Biovision – Foundation for ecological development
Annual Report 2009
A future for all, naturally Un avenir pour tous, naturellement Eine Zukunft für alle, natürlich
Table of Contents President’s Foreword
3
Biovision Portrait
5
Management Report
6
Project Areas Human Health Animal Health Plant Health Environmental Health Knowledge Dissemination
8 10 12 14 16
Financial Report Income Statement Operational Costs Project Expenditure
18 – 21 18 19 21
Efficiency Report Objectives of the Foundation Organisation Partners
22 – 24 22 22 24
Foreword | 3
Dr. Hans R. Herren World Food Prize laureate and President of Biovision
Dear Supporters, The work of our foundation is guided by the conviction that development projects can only be successful in the long term when those people affected are directly involved in the deci sion making process. For this reason, Biovision has set up local partnerships to work closely with the targeted populations. Our aim is to combine valuable scientific findings, as well as technical innovations, with traditional knowledge, and to disseminate these as widely as possible. In so doing we equip people with the appropriate tools to improve their lives by their own means and at their own pace. This is not always the easiest way, but in contrast to the usual quick fixes, it leads more efficiently to sustainable success. Biovision is achieving positive results with its comprehensive approaches to development cooperation, as for example with its malaria control projects in Kenya. Cases of malaria have been successfully reduced by more than half in both urban Malindi on the coast of the Indian Ocean as well as in rural Nyabondo, on a high plateau in the west of the country. The key to this success is the implementation of complementary and reinforcing preventive measures at many levels. These measu res also benefit the people of Tolay in Ethiopia, where a deci sive factor for success included extensive training of those affected and the involvement of local partners. Since the integrated approach to malaria prevention is environ mentally friendly, it not only protects human beings, but also their natural resource base. However, this approach is not uni versally applied. In some countries – predominantly in Africa – DDT, the insecticide long banned in industrial nations, is still used in the fight against malaria. Biovision categorically rejects this practice because DDT is a persistent chemical and its toxic metabolites accumulate in the natural environment and in the food chain, threatening biodiversity and affecting human health. Additionally, resistance of malaria mosquitoes
to DDT is increasing, nullifying the effect of DDT as a control measure while retaining its negative environmental and health impacts. For these reasons we have campaigned since 2009 for environ mentally compatible alternatives for malaria control and against the short-sighted use of DDT through public awareness work targeted at the UN Conference of the Stockholm Conven tion in Geneva, governments in Africa or the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment in Bern. At the former mentioned UN Conference in May 2009, member states debated a worldwide ban on dangerous pesticides. As a member of the expert group on alternatives to DDT I am promoting the goal of a total ban on this dangerous chemical. Our recent successes in the malaria control projects, as well as the scientifically founded Anti-DDT lobbying, show that our dedication to a better world is a worthwhile cause in which to be involved. We will continue to pursue our vision, and work towards healthy nutrition for healthy people in a healthy envi ronment within the framework of our development projects. In the past 12 years our work has helped many people and fami lies to enjoy a better life. This success is not least thanks to your solidarity with Africa and your loyal support, which we hope we can continue to count on.
Very best wishes,
Dr. Hans Rudolf Herren
The Kakamega Rainforest in Kenya is home to many unique animal and plant species. (Biovision Project “Biodiversity Conservation”) Traditional dancers from Lomut, West Pokot, Kenya. (Biovision Project “Cabesi”)
Biovision Portrait | 5
Biovision
Ecological development secures a future for all Infectious diseases, epidemics amongst livestock, crop pests and overused ecosystems cripple development in Africa. Biovision tackles these problems using sustainable methods and works closely with the local population and partners. Since 1998, Biovision projects have been improving living conditions for East Africa’s communities. The Swiss Founda tion follows a holistic approach in order to tackle the problems of poverty at their roots. We operate according to the creed of our founder and president, Hans Rudolf Herren, who worked for decades as an entomologist in Africa; working with nature, not against it. Most people in Africa are small-scale farmers whose existence is directly dependent on the quality of their natural resources. For this reason an intact environment, ferti le soil, good crops and healthy livestock are the basis for their welfare and for the sustainable development of rural commu nities. The health of human beings, farm animals and agricultural crops, as well as the natural ecosystem, is at the centre of development cooperation for Biovision. In close collaboration with local partner organisations, we disseminate knowledge and practical skills to rural communities in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia. The aim of these training projects is to strengthen the position of both men and women small-scale farmers. Thanks to this knowledge, they are able to optimize their use of their own and local natural resources, as well as utilising the natural self-regulatory processes and systems of the soil, plants and animals.
The malaria projects carried out in Kenya and Ethiopia demon strate to communities how they can effectively protect them selves from this devastating disease using simple methods and without the use of chemicals. Plant diseases and crop pests, for example those that decimate the maize harvest, have been successfully held in check by scientifically tested methods of organic agriculture. In the battle against the tsetse fly, which infects people with sleeping sickness and whole herds with nagana (trypanosomiasis), we use environmentally friendly colour and light traps to capture and kill tsetse flies. In this way more farm animals survive, which is beneficial for their owners. Thanks to Biovision’s initiative, tens of thousands of smallscale farmers in East Africa have the chance to improve their lives through application of ecological methods while at the same time conserving their environment. Core matters of concern are inclusion of those affected as well as gender equality and income generation.
