This compilation of economic evidence looks at the studies and reports about ProSoil activities that were carried out between 2014 to 2023, many in partnership with the Economics of Land Degradation (ELD) Initiative (www.eld-initiative.org). They were analysed in terms of their economic, social, environmental and benefits as the compilation sought to answer two key questions:

I. Are agroecological practices economically viable for smallholder farmers?

II. What are the wider economic and social benefits of agroecological practices?

This report examines agricultural extension approaches that integrate farmers' knowledge to accelerate agroecological transitions in Benin, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Madagascar. It assesses how advisory services support sustainable farming, foster knowledge-sharing, and ensure long-term farmer engagement.

The analysis is based on a desk review of relevant documents and interviews with key informants who participated in the NDC development process. This helped to understand the NDC development process, highlight the level of integration of SOC/SH into the NDCs, and formulate relevant recommendations based on key areas of support.

Soils worldwide are degrading at an accelerating rate with devastating effects on agricultural productivity and thus food security. Farmers can directly address this challenge by adopting agroecological practices that help maintain or enhance soil fertility over the long term. Evidence from 10 years of implementation of ProSoil shows that these measures not only improve soil fertility but also have a positive economic impact for both farmers and society as a whole. Case studies from ProSoil have been analysed.

Climate change poses a threat to global agriculture, with the African continent particularly vulnerable. Since 1961, climate change has reduced agricultural productivity in Africa by 34 per cent. Projections warn that up to 80 million additional people could be affected by hunger. Already today, 40 per cent of the world’s land area is considered degraded. At the same time, agricultural activities contribute considerably to the degradation of ecological and agricultural systems.

Agricultural and food (in short here agrifood) systems encompass the entire value chain of food and agricultural production, from seed selection and crop cultivation to storage, transport, processing, marketing, consumption, and waste management. These systems are shaped by social, economic, and policy factors.

The main objective of this study is to analyse the existing studies and sources in order to compile and prepare evidence on the link between ProSoil’s actions on food security in a communicative way key messages) for communication purposes and for accountability of the commissioning party and co-funders. Accordingly, conclusions and key messages are presented in chapter 5.

Land degradation and declining productivity in the Ethiopian Highlands are primarily caused by soil fertility decline due to erosion, nutrient depletion, and soil acidity. An integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) project operating over a six-year period aimed to combat this and boost yields through participatory demonstrations. Despite high levels of yield variability expected from a farmer-managed observational study over a wide area, results show that crop yields increased with increased use of ISFM. Detailed statistical analysis using multiple linear regression models explained the contribution of individual practices. Use of improved varieties and line-seeding rather than broadcasting were consistently and highly significant. The contribution of inorganic blended fertiliser was less clear, probably due to low soil organic matter and use on acidic soils, although response to nitrogen was highly significant. The contribution of organic fertilisers was less than expected, possibly due to soil disturbance from farmer practices of multiple ploughing. Responses to crop residue management and agroforestry practices were significant on most crops reflecting their importance in improving soil water management, soil organic matter and recycling nutrients. Response to lime application on acid soils was highly significant confirming the importance of correcting acidity. Unexplained differences are attributed to the additive effects of using several ISFM treatments as well as unrecorded beneficial farmer management practices. It can be concluded that ISFM can play an essential role in improving productivity, addressing food insecurity and the challenges of climate change. Further expansion will require advocacy, awareness-raising, field-level extension and involvement of the private sector.

L’objectif du présent document est de consolider les technologies et approches documentées dans le cadre des activités menées par ProSol Bénin et ses partenaires. Il les regroupe en un seul document pour en faciliter l›accès et la diffusion. Il permet en outre de diffuser des connaissances inestimables sur les technologies et les approches de GDT, de renforcer les bonnes pratiques mises en évidence et d›aider à la prise de décision empirique.

