Newsletter 4 – Bio-Based Technologies
December 2024
Project DIVAGRI publishes a series of compelling interviews and narratives gathered by Stellenbosch University, South Africa, under the guidance of Leanne with Stellenbosch University, South Africa. These stories showcase the transformative impacts of bio-based technologies, highlighting real-life experiences from diverse farming communities across Africa. By capturing the voices of stakeholders, these interviews provide valuable insights into the challenges, opportunities, and successes of integrating sustainable practices into rural economies. Delivered through various accessible platforms, these narratives which are summarised next, serve to inform, inspire, and engage audiences, advancing DIVAGRI’s mission to foster sustainable agricultural innovation and community empowerment.
Tackling freshwater scarcity with solar desalination greenhouses. This article highlights the innovative research of fellow colleague Azure Sanleri, a Master’s student, on solar desalination greenhouses in Ghana. It explores how these systems address freshwater scarcity while enhancing local food security and contributing to a circular economy through sustainable water and crop management.
Pictured. An extension officer
in action in Mozambique
Tackling freshwater scarcity with solar desalination greenhouses. This article highlights the innovative research of fellow colleague Azure Sanleri, a Master’s student, on solar desalination greenhouses in Ghana. It explores how these systems address freshwater scarcity while enhancing local food security and contributing to a circular economy through sustainable water and crop management.
Capacity building for a circular bioeconomy in KwaNdaba. Fellow colleague Noluthando Ngcobo discusses the role of capacity building and training in empowering small-scale farmers in KwaNdaba, South Africa, to participate in the circular bioeconomy. The article showcases initiatives such as introducing niche crops, biochar production, and affordable irrigation systems to enhance productivity and sustainability.
Aligning Bio-Technological Innovation with Farmers’ Needs in Mozambique. Fellow colleague Cristina Micrisse, an extension officer in Mozambique, emphasises the importance of tailoring bio-based technologies to local needs. Through examples like introducing Gliricidia for soil health and livestock feed, the article highlights participatory approaches for fostering farmer adoption of circular bioeconomy practices.
Bio-based solutions for climate resilience in Botswana. Fellow colleague Stephen Pillar shares insights on how small-scale farmers in Botswana are tackling climate change using DIVAGRI bio-based technologies. The article highlights practices like intercropping, biochar production, and adopting affordable irrigation techniques to improve soil health and address water scarcity.
Collaboration between researchers, farmers, and government in Ghana. Fellow colleague Richard Yaw Owusu advocates for a closer partnership among researchers, small-scale farmers, and government in Ghana to advance the bioeconomy. The article details practices like intercropping pigeonpea and maize, alongside innovative uses of black soldier fly larvae, to enhance agricultural sustainability.
The need for a continental African bioeconomy university network. This article proposes establishing a university-led African bioeconomy network to strengthen global collaboration. It highlights the importance of transdisciplinary approaches and regional priorities in addressing Africa’s unique socio-ecological challenges within the bioeconomy framework.
Embracing biogas technology in Kenya’s bioeconomy. The Kenya Small-Scale Farmers Alliance shares experiences of adopting biogas technology to promote clean energy and resource efficiency. This article illustrates the environmental and economic benefits of converting organic farm waste into renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertiliser for smallholder farmers.