6 | Management Report
Activity Report
A future for all, naturally “Grass doesn’t grow any faster if you pull on it.” Every farmer’s child in Africa knows the meaning of this African wisdom. There are measures that contribute nothing to the achieve ment of a particular goal - even with the best of intentions; alongside these are methods that contribute greatly to achie ving sustainability goals. The Biovision Foundation dissemina tes knowledge and corresponding techniques using concrete projects and through specific information programmes both in Europe and in the southern hemisphere. For example, napier grass planted on the periphery of maize fields – in the PushPull projects supported by Biovision for many years (page 12) – has helped over 25,000 families of Kenyan small-scale farmers in the Lake Victoria region to double their maize harvests. In such grassroots projects we promote the dissemination of ecological methods in Africa through tangible examples and practice-oriented training. Biovision also draws on professio nal, application-oriented information. Through our informati on projects, we regularly reach over three million farmers in East Africa via newspaper, radio and internet. The increasing numbers of lively communications in the form of readers’ let ters and text messages to the editorial teams show quite dra matically that the message is indeed needed and being heard (page 16). In the past year the Foundation has also developed and strengthened cooperation and information exchange between agricultural training centres in both North and South and within the African continent.
New image Biovision Foundation has had a low public profile in the past, leading to confusion at home and abroad as to our function. We have now adopted a refreshed image with a new logo, aimed at raising our profile in the media and amongst the public, although we will continue to work towards the same goals and with the same commitment as we have for the last decade or more. Our higher profile will increase our recogni tion and help us drive greater accountability on the part of decision makers. Advocacy and sensitisation The example of the successful malaria projects in Africa clearly shows how Biovision advocates the cause of ecological deve lopment on various levels. The results in the battle against malaria brought improved health to over 120,000 people in the project areas (page 8). In order to expand the successful implementation of environmentally compatible mosquito con trol, and above all to halt the threatening advance of DDT in Africa, Biovision has extended project work to the interna tional level. Thanks to funded lobbying at the fourth member states’ conference of the Stockholm Convention in Geneva, we were able, together with goal-related organisations, to vote through a ratification of the promotion of alternatives to DDT. We will continue to dedicate ourselves, both in the field and in the political sphere, to the implementation of this clarification of intent by government representatives.
The selected project reports on pages 8-17 illustrate the work being done in individual projects. In this reporting year, Biovision has supported a total of 22 projects in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and Switzerland.
Sustainability and personal responsibility Our commitment is to invest in long-term, sustainable, locallyanchored projects in cooperation with partner organisations. This means that we utilise our donations in the most goaloriented, efficient and effective way possible.
Thanks to the Foundation’s excellent financial performance (page 18) we were able to continue important activities and develop international partnerships. Despite the financial crisis and worldwide recession, the volume of donations has increased by 17 percent from the previous year to 4.8 million Swiss francs. We consider this to be a sign of confidence in our transparent communication and record of achievement, which is valued and rewarded by our supporters.
Sensitisation, education and knowledge dissemination are investments in the future. This approach to development cooperation requires considerable staying power. As a chari table, non-profit organisation, Biovision has been working to wards socially just and ecologically oriented development for 12 years. Our support grows year on year, and recognition at home and abroad motivates us to continue along this demons trably successful path.
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Ecological solutions front and centre Biovision supports projects in sustainable development that promote the formulation, application, further development and dissemination of ecological methodologies. In this way an improvement in livelihoods, not based on the exploitation of the natural environment, can be made. In 2009 Biovision also made a contribution according to the principles of sustaina bility, to the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals as well as to the implementation of the recommenda tions of the IAASTD World Agricultural Report.
Our focus on the preparation of vital information, practiceoriented dissemination of knowledge and exchange of knowhow, empowers and stimulates people in both North and South to more self-determined and environmentally friendly action. Through local anchoring and consistent promotion of personal responsibility in the projects, people who were “those affec ted” become participants. By promoting cooperation with partner organisations at the same level, we avoid creating new dependencies, rather we actively implement the solutions developed together, since the goal is both self-evident and compelling; a future for all, naturally. Andreas Schriber CEO Biovision Foundation
Sustainable development projects build on local training and make possible an improvement in living conditions that is not dependent on exploitation of the environment. CEO Andreas Schriber talks with students of the Chemaley College in West Pokot, one of Kenya’s poorest regions.
Mosquito Scouts map the breeding areas of the mosquitoes near settlements and take regular samples. The use of mosquito nets to protect from bites is one of the integrated measures applied in Biovision’s “Stop Malaria”projects.
Human health | 9
Environmentally friendly malaria control in Tolay
Prevention is the best protection In parts of Ethiopia such as the Gibhe Valley in Tolay, the use of the insecticide DDT, dangerous to human health and the environment, has been officially prohibited since the end of 2009. The ban offers a unique chance to stop the spread of deadly malaria in the future using environmentally friendly methods. Biovision is geared towards this challenge, and together with African partners such as the insect research centre icipe, tackles the problem on many levels. Malaria is particularly prevalent in the fertile lowland area of the largest Ethiopian regional state, Oromiya. It is a contributing factor to rising child mortality in this rural area. In Tolay today, the anopheles mosquito is being controlled using the holistic approach based on an earlier Biovision project that used environmentally friendly methods to control the tsetse fly, which transmits the deadly trypanosomiasis in livestock.
mapped, supervised and if possible, drained by specially trained Mosquito Scouts. Later, the intention is to eliminate the remaining malaria larvae using an environmentally friend ly bacterium or plant extract. Particular risk groups such as pregnant women and parents of children under five, are instructed on the importance and correct use of impregnated mosquito nets. When correctly used these offer the best pro tection from mosquito bites. Following the example of the continually improving pilot pro jects on malaria control in Kenya, the local community is sensitised and motivated to participate at special information events so that those affected can protect themselves effective ly. The expert training of the Mosquito Scouts helps to achieve this. With their excellent connection to the village community they ensure the long-term effectiveness of the protective measures.
