“In the face of increasing climate disruption, more conflict, and less aid globally, we’re constantly in awe of our partners who continue to lead with creativity and resilience to deliver for smallholder farmers and their communities.”– Jane Maland Cady, Program Director, Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems
In 2024, McKnight Foundation’s Colaboración global para sistemas alimentarios resilientes (CRFS) held an open call for innovative agroecology research projects that can help local farming communities adapt to the interconnected challenges posed by climate change in the 10 countries in the high Andes and Africa where we have hosted communities of practice for over 20 years. The open call grants are a portion of the broader $11 million in funding that CRFS made through nearly 100 grants in 2024, cultivating resilient food systems globally by bridging farmer-centered agroecological research, action, and influence.
“It is more important now than ever before that we work to leverage the relationships, networks, and evidence that have been created to advance deep transformations in local, regional, and global food systems,” said Jane Maland Cady, program director for CRFS. “In the face of increasing climate disruption, more conflict, and less aid globally, we’re constantly in awe of our partners who continue to lead with creativity and resilience to deliver for smallholder farmers and their communities—increasing nutrition, soil health, biodiversity, and incomes while reducing harmful pesticides, fertilizers, and power dynamics.”
The CRFS team worked diligently to review all of the open call applications received in 2024 and have awarded funding to 17 projects, eight in the theme of Agroecología y Una Salud and nine in the theme of La agroecología como una solución climática audaz.
“We learned there is a huge demand for agroecology-related funding and a wealth of incredible ideas for research that can improve people’s lives and the environment,” shared Paul Rogé, senior program officer for McKnight’s CRFS. “Our open call for agroecology funding resulted in 500 initial inquiries and over 100 final applications. We’re very excited about the 17 project teams we funded, who are already busy making a difference in their communities.”
Continue reading for an overview of each of the awarded projects, organized by theme.
Agroecología y Una Salud
The West African Sahel region faces an array of challenges from climate change to food and nutrition insecurity, and McKnight Foundation believes that approaches there linking agroecology and One Health can surface innovative solutions. One Health is a holistic approach to health that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and plant health. According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), “Agroecology and One Health are complementary approaches to achieving a world where everyone has access to safe and nutritious food while protecting the environment.”
Projects awarded funding in this open call theme are working at the intersections of agroecology and One Health to address multifaceted technical and social challenges posed by climate change in the Sahel.
8 Awarded Grants (click to expand)
- ABOUT GRANTEE: Nazi Boni University’s Center of Gaoua in Burkina Faso develops and disseminates knowledge through education and scientific advancement, providing in-person and distance training in various fields, conducting research, promoting culture, and issuing certifications and academic records.
- PROJECT OVERVIEW: This project focuses on enhancing the resilience and sustainability of food systems in Burkina Faso by addressing ecological challenges in gallery forests. These forests face threats from agricultural expansion, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss, adversely affecting food security and public health.
- KEY OUTCOMES: The project aims to implement agroecological practices that utilize invasive plant species for biopesticides, biofertilizers, and animal feed while emphasizing the importance of local participation in ecosystem restoration and sustainable agriculture.
- ABOUT GRANTEE: The main goal of this Malian national research institute, the Institute of Rural Economy, is to improve agricultural productivity, increase food security and farmers’ income, and ensure sustainable rural development to make the rural sector the engine of economic growth in the country.
- PROJECT OVERVIEW: The project aims to strengthen the agroecological management of pesticide residues and aflatoxins for better quality control of food and fodder, thereby contributing to a One Health approach.
- KEY OUTCOMES: This project will strengthen actors’ capacities throughout the value chain on good agroecological practices in production, conservation, transport, and processing to reduce the risks of unhealthy aflatoxin and pesticide residual contamination. The project also aims to establish better communication channels to reach all stakeholders involved in achieving One Health’s goals. Moreover, the project is expected to provide critical data and information on aflatoxin and pesticide residue risk management to influence policy changes through briefing government policymakers and other actors on the most promising health, food security, and food safety achievements.
- ABOUT GRANTEE: The “Institut de l’Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles” (INERA) is Burkina Faso’s national research institute. It is focused on generating knowledge and technological innovations to enhance production in agriculture, forestry, wildlife, and fisheries while promoting the sustainable management of natural resources and rural development through research, technical support, and technology transfer.
- PROJECT OVERVIEW: This project aims to repurpose slaughterhouse waste into a soil amendment, enhancing agricultural production and sustainability while increasing environmental health.
- KEY OUTCOMES: The project will diagnose waste and management options, develop biofertilizers, improve agropastoral productivity, and offer training in agroecological practices to reduce environmental pollution, enhance soil fertility and agricultural productivity, and increase awareness of agroecological practices.
