Theory of Change
For over 13,000 years, farming has been about people constantly innovating and working with nature to create reliable ways to grow food and enhance well-being. But the past 200 years have seen a dramatic shift towards industrial agriculture. Heavy reliance on fossil fuels and mechanization became the norm, prioritizing quick growth over protecting natural resources. Today, a few large corporations dominate the supply of farming inputs such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides and … [Read more...] about Transforming Food Systems From the Ground Up: Our Theory of Change