Dear reader,
It is my sincere pleasure to extend to you the latest edition of the DIVAGRI newsletter, representing the collective efforts of our esteemed consortium. As we embark on the third year of the DIVAGRI project's development journey, we are thrilled to bring you a wealth of success stories from our dedicated partner colleagues.

Over the past year, we have witnessed the launch of numerous exciting demonstrations, and our pilot sites have become focal points of public engagement. The feedback from those who have experienced our pioneering technologies in action, particularly in the regions of Ghana, Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, and Mozambique, has been nothing short of inspiring.

In this newsletter, you will delve into the transformative impact of clay-based irrigation in semi-arid Botswana, where water conservation has reached unprecedented levels, and you will explore the innovative practices of smallholder farmers in Ghana who are pioneering pigeon pea and maize intercropping, among many other remarkable stories.

This edition places a spotlight on the harmonious integration of intercropping practices with the Self-regulating, Low Energy, Clay-based Irrigation (SLECI) system. SLECI, a revolutionary subsurface irrigation technique, harnesses the natural suction force of the surrounding soil to regulate water release. Both intercropping and SLECI form the cornerstone of the DIVAGRI technological platform, a central component of our project's core concept.

In a testament to our project's innovation, DIVAGRI proudly received recognition and acclaim at the recent contest held in Bulgaria during the International Agricultural Exhibition AGRA 2023. This exhibition encompasses the entire spectrum of agriculture, spanning science, practical work, technologies, equipment, products, innovations, and services.

Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming DIVAGRI partners' meeting scheduled to take place in Gaborone, Botswana on 6 - 10 November 2023. This pivotal event serves as an invaluable platform for our partners and key stakeholders to convene, share insights, discuss progress, and forge collaborative pathways towards the shared goal of achieving project success. 

I wish to emphasize DIVAGRI's unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable livelihoods in rural areas across Africa. Our vision is anchored in the development of domestic agri-food systems that can support the needs of burgeoning populations while nurturing environmental sustainability and inclusivity for generations to come.

We encourage you to subscribe to our project's updates through our website and warmly invite you to engage with us on our social media platforms. Your comments and insights are highly valued as we continue this transformative journey.  

Enjoy the enlightening read ahead!"
With warm regards,


Sébastien Clerc-Renaud,
Project coordinator, on behalf of DIVAGRI Project Consortium