- ABOUT GRANTEE: IRSAT develops and implements research programs in agri-food technologies for development partners, supports promoters in creating successful micro-enterprises, and works with rural communities to promote healthy, balanced diets.
- PROJECT OVERVIEW: Effective post-harvest management of grain crops is vital for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) by 2030 in sub-Saharan Africa, where annual cereal losses can reach nearly $4 billion. These losses pose significant challenges to food security for over 85% of the population that relies on agriculture.
- KEY OUTCOMES: The present project aims to equip small rural farmers in Burkina Faso with resilient post-harvest management practices to promote a sustainable food system. It will do this by leveraging local and scientific knowledge, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and prioritizing renewable energy to create a beneficial circular economy.
- ABOUT GRANTEE: The National Institute of Agricultural Research of Niger (INRAN) provides scientific and technical assistance to solve rural development problems through agricultural research.
- PROJECT OVERVIEW: West African countries, particularly Niger, struggle with significant health and environmental issues due to organic waste, such as increased pests, water pollution, and disease spread. There is also a growing demand for organic fertilizers, as conventional options are costly and harmful to the environment. Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae offer a sustainable solution for waste treatment and animal feed production. They effectively convert organic waste into high-protein feed while producing a nutrient-rich soil amendment suitable for low-fertility soils.
- KEY OUTCOMES: This proposal aims to improve living conditions and local economies for 1,500 small-scale producers in Niger through the establishment of BSF production units with a focus on empowering young people and women.
- ABOUT GRANTEE: Joseph KI-ZERBO University in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, provides education and training, conducts research, and promotes cooperation to develop skilled human resources and contribute to the nation’s socio-economic and cultural development.
- PROJECT OVERVIEW: Subsistence farming in sub-Saharan Africa, primarily practiced by smallholders, faces challenges from climate change, soil degradation, and pests, with low yields in cereal-legume intercropping and okra cultivation, driving the need for sustainable land management and pest control solutions.
- KEY OUTCOMES: The project aims to improve agricultural yields and resilience for smallholder farmers through co-designing agroecological practices for intercropping and fodder integration, optimizing okra production with sustainable methods, and monitoring the impact on soil health, crop performance, and adaptability to climate variability. It focuses on enhancing smallholder resilience by integrating rain-fed agriculture, livestock farming, and market gardening. The project, implemented in Burkina Faso’s Centre-Nord region, involves around 50 farmers, including 50-60% women and youth.
- ABOUT GRANTEE: The Norbert Zongo University (UNZ) in Koudougou, Burkina Faso, is dedicated to producing and transmitting knowledge, training managers in various fields, conducting and disseminating research, raising the technical, scientific, and cultural level of citizens, contributing to the country’s economic, social, and cultural development, awarding diplomas, and promoting skills across all sectors.
- PROJECT OVERVIEW: UNZ’s project aims to develop an integrated approach to enhance rice productivity in Burkina Faso by addressing challenges like pests, diseases, soil fertility degradation, and unhealthy seeds through sustainable practices, including AI-based disease monitoring, pathogen-free seed production, and participatory agroecological techniques.
- KEY OUTCOMES: The multidisciplinary project team comprises producer organizations, government extension services, university researchers, and students, ensuring collaboration across various stakeholders and sectors.
- ABOUT GRANTEE: The Africa Rice Center aims to deliver rice-based innovations and transformed rice-based agri-food systems that contribute to the transformation of food, land, and water systems in the face of climate change.
- PROJECT OVERVIEW: The project seeks to promote widespread, gender-inclusive adoption of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), an agroecological approach to rice production, in Mali. It aims to boost rice yields, enhance food security, reduce water usage and greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce malaria incidences while addressing gender-related barriers to adoption. It focuses on understanding gender dynamics in SRI uptake, developing gender-responsive training materials, and building local capacity for equitable implementation through digital tools like Rice Advice and training of extension agents.
- KEY OUTCOMES: Key outcomes include improved rice yields, better food security, reduced malaria incidence through water management, and policy recommendations for scaling SRI across Mali and West Africa, fostering sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices.
La agroecología como una solución climática audaz
Climate change poses one of the most pressing challenges for food systems globally. The impacts of climate change are already happening, and agriculture is expected to be severely affected in locally specific ways. While many proposed climate solutions fail to address interconnected global crises like biodiversity loss, agroecology may be a means to equitably address multiple global crises simultaneously through various approaches that diversify production systems and strengthen regional food systems.