Bodies of standing water are ideal breeding sites for malariatransmitting mosquitoes. In order to effectively reduce the number of mosquitoes, pools in settled areas are investigated,
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Project number: BV HH-03 Project start: 2007
Project “Stop Malaria – Tolay” “The spread of malaria is very high in the region and many children have died from the disease. Thanks to the project activities we already have promising results: we are recording the first decline in cases of malaria.” Dr. Solomon Wolde Doctor at Tolay Military Hospital, Ethiopia
“I have decided to join a malaria club because I know how dangerous the disease is for us. What I like about the project is that we learn simple methods to protect ourselves from malaria.” Wasihu Diga Top pupil and member of the Secondary School Malaria Club in Tolay, Ethiopia
Beneficiaries: 12,000 inhabitants of the project area benefit from improved health through reduction in cases of malaria. Development Goal: Sustainable improvement of the health of the population of Tolay through environmen tally friendly malaria control. Results: – Founding of 3 malaria clubs of 150 students to promote malaria prevention among young people and children. – In 2009, 627 members of the community were trained in environmentally friendly malaria control. – Hosting of the annual “Malaria Day” to sensitise the population of Tolay to malaria and the preventive programme, and to distribute over 500 information brochures. Implementing partner organisation: icipe Ethiopia – African Insect Science for Food and Health
Healthy ploughing oxen and dairy cows are the economic backbone of many farming families in BenishangulGumuz. At the model farm, male and female farmers learn sustainable methods of cultivation in practice-oriented courses.
Animal Health | 11
Project tsetse fly control and organic farming in Assosa
If the animals are healthy there is enough to eat In the Ethiopian province of Benishangul-Gumuz in the west of the country bordering Sudan, most people are farmers. De spite fertile soils and suitable climatic conditions, most smallscale farmers in the region are struggling to make ends meet and suffer regularly from poor nutrition. One of the main rea sons for this is the tsetse fly which transmits nagana to live stock making normal animal husbandry practically impossible. If there are no ploughing oxen for the fields, much agricultural land lies fallow due to the lack of labour.
Healthy ploughing oxen and dairy cows are the economic backbone of many farming families in Ethiopia. They afford sufficient food production and encourage rural development. In order to achieve sustainable success, the Biofarm also introduces selected model farmers to the practice of organic agriculture. Men and women learn how to increase their crop yields through the production of compost, natural fertilisers and vegetables, without leaching nutrients from the soil.
To improve food security and livelihoods for the rural popula tion, Biovision supports its local partner organisation BioEco nomy Africa in the construction of a model Biofarm in Assosa. Local government has provided almost 4 ha of land for the pro ject. This model farm will serve the whole region as an agri cultural training centre, where teams of advisors and hundreds of farmers learn to improve food security without destroying the natural foundations of life. Most importantly, this includes the protection of livestock through effective control of the dan gerous tsetse fly using cost-effective colour and scent traps.
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Project number: BV AH-04 Project start: 2009
Project “Tsetse control and organic farming in Assosa”
“I have experienced a lot in training, about keeping chickens for example, or how to make compost. I want to use these new ideas on my farm to improve my income.” Haraba Abdulamahid Model farmer from Alubo village in Assosa, Ethiopia
“The greatest burden for our farmers is the tsetse fly. Only when this problem is tackled can we improve the health of our animals in the long term.” Massad Said Student of animal husbandry and intern at the Animal Health Advisory Service in Assosa, Ethiopia
Beneficiaries: Over 1,000 small-scale farmers and rural advisory teams profit from training and are supported in improving their cultivation systems and in jointly tackling the tsetse fly problem at the village level. Development Goal: Alleviation of poverty and promotion of sustainable rural development in Ethiopia through effective, environmentally friendly measures. Results: – Construction and launching of model Biofarm with cattle shed, biogas facility, vegetable beds, compost and other components. – 52 male and 48 female farmers took part in a practice-oriented training course on organic farming methods and complementary topics (marketing, health care). – Training of 60 “Tsetse Scouts” from the affected villages, who monitor and maintain the tsetse traps. Implementing partner organisation: BioEconomy Africa (BEA)
In field courses, women farmers with little or no formal education learn how to increase their harvests using sustainable methods.
