Biovision Foundation for ecological development
Project Overview 2014/15
A future for all, naturally
What we do and where HEALTHY PEOPLE Stop Malaria
HEALTHY PLANTS 01
Integrated Vector Management (IVM) is used to minimise the number of disease-carrying mosquitoes, thereby tackling the root of the problem and significantly reducing the incidence of malaria. When chemical methods are used to combat malaria, mosquitoes develop a resistance to them while an ecological approach is effective in the longer term. At the heart of the project are campaigns to raise awareness amongst those affected, train local people and disseminate relevant information to health authorities. Nyabondo (Kenya), Project No. HH-07 Malindi (Kenya), Project No. HH-07 Tolay (Ethiopia), Project No. HH-07
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Push-Pull is an ecological method that reduces weeds (Striga) and pests (Stemborer): Desmodium is planted as an intercrop in maize fields and napier grass is planted around the edges. As a result, crop yields are increased, soil fertility is improved and livestock are provided with an additional feed source. Lake Victoria (Kenya), Project No. PH-01 Central Kenya (Kenya), Project No. PH-05 Tolay (Ethiopia), Project No. PH-08 Meatu District (Tanzania), Project No. PH-09
Long-term systems comparison
HEALTHY ANIMALS Camels for drought areas
Push-Pull method
06
This long-term project seeks to compare conventional and organic agriculture and so provide robust, scientific evidence of the contribution that organic farming can make to improved food security and poverty reductions. It is part of a global study coordinated by FiBL, the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture. Thika and Chuka (Kenya), Project No. PH-03
Livestock farmers in drought areas are provided with female camels as traditional cattle keeping is increasingly difficult. With the involvement of local vets, they are taught how to look after and use these drought- resilient animals. In addition, local women’s groups learn how to produce yoghurt and cheese from camel milk. Isiolo District (Kenya), Project No. AH-05
Local knowledge to combat animal diseases
03
The production and dissemination of information and training material on the most common livestock diseases helps farmers in arid areas to recognise disease symptoms and take appropriate action. Quarterly meetings involving local people, government agencies and other stakeholders allow an ongoing exchange of experience. Isiolo District (Kenya), Project No. AH-07
Fruit fly control
A combination of measures, including the consistent removal of affected mango fruits, the control of fly populations and the use of odour traps and natural predators (parasitic wasps), reduces the crop damage caused by fruit flies on Mangos. Districts of Embu, Meru and Kilifi (Kenya), Project No. PH-07
Advancement of women through organic cultivation
04
This project provides for the systematic sampling of the mosquitoes that can transmit Rift Valley fever – a disease dangerous for both humans and livestock. This early identification of potential outbreaks ensures that suitable containment measures can be developed with local agencies. Ijara District (Kenya), Project No. AH-08
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This project, which is targeted particularly at women, provides practical training in organic cultivation and help with gaining access to markets. As a result of their increased income, the role of women in the community is strengthened. Kayunga District (Uganda), Project No. PH-06
Early warning system and reduction of Rift Valley fever
07
Addis Abeba 15 05 01
HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT Income from medicinal plants
ETHIOPIA
11 09
The cultivation of medicinal plants and their conversion into medicines provide farmers with new sources of income and an alternative to the overexploitation of nearby forests. This is crucial for biodiversity, local climate regulation and water balance.
UGANDA
Buyija (Uganda), Project No. EH-03/05 Kakamega and Kinango (Kenya), Project No. EH-03/05 Maramba Town (Tanzania), Project No. EH-03/05
Improvements in healthcare and protection of forests
10
Healthcare provision in rural Uganda is patchy. Future generations of natural healers are being trained to recognise the most common diseases and where possible to treat them with herbal remedies. The healers also attend training courses in organic farming and are made aware of the importance of forests, allowing them to act as ambassadors for the sustainable management of natural resources.
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KENYA
Kampala
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02
06 09
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Mpigi District (Uganda), Project No. EH-10
Income from bee products
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Dodoma
Farmers are trained in sustainable beekeeping and honey production. They also receive help with the marketing and distribution of their quality honey.
