EU-funded project champions climate-smart agriculture in East Africa

The PrAEctiCe project, a Horizon Europe initiative funded by the European Union, hosted an Online Agroecology Summit, drawing participants from Indigenous farming communities, researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.

The event spotlighted sustainable agricultural practices to build climate-smart agri-food systems aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The summit, themed “Facilitating Agroecological Transition among Smallholder Farmers through Technology and Innovation,” delved into integrating technology into smallholder farming. It explored agroecological aquaculture systems’ potential to enhance Africa’s food systems, addressing challenges like food security and climate resilience.

Key discussions emphasized stakeholder collaboration, frameworks for agroecological adoption, and smallholder farmer empowerment. Participants stressed how combining advanced technology with traditional agricultural practices could strengthen food security and boost farmers’ resilience.

Technological Integration for Sustainability
The event highlighted innovations like remote sensing, digital data, and Geographic Information Systems to improve aquaculture efficiency. Prof. Domen Mongus of the University of Maribor showcased the PrAEctiCe Digital Decision Support Tool, designed to aid smallholder farmers’ transition to agroecology. The tool, available as a mobile app, will support both farmers and advisors by providing actionable insights based on farm data.

To ensure accessibility, the platform integrates features for digital inclusion, including Multimedia Messaging Services and text notifications for those without smartphones. “The database will include simple indicators to enable farmers to report and access guidance easily,” explained Lopo Carvalho, Technical and Commercial Consultant at Aquagri.

Local Knowledge and Policy Advocacy
Prominent voices at the summit underscored the value of Indigenous agricultural knowledge. Million Belay, General Coordinator of the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), praised Kenya’s agroecology policy as a sign of growing momentum for sustainable practices.

Dr. Nicholas Outa, a Fisheries and Aquaculture expert at Maseno University, stressed co-creation between researchers, policymakers, and farmers, viewing traditional knowledge as a rich resource for modern farming. Prof. Harun Okello from the same institution called for integrating field findings into policy-making processes, ensuring farmers’ voices guide agricultural decisions.

The summit concluded with a call to strengthen food systems through sustainable agricultural productivity while creating opportunities for women and youth. Upcoming Open Days at living labs in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will demonstrate the scalability of agroecological systems, validating the Decision Support Tool’s potential.