Plant Health | 13
Sustainable agriculture in central Kenya
Farmer Field Schools help to improve yields Most agricultural enterprises in central Kenya are carried out by small-scale farmers who own less than 1 ha of land. On these small parcels of land they cultivate predominantly the local staple foods; maize and beans. To improve household incomes and livelihoods, Biovision supports the local partner organisation Kenya Agriculture Research Institute (KARI) in the construction and supervision of 72 farmer field schools. In particular, women farmers with little or no formal education, learn in on-farm training and demonstration fields how to increase their yields with new, sustainable farming methods. Those trained then pass on their knowledge to others in their villages. The practical training in the field schools emphasises the central importance of the soil to hold moisture and nutrients, and the fertility of which can be improved by various techniques such as the use of compost and animal derived fertiliser.
which are strongly aligned to the needs of the rural popula tion, the participants are shown the advantages of collabora tion on the local level, since they can then process their agri cultural products in the villages and market them collectively to achieve a higher value. So that the knowledge is disseminated as widely and extensi vely as possible, the field schools work together with the Bio vision-financed farmers’ newspaper “The Organic Farmer” (TOF). The editorial team receives frequent questions and ideas and makes them accessible to a wide audience in the monthly magazine or on the weekly radio programme of the same name. In the next step, rural communities will gain easy access to comprehensive information on the knowledge plat form www.infonet-biovision.org via the internet.
Teaching encompasses courses in dairy farming and should simultaneously benefit more than 2,000 people once all far mer field schools have been established. In these courses,
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Project number: BV PH-05 Project start: 2008
Project “Sustainable agriculture in central Kenya” “Our soils here in Kenya are old and have become depleted by the use of fertilisers over the years. It is high time we gave them back nutrients. For this reason we teach the basis of composting and how to create natural fertiliser using animal manure in our courses.” Samuel Njihia Project leader and plant pathologist at KARI in Nairobi, Kenya
“At first I was sceptical if the new methods would work. But then I learned how exactly we should plant maize, desmodium and napier grass. Not only myself, but also the members of my farmers’ group were convinced. I became an agricultural trainer and was able to pass on my knowledge to other farmers’ groups.” Catherine Wangari Small-scale farmer and agricultural trainer from Muranga, Kenya
Beneficiaries: More than 2,000 people (1,500 women, 500 men) in the “Farmer Field Schools” are regularly instructed and supervised in sustainable farming methods. The field schools receive cultivation materials for development of demonstration fields. Development Goal: Improvement of food security, income generation and alleviation of poverty for small-scale farmers through access to sustainable methods of cultivation and regular information on topics of organic farming. Results: – 59 farmer field schools have already been established. – In 2009, 506 female and 201 male farmers received an education in sustainable agriculture. Central to this is the improvement of soil fertility e.g through compost production and the use of manure. Implementing partner organisation: Kenya Agricultural Research Institute KARI
Members of self-help groups, such as Emily Sikuku, keep silk worms at home until they pupate after 4 weeks
Environmental health | 15
Silk production in West Kenya
Insects as a new source of income for women Thousands of newly planted mulberry tree seedlings should improve the future income of rural households in Othoro, Western Kenya. With their deep-reaching roots and thick foliage, these trees protect the delicate soil in this hilly area east of Lake Victoria, from damage by erosion. However, the priority is the role of mulberry leaves as a source of food for the silk worms bred by the Kabondo self-help group. It is pre dominantly single farming mothers who gain an important additional income, thus improving their livelihoods. For four weeks they feed the voracious caterpillars at home on a woo den frame until they pupate.
Unfortunately, after a hopeful start, a violent storm destroyed the production building with its spooling and weaving machi nes. Then the political unrest following the last presidential election brought the project to a temporary standstill at the beginning of 2008. Despite these setbacks the participating women refused to accept their defeat; rebuilding was suppor ted by the Kenyan government and once-off financial support from the Biovision Foundation. In this way it was possible for them to raise around 40,000 silk worms in 2009 and produce 10 kg of silk cocoons. Thanks to the construction of a new, weatherproof factory for the silk centre, the production of quality silk continues.
Within the framework of a pilot project run by icipe, the inter national insect research institute based in the capital, Nairobi, some of the Kabondo team members received specific training. They learned how to raise the silk worms, how to use machines to work the cocoons into high-value silk, and how to operate the loom. They now pass on this knowledge to other interested people in their communities.
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Project number: BV EH-06 Project start: 2009
Project “Silk production against poverty in West Kenya” Beneficiaries: 110 members of the self-help group (80 women and 30 men) receive training in silkworm breeding and silk production. Their families and farm communities profit from income-generating activities (in total ca. 700 people)
“Othoro is an ideal place for silk production. With relatively little expenditure we can make a contribution to the expansion of income sources for the local community in a sustainable and ecological way. That the Kenyan government, alongside Biovision, promotes this important initiative and believes in our success makes us very proud.” Everlyn Nguku Silk worm specialist and expert adviser at icipe in Nairobi, Kenya
“Cocoon production is very important for me as I do not have any land of my own, but I have here the chance to achieve an income from a small area.” Josua Odhiambo Small-scale farmer in Othoro, Kenya
Development Goal: Sustainable improvement of livelihoods for marginalized women and their families in the rural area of the Rachuonyo district through increased income generated by the resumption of local silk production. Results: – Five people with role model characters received training in how to pass on their knowledge and educate other people in keeping silkworms and producing silk. – 25,000 mulberry tree seedlings were planted as a food source for the silkworms and to protect the soil from erosion. – Breeding of 40,000 silkworms by group members. – 10 kg of high-value silk cocoons were produced. Implementing partner organisation: icipe Kenya – African Insect Science for Food and Health
Over three million listeners value the programmes from TOFRadio, as farmers have a say and report on their experiences. John Cheburet (left), Project Head and Editor, interviews a farmer. The dedicated radio journalist recently won the “Farm Radio International�-Prize of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) with one of his programmes.