Projects awarded funding in this open call theme are advancing original transdisciplinary research, synthesis, or communications on agroecology as a bold climate solution—evaluating the potential for agroecological approaches to make a difference in adapting to, reducing risks, or mitigating climate change for smallholder farmers and regional food systems in CRFS’ regions of focus.
9 Awarded Grants (click to expand)
- ABOUT GRANTEE: The Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) aims to influence policies as a continental platform for consolidating issues pertaining to food sovereignty, marshaling a single and louder voice on issues, and tabling clear, workable solutions. AFSA promotes agroecology through its Healthy Soil Healthy Food (HSHF) Initiative, which operates 15 soil health improvement centers across 10 African countries.
- PROJECT OVERVIEW: This proposal would strengthen the research component of the HSHF initiative, particularly its participatory research and policy components, in three key countries: Kenya, Malawi, and Burkina Faso. The research will encourage the adoption of agroecological practices among smallholder farmers and it would improve the policy environment, advocating for more supportive frameworks that encourage agroecology.
- KEY OUTCOMES: The AFSA proposal is most interesting as a network bringing together prominent civil society organizations (CSOs) and professional researchers at leading Universities in the three proposed countries. Communication across the three regional teams could lead to compelling research questions and collaboration.
- ABOUT GRANTEE: The Raffaella Foundation supports actions embracing diversity to promote equity, solidarity, and well-being in urban and agricultural ecosystems. The Raffaella Foundation identifies and supports relevant new research, development, and education activities, facilitates innovative partnerships among platforms, and hosts networks, platforms, and organizations.
- PROJECT OVERVIEW: The project would assess and use intraspecific agrodiversity – crop varieties and livestock breeds – to increase the effectiveness of agroecological interventions of smallholder farmers in Bolivia and Niger in the face of climate change. The collaboration between Raffaella, PROINPA, and UAM will center on using the Diversity Assessment Tool for Agrobiodiversity and Resilience (DATAR).
- KEY OUTCOMES: This proposal also contributes to leveraging intraspecific agrobiodiversity in resilient food systems and climate change adaptation plans by national and global actors. Determining varietal and breed stability in different agroecological zones and related institutional policies linked with local and regional community participation allows for decisions on which varieties or breeds to be promoted each year for climate change adaptation.
- ABOUT GRANTEE: The Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT) delivers research-based solutions that address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. The Center focuses on the nexus of agriculture, the environment, and nutrition. They work with local, national, and multinational partners across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, as well as the public and private sectors and civil society.
- PROJECT OVERVIEW: CIAT, in partnership with the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences, proposes to develop and evaluate tools for analyzing the potential of agroecological practices to adapt to climate change and mitigate its effects.
- KEY OUTCOMES: This toolkit’s scripts and documentation will be socialized through workshops with researchers in Kenya and potentially others in the Global Foods research network. The CIAT and AIMS team will also demonstrate the toolkit’s utility through published case studies using the Evidence for Resilient Agriculture (ERA) dataset, a large collection of research findings on agricultural systems.
- ABOUT GRANTEE: ETH Zurich is a leading University in Switzerland recognized globally for excellence in the education of critical and creative thinkers and doers, and research that creates knowledge and develops technology to meet global challenges in partnership with society.
- PROJECT OVERVIEW: The research led by Joyce Mutai, a postdoctoral researcher in Johan Six’s laboratory at ETH Zurich, aims to use a farmer research network (FRN) approach that will complement ongoing long-term trials of regenerative farming practices in Sidada and Aludeka, Kenya. This presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate a sustainable path forward for Kenyan agriculture.
- KEY OUTCOMES: Indicators of soil health and greenhouse gas fluxes will be monitored from the on-farm experiments co-designed with participating farmers. In addition, the research team will study the climate conditions over the study period to contextualize their findings and understand the mitigation and adaptation potential of agroecological practices.
- ABOUT GRANTEE: Imaan Research is a social enterprise that supports the sustainability and resilience of food systems through co-learning and co-innovation with thousands of farmers, researchers, and other local stakeholders in West Africa.
- PROJECT OVERVIEW: The project aims to accelerate local and regional food system transformation by co-creating agroecological knowledge and practices, focusing on co-learning climate risk solutions, integrating agroecological climate solutions, promoting locally developed strategies, and enhancing public communication for climate resilience.
- KEY OUTCOMES: The project will disseminate innovative, locally adapted agroecological strategies for managing climate risks, including water and soil management, agrobiodiversity enhancement, domestication of wild species, optimized crop associations, and fertility and pest management tailored to farm types. It emphasizes sustainable production and fair marketing of organic inputs, with a focus on improving incomes for local communities, particularly women and youth, supported by training and technical assistance.