L’objectif du présent document est de consolider les technologies et approches documentées dans le cadre des activités menées par ProSol Burkina Faso et ses partenaires. Il les regroupe en un seul document pour en faciliter l’accès et la diffusion. Il permet en outre de diffuser des connaissances inestimables sur les technologies et les approches de GDT, de renforcer les bonnes pratiques mises en évidence et d’aider à la prise de décision empirique.communautés.

This “Soil Fertility Management” technical manual is designed as a training package targeted to reach communities. The manual consists and provides technical information and theoretical backgrounds for “Integrated Soil Fertility Management” (ISFM) technologies for woreda experts and Development Agents for use as a teaching and learning aid.

The manual is available at GIZ-SURED programme offices or as free download from the Ministry of Agriculture website. An additional manual developed by the SURED programme “Training Manual for Biological Soil and Water Conservation” provides additional and complementary information.

The Guide is designed to firstly raise awareness among farmers about soil fertility problems, secondly, how different measures can be used in an integrated approach, and thirdly, how to try, monitoring and evaluating different practices. Understanding the key physical and biological features of soils is essential for developing sustainable improvement strategies. Helping farmers to gain and improve their knowledge will enable them to make conscious choices for how to manage their soils, their crops and their livestock.

This document captures the stories, challenges, and triumphs of farmers in Bungoma, Kakamega, and Siaya counties, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of communities amid changing climates and agricultural landscapes. This blend of local wisdom and innovation highlights the local community’s commitment to embracing sustainable and climate-smart approaches to soil and land management.

This compilation is Western Kenya’s contribution to a worldwide problem; it is a living resource that Bungoma, Siaya, and Kakamega counties can use for years. It provides guidance for implementing successful SLM practices, facilitating informed decision-making, and fostering continuous learning and improvement.

In India more than 54 million metric tons (MT) of municipal solid waste are generated every year of which 50% is organic. Without treatment, organic waste, containing valuable nutrients and carbon originating in agricultural fields, accumulates in urban environments. This loss of nutrients from rural agricultural landscapes contributes to its degradation. There is a potential to recycle urban organic waste into compost and other soil enhancing products to return nutrients and carbon back to the soils.

Les actions Genre du projet sont orientées par la stratégie Genre de la GIZ qui vise l'égalité des sexes en son sein et dans ses activités dans les pays partenaires. Elles contribuent également à la Stratégie Nationale Genre du Secteur Agricole (SNGSA) libellée "La vision a besoin d'attitude: l'attitude rencontre l'action" du Bénin de 2021, dont l'objectif général est de réduire durablement les inégalités liées au genre dans le secteur agricole à travers le renforcement de la coordination des interventions en matière de genre, des capacités des femmes et autres groupes vulnérables ainsi que l'adoption des comportements sensibles au genre par tous les acteurs.

Ce document constitue une ressource précieuse pour tous ceux qui sont engagés dans la préservation et la valorisation des terres en Tunisie. Sa mise à disposition vise à encourager l’adoption de pratiques durables, contribuant ainsi à un avenir plus prometteur pour notre environnement et nos communautés.

Decisions on investment and policy require answers to key questions about the scalability, economic viability, and long-term effects of biochar use under realistic scenarios. Information on market size is key to drive advancements in delivery models, product formulation, regulatory frameworks, and fiscal incentives for effective and sustainable integration into the agri-food value chains. This ex-ante upscaled assessment aims to provide clarity on the potential scale and impact of biochar use in maize systems of Kenya by leveraging official data on land use, crop yields and fertilizer statistics, findings from research and case studies, all while accounting for varied need of residues, uncertainties and safety margins. A modelling procedure (Figure 1) with sequential operations starting from grain production data over standard conversion to residue quantities, deductions of competing pulls for livestock, resource recovery from pyrolytic processes, and dose-response yield gain was implemented that provides a comprehensive approach to evaluating agricultural efficiency and sustainability. As the benefit of soil health interventions is manifested over multiple years, these steps were looped, and legacy effects carried forth. Input data and conversion factors were furnished or reviewed by selected informants that are experts or practitioners in the field, ensuring robust and representative outcome. This framework and methods can be replicated across other geographic scales and regions. Besides the biophysical potential, the financial viability of biochar use was evaluated against prices of production, grain and fertilizer. The main factors used for conversion and response calculation are summarized in Annex #1. Results presented in this brief can help stakeholders anticipate the likely-hood outcomes and make informed decisions about the adoption and implementation.

