West Africa is one of the youngest regions in the world, with people under 35 making up the majority of the population. Yet across much of the region, agriculture, the sector that sustains millions of livelihoods, remains difficult for young people to enter as independent producers. The conditions required to qualify as an independent farmer include access to and ownership of land, control over labor, family dynamics, and the funds required for farming. This overall capital is far above the … [Read more...] about Forming the Future Foundation of Agroecology and Food Sovereignty in West Africa
West Africa
“These Tools Have Changed The Way We Farm”: Appropriate Tools Are Making Farming Dignified Again in Ghana’s Savannah Region
Abdul Latif Issah, a 38-year-old farmer and respected community leader in Mahamuripe, Central Gonja District, is a husband and father of five. He serves as Secretary of the local community's Agroecology Committee*, coordinating learning sessions, mobilizing farmers, and documenting community progress. Farming has always been central to life in Mahamuripe, providing food, income, and cultural identity. Yet, like many rural communities, Mahamuripe has faced challenges that threatened productivity, … [Read more...] about “These Tools Have Changed The Way We Farm”: Appropriate Tools Are Making Farming Dignified Again in Ghana’s Savannah Region
Bridging the Gap: Appropriate Farming Technology for Scaling Agroecology in West Africa
In West Africa, around 80% of the population relies on agriculture, with smallholder farmers producing most of the food consumed locally. Many are turning to agroecology to improve resilience and food security, but the heavy labor demands of agroecological farming limit its adoption. One critical solution lies in what development practitioners call "appropriate technology"—not expensive electronics or AI, but simple, affordable tools designed for local … [Read more...] about Bridging the Gap: Appropriate Farming Technology for Scaling Agroecology in West Africa
Agroecology Pays Off in Burkina Faso: New Study Shows 77% Yield Gains and Strong Financial Returns Despite Extremely Dry Conditions
A new study from Groundswell International, Altus Impact, and the Burkinabè NGO Association Nourrir Sans Détruire (ANSD) offers compelling evidence that agroecology works and is ready to scale. The study analyzes data from more than 400 farming households in Burkina Faso’s eastern region, collected between June 2023 and June 2024. The results show a clear progression: as farmers adopt more agroecological practices, their incomes, yields and wellbeing improve. Indeed, farmers using several … [Read more...] about Agroecology Pays Off in Burkina Faso: New Study Shows 77% Yield Gains and Strong Financial Returns Despite Extremely Dry Conditions
Scaling Agroecology in West Africa with Community-Led Agroecology Committees: Lessons for Facilitators
Partnerships that leave communities strong, self-reliant, and resilient have been at the core of the work of Groundswell International and its partners in West Africa. A key part of this work is training field teams to facilitate community-led approaches and strategies to scale agroecology, combining learnings from different countries. Earlier this year, member organizations from Burkina Faso and Ghana participated in a series of trainings and pilot programs aimed at helping communities … [Read more...] about Scaling Agroecology in West Africa with Community-Led Agroecology Committees: Lessons for Facilitators
How a Young Agriculture Student in Burkina Faso Turned Passion into Purpose
'In the heart of every young person lies the potential for greatness' Unknown In many rural African communities, youth are often perceived as detached from agriculture—more drawn to city life and office jobs than farming or community-based livelihoods. This perception partially reflects a reality: youth still see conventional farming as labor-intensive, poorly paid, and lacking dignity, and the lack of jobs in rural areas pushes many to leave their home in search of opportunities … [Read more...] about How a Young Agriculture Student in Burkina Faso Turned Passion into Purpose