Knowledge dissemination | 17
Radio programmes for families of small-scale farmers in East Africa
Tuned-in on the same wavelength as the rural communities Once a week the state radio station, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, transmits a seven-minute special article for small-scale farmers on TOFRadio. When The Organic Farmer – or TOFRadio for short – is broadcasted in the most widelyspoken language of Kiswahili, between three and five million people in Kenya and the bordering countries of East Africa are sitting at their radios receiving concrete tips and ideas for daily farming life from the airwaves. The project, TOFRadio, is coordinated by Biovision and finan ced by the Liechtenstein Development Service (Liechtensteini scher Entwicklungsdienst, LED). It offers the population, around 80% of whom are small-scale farmers, practical sugge stions and advice on the sustainable improvement of food security and livelihoods. Through this medium, people who cannot read or write can learn to increase their yields using organic methods. The editor responsible, John Cheburet, reports on how to improve soil fertility, how to control pests naturally, how to protect maize from diseases or how to improve the marketing of agricultural produce. The thirst for know ledge among small-scale farmers is enormous, especially since most have no access to basic or further agricultural training.
With its reports on experiences, field visits, new research fin dings and interviews, as well as answering the daily questions of farmers, TOFRadio is on the same wavelength as the local population; promoting the sense of community and strengthe ning self-confidence. The programme also uses synergies with other Biovision information and training projects in Africa. Thanks to the radio programme, awareness of the farmers’ newspaper “The Organic Farmer” is growing, while the inter net information platform www.infonet-biovision.org, co-sup ported by LED, complements knowledge dissemination in the electronic media. In these ways farmers have access to impor tant information on ecological methods of agriculture through diverse channels of communication.
>>> “Radio is a fascinating medium that brings urgently needed information on sustainable agriculture to the rural population. The phenomenal reaction we get shows me that we have brought likeminded people together.”
Project number: BV IS-02.A Project start: 2008
Project “TOFRadio” Beneficiaries: Every week the TOFRadio programme reaches up to 5 million listeners in Kenya and other African countries.
John Cheburet Editor TOFRadio in Nairobi, Kenya
Development Goal: Sustainable improvement of nutrition and living conditions of small-scale farmers in East Africa. This will be achieved through practice-oriented information on ecological agri culture, pest control and disease prevention.
“TOFRadio makes our work exciting: the farmers want additional information from us advisors on topics touched on by the programmes, which we then pass on as feedback to TOFRadio.”
Results: – TOFRadio programmes reach up to five million people in Kenya and other African countries every week. – The radio programme creates synergies with TOF farmers’ newspaper and the internet platform www.infonet-biovision.org and together with this medium answers listeners’ questions.
Victoria Mutinda Agricultural advisor at the TOF Information Centre in Kangundo, Kenya
18 | OPERATIONAL COSTS in CHF
INCOME 2009 Donations 2’269’331 Project related donations 1’876’555 Membership dues 519’865 Bequests 157’000 Total Income 4’822’751 Difference from previous year 17%
2008 2’325’808 1’325’747 429’291 53’500 4’134’346 29%
EXPENSES Project Expenses Information Dissemination -1’997’216 -1’594’563 Human Health -420’306 -321’980 Animal Health -92’267 -34’634 Plant Health -245’593 -301’005 Environmental Health -314’453 -270’652 Additional project expenses -67’161 -46’331 Total Project Expenses -3’136’996 -2’569’165 Difference from previous year 22% 5% Fundraising and Communication -507’488 -438’257 General Administration Personnel -232’954 -179’820 Other administrative expenses -195’146 -44’100 Total General Administration -428’100 -223’920 Total Expenses
-4’072’584
-3’231’342
OPERATING RESULT 750’167 903’004 before financial income, extraordinary items, exchange differences, funds and capital adjustments Financial income 2’370 1’602 Exchange differences -11’676 13’229 Withdrawal from funds 1’635’202 1’292’723 Allocation to funds -1’876’555 -1’325’747 Total Changes -250’659 -18’193 OPERATING RESULT 499’508 after financial income, extraordinary items, exchange differences, funds and capital adjustments
“Thanks to loyal donors and targeted fundraising, income was increased in comparison with 2008. Additional expenditure for fundraising and communication gave a good return as more funds flowed into project work (up 22% from the previous year). Our financial cushion also ensures uninterrupted project work.” Pascal Schällibaum Head of Finance and Administration
884’811
financial statement in CHF | 19
ASSETS 2009 Current Assets Liquid assets 2’365’051 Securities (Raiffeisen Futura - Swiss Franc Bond) 295’148 Accounts receivable of goods and services 35’724 Project accounts with partner organisations 78’222 Stock 32’482 Accounts paid in advance 22’534 Outstanding donations 165’000 Total Current Assets 2’994’161 Noncurrent Assets Facilities 8’780 Investment Biovision Africa Trust 1’417 Total Noncurrent Assets 10’197 Total Assets
2008 1’682’515 288’372 53’674 38’237 0 22’011 0 2’084’809
0 0 0
3’004’358
2’084’809
LIABILITIES Current Liabilities Debts from goods and services 220’216 Accounts received in advance 124’340 Total Current Liabilities 344’556
126’389 39’480 165’869
Earmarked Funds Information Dissemination Human Health Plant Health Environmental Health Total Earmarked Funds Organisation Capital Foundation capital Accrued earmarked capital Accrued free capital Total Organisation Capital Total Liabilities
162’336 148’103 32’310 12’685 355’434
93’332 4’655 15’240 853 114’080
50’000 920’000 1’334’368 2’304’368
50’000 920’000 834’860 1’804’860
3’004’358
2’084’809
Despite the difficult economic situation, Biovision has again experienced a considerable increase in donation income and grants (up 17% from the previous year). The figures show that donors, members, sponsors, foundations and institutions stand by Biovision and our projects even in financially uncertain times. Biovision Foundation’s organisation capital comprises earmarked (CHF 920,000) and free (CHF 1,334,368) capital. Earmarked capital serves to meet the commitments of middle- and long-term projects in an unobstructed way at any time. Free capital is intentionally reserved for use in financially difficult times and to be able to completely fulfil the foundation’s goal in the future. Further to this, new projects are developed and initiated. Both earmarked and free capital are invested according to our strict guidelines.