- ABOUT GRANTEE: The African Women’s Collaborative for Healthy Food promotes and nurtures a way of life that respects, takes care of and restores Mother Earth and her resources while benefiting African people and their communities by promoting healthy food systems that are grounded in feminist principles and that improve livelihoods for peasant and indigenous women across Africa.
- PROJECT OVERVIEW: The Collaborative is implementing the Nutritional African Foods Initiative (NAFI), a participatory agroecological research aimed at building knowledge and increasing consumption of nutritional and climate-resilient African foods by researching and documenting findings on local plant foods, including orphan crops (cowpeas, millet, okra, and Bambara nuts), green leafy vegetables and fruits, grown agroecologically and marketed by rural women farmers in Burkina Faso, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
- KEY OUTCOMES: Key outcomes include empowering 35 rural women leaders with enhanced knowledge, raising awareness among 60,000 rural households and various institutions, informing 600,000 urban households about the benefits of local seeds, and engaging 300 nonprofits and 24 government departments to promote support for women and farmer-managed seed systems.
- ABOUT GRANTEE: The mission of the Soils, Food and Healthy Communities Organization is to support rural Malawians in building sustainable, healthy, equitable, resilient communities using farmer-led participatory research, ecological approaches to farming, local indigenous knowledge, and democratic processes while addressing economic, health, and social inequalities.
- PROJECT OVERVIEW: AGILE 4 Climate’ overall goal is to strengthen climate resilience in Malawian rural communities to improve food security and environmental sustainability through agroecological gender-transformative transitions, using participatory research in living labs.
- KEY OUTCOMES: The project will establish eight agroecology gender transformative living labs (AGiLes) with diverse farmer households to co-design and test agroecological practices such as organic matter incorporation, legume intercropping, agroforestry, and use of local landraces, comparing treated plots with controls on the same farms over three growing seasons. Workshops will identify and develop context-specific climate services combining traditional knowledge and forecast data, delivering information via farmer-preferred methods to support decision-making, followed by impact assessments and upscaling recommendations.
- ABOUT GRANTEE: Réseau Billital Maroobé (RBM) is a network of breeders’ and pastoralists’ organizations in Africa. The nonprofit was created in 2003 by three breeder organizations from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger and has grown to span 11 countries, 80 professional organizations, and 750,000 members. Their mission is to defend the economic, political, social, and cultural interests of their members, particularly by advancing the mobility of people and their herds, promoting sustainable pastoralism, and facilitating knowledge sharing.
- PROJECT OVERVIEW: The overall goal is to develop evidence for pastoralism as an agroecological practice and support its safeguarding and scaling-up locally and regionally by strengthening inclusive land governance and rangelands management practices for climate-resilient livelihoods and sustainable food systems in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in West Africa.
- KEY OUTCOMES: The project aims to assess and document pastoral ecological practices through case studies, disseminate findings via advocacy and partnerships to influence land governance policies, and build a community of practice to support agro-pastoral ecological transformation for climate-resilient livelihoods and sustainable food systems using a territorial, rights-based, and multi-level approach.
- ABOUT GRANTEE: The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), one of 14 agricultural research centers of CGIAR, delivers research-based solutions that address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. CIAT focuses on the nexus of agriculture, the environment, and nutrition. They work with local, national, and multinational partners across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, as well as the public and private sectors and civil society.
- PROJECT OVERVIEW: The Andean region offers a unique setting to explore how agroecological practices can function as non-market approaches (NMAs) for national climate planning. This project will seek to clarify methods to identify and assess NMA impacts and increase documentation and communications about agroecology as NMAs.
- KEY OUTCOMES: Synthesizing the evidence from McKnight-funded projects in the Andes and CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology will guide the integration of agroecology into global climate strategies in the Andes region and beyond. Steps include consolidating evidence, harmonizing indicators, and enhancing documentation and communications to inform global discussions.
About Us:
La Fundación McKnight, una fundación familiar con sede en Minnesota, promueve un futuro más justo, creativo y abundante donde las personas y el planeta prosperen. Establecida en 1953, la Fundación McKnight está profundamente comprometida con el avance de soluciones climáticas en el Medio Oeste; construir un Minnesota equitativo e inclusivo; y apoyar las artes y la cultura en Minnesota, la neurociencia y los sistemas alimentarios globales.
Our Colaboración global para sistemas alimentarios resilientes (CRFS) cultivates resilient food systems globally by bridging farmer-centered agroecological research, action, and influence. We focus our support in three communities of practice in 10 countries located in the high Andes and Africa. We leverage the relationships, networks, and evidence that have been created to advance deep transformations in local, regional, and global food systems.