Nous remercions l’ensemble des cadres, des chercheurs et des techniciens de terrain qui ont contribué à l’élaboration de ce document. Leur dévouement, leur expertise et leur engagement ont été essentiels pour enrichir nos connaissances et documenter les bonnes pratiques de gestion durable des sols. Les photos réelles de terrain et les données succinctes sur les coûts-bénéfices qu’ils ont partagées ont apporté une dimension concrète et pragmatique à cette compilation.

Ce document constitue une ressource précieuse pour tous ceux qui sont engagés dans la préservation et la valorisation des terres en Tunisie. Sa mise à disposition vise à encourager l’adoption de pratiques durables, contribuant ainsi à un avenir plus prometteur pour notre environnement et nos communautés.

In India, ProSoil is implemented in the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The SLM practices from India in this compilation represent a broad spectrum of activities and interventions the project has undertaken since 2015. These practices are typified by local innovation and resource efficiency. They leverage local materials in a way that benefits soil health and is financially sustainable for farmers. Through its efforts, the project has helped rehabilitate 54,658 hectares of land in the implementation area. We have validated business models for products such as crop residue-based biochar and quality-tested urban organic waste-derived compost. This has cemented the financial viability of the project’s SLM practices, incentivising their self-sustaining proliferation.

While these interventions respond to specific challenges within each local context, there is also potential for applicability and scale in other regions. To explore and operationalise the practices, India and other ProSoil global programme partner countries have already been working consistently to deepen South-South SLM knowledge exchange.

Au Bénin, les sols s’épuisent à un rythme accéléré du fait des mauvaises pratiques culturales, des conditions climatiques et de l’utilisation abusive des engrais minéraux. Une étude faite en 2016 sur le niveau de fertilité des sols par le Laboratoire d’Appui à l’Amélioration de la Santé des Sols, de la qualité des Eaux et à la sauvegarde de l’Environnement (L2A2S2E) de l’Institut National des Recherches Agricoles du Bénin (INRAB) a révélé que 90 % des sols du Bénin ont un niveau de fertilité faible à très faible, notamment dans les départements du Borgou, de l’Alibori et du Zou. Cela entraine des conséquences telles que la diminution des rendements des cultures, la menace à la sécurité alimentaire, l’augmentation de la pauvreté ainsi que la menace à l’environnement et à la santé humaine.

Pour inverser cette situation, le projet « Protection et Réhabilitation des Sols (ProSOL) » promeut la mise en œuvre à large échelle des approches de protection et de réhabilitation durables des sols au Bénin. Le biochar, la Terra Preta et le compost sont des innovations parmi les mesures de Gestion Durable des Terres (GDT) diffusées par ProSOL.

Le carbone, qui a été produit à partir du compost et dont la durée de vie est liée durable, contribue à réduire la quantité de CO2 qui a été produite lors de l'épuisement de la biomasse utilisée et qui a été produite à partir du compost.

Les processus de compostage et l'application de compost aux sols agricoles interagissent avec l'environnement et le système climatique de multiples façons complexes, ce qui entraîne de nombreuses incertitudes.

Afin de réduire ces incertitudes à l'avenir et d'accroître la robustesse des résultats comptables, des mesures des valeurs d'émission réelles ou du carbone séquestré devraient être effectuées régulièrement au cours de la mise en œuvre et de l'exploitation des technologies étudiées en Madagascar.