The Kakamega forest is the last remaining rainforest in Kenya. Thanks to support from Biovision, around 1,500 people in the forest area achieve a higher income without destroying this biodiversity-rich tropical forest.
Project expenses in chf | 21
Biovision has invested in five priority programmes: Information Dissemination and “Human, Animal, Plant and Environmental Health”. Expenditure for projects in each area has subsequently been reported separately.
Information Dissemination BV IS-01 Infopool BV IS-02 TOF Farmer Magazine BV IS-02.A TOF Radio BV IS-03 www.infonet-biovision.org BV IS-04 Infonet – Awareness Creation BV IS-05 DDT-Campaign BV IS-06 Mission Movie BV IS-07 Bustani ya Tushikamane (Garden of Solidarity) BV TS-01 Farmer's Academy Ethiopia BV TS-02 International Training Course in Organic Agriculture, Uganda Total Information Dissemination Human Health BV HH-01 Stop Malaria – Nyabondo BV HH-02 Stop Malaria – Malindi BV HH-03 Stop Malaria – Tolay BV HH-04 IVM Malaria Model for T21 Total Human Health Animal Health BV AH-02 Tsetse Rollback Ethiopia BV AH-03 Tsetse Rollback Expansion BV AH-04 Tsetse control and organic farming Total Animal Health
2009 1’117’363 165’546 65’676 450’279 71’850 85’415 317 11’952 21’380 7’438
2008 818’090 175’457 31’326 379’870 50’754 27’908 111’158 0 0 0
1’997’216
1’594’563
85’222 162’535 95’520 77’029 420’306
76’186 123’802 96’512 25’480 321’980
0 0 92’267 92’267
13’923 20’711 0 34’634
Plant Health BV PH-01 PushPull Strategies 35’776 BV PH-02 IPM Tomato East Africa -9’764 BV PH-03 Long-term System Comparison 85’462 BV PH-04 Sebeta Biofarm 71’085 BV PH-05 PushPull Dissemination via TOF 63’034 Total Plant Health 245’593 Environmental Health BV EH-02 Cabesi 198’814 BV EH-03 Medicinal plant-based enterprises 0 BV EH-05 Biodiversity Conservation Education 95’539 BV EH-06 Silk Production 20’100 Total Environmental Health 314’453 10.5 %
192’032 65’961 12’659 0 270’652
13.3 % 50.0 %
12.5 % 77.0 %
138’465 48’658 33’336 37’111 43’435 301’005
Application of funds 2009 (in CHF) Projects 3’136’996 Fundraising and Communication 507’488 General Administration 428’100
26.0 %
10.7 %
Source of funds 2009 (in CHF) Individual Donors 2’410’244 Membership dues 519’865 Foundations and Companies 1’251’516 Government Agencies 641’126
The complete, audited financial report is available from our head office upon request. Furthermore it can be downloaded from our website www.biovision.ch.
22 | Efficiency report
Objectives of the Foundation
Organisation
Biovision is a non-profit, non-denominational and politically independent Swiss foundation for the conservation of the foundations of life. Projects are supported in selected develo ping regions and in Switzerland. Our goal is the promotion of socially responsible and sustainable use of resources, as well as the conservation of plant and animal diversity. The Founda tion renders support for self-help and promotes ecological thinking and action. Biovision Foundation is subject to federal control and is recorded in the Commercial Registry. Biovision is ZEWO certified. The statutes are available on our website www.biovision.ch or alternatively can be procured from the head office.
Foundation Board Biovision’s highest authority is the Foundation Board. It is made up of a maximum of seven people – members of the board supply their services on a pro bono basis. Hans Rudolf Herren, as the founder, has a place on the Foundation Board for life. All other members are elected for a period of office lasting three years whereupon re-election is possible. The Foundation Board carries the responsibility for Biovision’s operations. It is responsible for strategic direction, election of the CEO and supervision of the office headquarters. The Foun dation Board approves the annual budget and plan, as well as applications for funding. In the reporting year, the Board was made up of the following members: Dr. Hans Rudolf Herren, Dr. Barbara Frei Haller, Mathis Zimmerman, Dr. Ruedi Baum gartner. Auditing agency ARGO Consilium AG, Stäfa/Switzerland is responsible for the yearly audit. Business and divisional management Operative management rests with CEO Andreas Schriber. Divi sional management is made up of: Verena Albertin – Program me Coordination, Peter Lüthi – Communications and Cam paigns, Pascal Schällibaum – Finance and Administration and Reto Urech – Marketing.
