A full and varied plate thanks to agroecology

Armed with a hoe, Binto Conté works the soil in her field, where a carpet of seedlings is emerging. She has not always had such fertile soil. Like other farmers, she is bearing the brunt of climate change: “I have lost crops due to heat and humidity. The weather has become more unpredictable and encourages the spread of pests,” she says. Looking out over her thriving field, she explains proudly: “I now know how to control pests using organic pesticides, and I can grow vegetables all year round.” Previously, the 43-year-old farmer was unable to feed her family of twelve: “We struggled to produce enough food. The rice grown during the rainy season was not enough to last the whole year.”

Climate change is threatening local agriculture

In Guinea-Bissau, more than two-thirds of the population lives below the poverty line. The majority depends on agriculture for their livelihood. In the regions where SWISSAID operates (Oio, Bafatá and Cacheu), around 80% of the population works in the agricultural sector.

Although this West African country is blessed with rich biodiversity and fertile soil, these resources are threatened by several factors. One of these is climate change, as illustrated by Binto Conté’s testimony: temperatures are rising, and periods of drought are followed by extremely heavy rainfall.

Another factor is deforestation linked to the cultivation of rice and cashew nuts, two major resources in Guinea-Bissau’s agriculture. These monocultures destroy ecosystems, thus increasing the vulnerability of the population.

Healthier diets thanks to agroecology

In order to improve food security in rural communities and strengthen their resilience to climate change, SWISSAID has launched a project that encourages women and young people to use agroecological and agroforestry techniques. In addition, participants are trained in rural entrepreneurship with the aim of making them more autonomous and raising their awareness of forest protection. Of the 2,000 participants, 90% are women, 30% of whom are between the ages of 18 and 35, a group heavily affected by unemployment.

The SWISSAID project aims to reduce dependence on monocultures, diversify crops and improve yields. Binto Conté, who is participating in the project, says: “I have learned agroecological techniques that respect natural cycles.” This new knowledge has changed her life: the farmer and her family now have greater access to varied and healthy food throughout the year. Like other producers, she has introduced new crops to her land. A varied diet reduces the risk of malnutrition and disease, especially in children.

Empowering female entrepreneurs

Although they make up 54% of agricultural workers in Guinea-Bissau and thus play a leading role in this sector, women have little say in local affairs. A customary law prevents them from inheriting land and they are excluded from community decision-making bodies. The project therefore also aims to empower women. Since the introduction of a community savings and microcredit system, Binto Conté now owns her own field. The income from it covers part of her household expenses.

Now, women are gaining decision-making power: 60% of forest management committees are made up of women. The farmer sees the benefits for herself and the women in her community: “The project promotes women’s role in food production and strengthens their autonomy and resource management.” By selling her own vegetables, she has learned to make the most of her production and is less dependent on imported food.

Binto Conté is proud to contribute to the growth of the local food production – and wants to continue this path: “I would like to increase my production and become a great entrepreneur. And, of course, I hope to see my children healthy, with full stomachs, and able to study better in a healthy environment.”

Images: Ricci Shryock