Dr. Hans Rudolf Herren Founding member, President of the Foundation
Dr. Barbara Frei Haller Pharmacist and Ethnobotanist, Member of the Board
Mathis Zimmermann Attorney, Founding member, Member of the Board
Dr. Ruedi Baumgartner Prof. em. NADEL ETH Zurich, Member of the Board
Collaborators Biovision employs 12 people in Switzerland who work predo minantly on a part-time basis. The professional team of quali fied internal and external associates guarantees a high level of dedication and excellent specialist competence in all areas. Biovision is a certified establishment for civilian service. In the 2009 business year, four people carried out a total of 242 days for their charitable contribution to civilian service in our Zurich office. The Foundation also regularly takes on interns who can gather initial work experience in the field of develop ment cooperation, communication and ecology.
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Voluntary work The members of the Board offer their services on a pro-bono basis and in the reporting year have contributed over 340 hours without remuneration or compensation. Their coopera tion with committees and representation of the Foundation’s goals at internal and external events is also carried out probono. Despite limited financial and personnel resources, Biovision deals with a comprehensive program at home and abroad, this is only possible thanks to the superior voluntary commitment of many participants at all levels. In the 2009 business year, over 900 pro-bono work hours have been contributed to Biovision. Lean organisational structure Biovision places great importance on the efficient use of its resources, and can count on much goodwill and support from business partners, goal-related organisations and private sup porters. Decisions are made promptly and efficiently on site by project leadership and long-term, well-established project partners allow for lean administration in head office. Project management and administration is predominantly car ried out by the project leaders on site. Responsibility for implementation of financial measures lies with the experts and beneficiaries in the project areas. Local participation often goes along with training and education, and serves sustainable anchoring of achievements. Biovision Foundation fulfils the high ZEWO standards for nonprofit organisations in Switzerland. In its project management and monitoring, Biovision adheres to internationally accepted standards of quality. Current information on individual pro jects can be found on pages 8 to 17 and on our website. Project management in Africa – project coordination in Switzerland In the 2009 business year, Biovision supported 22 projects. Projects in Africa are developed in partnership with local experts. Responsibility for implementation and leadership lies with established partner organisations and their collaborators. Project leaders remain in close contact with program coordi nation in Biovision’s head office, which ensures professional supervision.
Cooperation according to need Development cooperation requires partnerships with locally anchored organisations and institutions. They form the foun dation for efficient planning and execution of projects. The projects are developed on-site and invited to submit an appli cation for funding from the Biovision office in Zurich. The pro ject committee consists of a member of the Foundation Board, the programme coordinator and the Biovision CEO. The com mittee examines the proposals and makes a pre-selection on the basis of clearly defined criteria. The Biovision Foundation Board makes the final decision on any applications for support. Realising impact through partnership Long-standing, targeted development processes build upon the dedication of local agents and the long-term goal of selfsupporting financing. In Africa and Switzerland there are wellknown and interested institutions which share the vision of a healthy and united world. Our partners have social networks, competent and reliable representatives, as well as access to and experience with the rural population. In order to achieve sustainability in its projects, Biovision works through net works with reliable long-term partners at home and abroad.
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Partnership Biovision partnerships for ecological development Avallain – Organisation for innovative E-Learning and improved access to education BEA – BioEconomy Africa, Ethiopia FiBL – Research Institute for Organic Agriculture, Switzerland icipe – African Insect Science for Food and Health KARI – Kenya Agricultural Research Institute KEFRI - The Kenya Forestry Research Institute MI – Millennium Institute, USA “Applied insect science has become even more relevant and important with the changing climate affecting the majority of the people in Africa. icipe collaborates with Biovision to develop and disseminate sustainable strategies which help people to better adapt to the changing conditions in their livelihoods.” Prof. Christian Borgemeister Director General of icipe in Nairobi, Kenya
“As a medical doctor I acknowledge that the people’s health depends a lot on healthy food, healthy animals and a healthy environment. These are the core values that BioEconomy Africa shares with Biovision and which form the basis for our equal partnership. Together we can both contribute more effectively to the overall goal of sustainable development.” Dr. Selamavit Aseffa Acting Director of BioEconomy Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
“Our co-operation with Biovision is two-fold: first it utilises grassroots initiatives in working closely with farmers and extension workers to test and improve ecologically sound farming methods. Second, is to disseminate these results to a wider audience by being part of the vast network of Biovision’s information projects, mainly the newspaper, the radio and the internet platform Infonet-Biovision.” Dr. Joseph Mureithi Vice-director of KARI in Nairobi, Kenya
Partner organisations listed have agreed a framework contract with Biovision. Organisations collaborating with Biovision in projects and networks ACT – African Conservation Tillage Network AIC – Agriculture Information Center (part of the Ministry of Agriculture of Kenya) Bridgeworks – Business into a better world CDR/BOKU – Centre for Development Research / University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna Coop – Coop Funds for Sustainability DLCO-EA – Desert Locust Control Organisation East Africa Eawag – Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology ESPA – Environmental Sciences and Policy Assessment Helvetas – Swiss Society for International Cooperation Infosud – Press agency for international cooperation and development policy KEMRI – Kenya Medical Research Institute KENFAP – Kenya National Federation of Agricultural Producers KIOF – Kenya Institute for Organic Farming KU – Kenyatta University KWS – Kenya Wildlife Service Media 21 – Global Journalism Network Geneva Praxis Ethiopia – Interest group of international researchers for sustainable development in Ethiopia Plantahof – Agricultural training and Advice Centre, Landquart/Graubünden SHL – Swiss College of Agriculture STI – Swiss Tropical Institute TFCG – Tanzania Forest Conservation Group TSBF – Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute UNDP – United Nations Development Programme VSF – Vets without borders WOCAT – World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies W-3-W Tanzania – Water for the third World Tanzania Other alliances Alliance Against Hunger Swiss Ethiopian Alliance
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Thank you We thank all our donors for their generous support of our pro ject work in the reporting year! Your dedication makes Biovision’s work for sustainable improvement of living condi tions and environmental protection in East Africa possible. Our thanks also go to the following organisations that have supported our projects with generous contributions:
“We understand ourselves to be investors in the development of people, organisations and regions in developing countries. The investments are worthwhile for both sides, as exemplified by the agricultural radio programme in East Africa supported by LED. Radio as a medium to reach poorer people is cost-effective on both the production and user sides. An added value is created through the combination of TOF-Radio with “The Organic Farmer” magazine. In this case 1+1=3!” Dr. Rudolf Batliner Managing Director, Liechtenstein Development Service
“To be born in Switzerland and have all the oppor tunities for a secure future is, for me, a great commo dity. I see it as my duty to help those people who have not been as fortunate as me. I support Biovision because through its principle of help for self-help many people can build a better life for themselves.” Fredy Hiestand Proprietor, Fredy’s AG, Switzerland
Public authorities, cantons, cities and municipalities Arlesheim Municipality Canton of Zurich Lottery Funds City of Solothurn City of Zurich Finance Department Liechtenstein Development Service Foundations Abantu Foundation Barbara Christiane Koch Foundation Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Corymbo Foundation Dreiklang Foundation Fondation Alice & Karl Schenkel-Wagner Fondation Assistence Fondation Yoni Fons Margarita Foundation Georg & Emily von Opel Foundation Georges Wick Foundation Karl Mayer Foundation Marc Blaser Foundation Medicor Foundation North-South Foundation Salvia Foundation Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation Symphasis Foundation Temperatio Foundation The Hurst Foundation Third Millennium Foundation Vontobel Foundation
Businesses Apotheke Frey AG Atelier Binkert Bank Sarasin & Cie AG BIONAT GMBH Bruba Real Estate Institute CH Architects AG deepscreen GmbH Finaware AG Fredy’s AG J. Weder-Meier AG Knecht & Müller AG Leder-Kocher AG OOIT.com AG Rüegg Cheminee AG Sotronik GmbH Terra Verde Thurkraftwerk AG Victorinox AG Others Evangelical Church Scherzingen Evangelical-reformed Church Frutigen Langnau am Albis Bülach Luzern Muri-Gümligen Oberwinterthur FAWCO - The Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas Richterswil Catholic Rectory Reformed Church Höngg Sursee Wattwil Catholic Church
This annual report is published in English and German. You can find it along with further information about Biovision’s projects at: www.biovision.ch.
Biovision is a non-profit organisation that carries the ZEWO seal of approval. In the USA, Biovision qualifies as a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt charity. In Kenya, Biovision is represented by the Biovision Africa Trust and listed as a nonprofit organisation. Account for donations Donors in Switzerland: PC 87-193093-4 Foreign donors: SWISS POST PostFinance Nordring 8 3030 Bern / Switzerland Account number 87-193093-4 Swiftcode: POFICHBEXXX IBAN CH 69 0900 000 8719 3093 4 Donations are tax-deductible Biovision - Foundation for ecological deve lopment is a registered trademark. Imprint ©Biovision Foundation, Zurich Text editing and concept Beat Jordi, Flurina Wartmann, Reto Urech, Andreas Schriber, Peter Lüthi Financial Report Pascal Schällibaum Translation Carmen Loughlin, Karl Lane Pictures Peter Lüthi, Flurina Wartmann, Verena Albertin, Christof Sonderegger, Chantal Sierro, Andreas Schriber Cover picture Small-scale farmer with sorghum in Assosa, Ethiopia (Biovision Project “Tsetse Control and Organic Farming”) Design Atelier Binkert, Zurich Print Sihldruck AG, Zurich Paper Cyclus Offset, 100 % Recycling
“I want to use my name and popularity for Biovision because I believe in their project approach. People are trained in the field so that they can help themselves – this is the way to build a sustainable future.” Simone Niggli Biovision Ambassador, Biologist, 15-time Orienteering World Champion, 3-time Swiss Sportswoman of the Year
You can help people in Africa! For over 10 years Biovision has been promoting the development, dissemination and application of ecological, environmentally-friendly methods with which people in developing regions can help themselves. Biovision is a nonprofit organisation recognised by ZEWO. Thank you for your donation! Donation account: PC 87-193093-4
Foundation for ecological development Fondation pour un développement écologique Stiftung für ökologische Entwicklung
Schaffhauserstrasse 18, 8006 Zurich/Switzerland, Tel. +41 44 341 97 18, PC 87-193093-4, www.biovision.ch