TANZANIA
Tolay (Ethiopia), Project No. EH-07 West Pokot (Kenya), Project No. EH-02
Monitoring biodiversity
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Nairobi 15
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12
Working with local communities, the project identifies key aquatic organisms and insects as biological indicators. The ongoing monitoring of these indicators provides evidence of the health of the environment. The active involvement of local people raises awareness of environmental interdependence and the importance of an intact environment for agriculture. Kakamega (Kenya), Project No. EH-08
Reviving traditional knowledge
13
Local communities have latent knowledge on the sustainable use of resources. This project documents the knowledge, reactivates and disseminates it more widely and uses it to solve current problems. In addition, the small-scale farmers are trained in ecological farming methods. Tharaka (Kenya), Project No. EH-09
Reforestation in Uganda
14
In order to counter increasing deforestation, local farmers are planting young fruit trees. In the longer term, the wood can be used as firewood or for construction purposes without putting undue strain on the forest resource. The fruit is sold to provide an additional income for local farmers Kaliro District (Uganda), Project No. EH-11
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Dissemination of practical knowledge: Farmer Communication Programme
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The aim of the “Farmer Communication Programme” (FCP) is to disseminate practical information on issues relating to organic farming. It uses a multi-media approach to supplement and enhance the grassroots projects, e.g. a magazine for farmers, radio broadcasts, internet platform, text messaging and personal advice to local people. This creates multiple platforms for the exchange of knowledge and experience between scientists and small-scale farmers.
i
East Africa, Project No. IS-FCP
INFORMATION PROJECTS
Training Centre for organic farming
Political advocacy: Changing course in global agriculture
15
Biovision is active on the international stage campaigning for a fundamental change in agricultural and food policy. It advocates a move away from industrial-scale farming towards stronger local structures based on ecological principles that strengthen small-scale farmers. In addition, the project is helping government bodies in three African countries draft their strategies. International (Project Team CH), Project No. IS-10 Senegal, Kenya, Ethiopia, Project No. IS-10
Promoting alternatives to DDT
«Bustani ya Tushikamane» (Garden of Solidarity) and the newly opened Farmer Training Centre form an important regional centre of excellence for ecological farming offering practical training courses. Morogoro (Tanzania), Project No. IS-07
Information for Swiss consumers
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CLEVER is an interactive, travelling exhibition where visitors learn in a fun way how the goods they buy can encourage environmentally and socially sustainable development. CLEVER also offers guided tours and teaching material for school groups. Switzerland, Project No. IS-10.A
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Biovision advocates the global avoidance of DDT, an insecticide harmful to both humans and the environment. It campaigns internationally and nationally within affected countries for the use of sustainable, proven alternatives (see «Stop Malaria»). International (Project Team CH), Project No. IS-05
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Agricultural seminar
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Biovision supports an annual, three-week training course for students from various universities in East Africa. The course covers a range of topics relating to organic farming and allows a direct exchange of knowledge and experience between students and active farmers. Hoima / Ntungamo / Kampala (Uganda), Project No. TS-02
Dr. Hans Rudolf Herren Recipient of the Alternative Nobel Prize, President of Biovision
Who we are
«A world with enough healthy nutrition for all, produced by healthy people in a healthy environment: That is my vision for a better world. It is also the aspiration underlying the work of the Biovision Foundation and its projects in Africa».
Biovision was founded in 1998 by Dr. Hans Rudolf Herren, a Swiss national and recipient of the Right Livelihood Award 2013 (also known as the Alternative Nobel Prize). Biovision’s aim is to bring about sustainable improvements in the life of people in Africa whilst conserving the environment as the basis for all life. In 2013, Biovision supported over 30 projects internationally and in Switzerland. It spent a total of around 6 million Swiss Francs in fighting hunger and poverty. The Foundation – with its registered office in Zurich – is a charitable organisation regulated by the Swiss authority responsible for foundations and is ZEWO certified.
How we work Biovision pursues a holistic «4H + i» approach, both for projects in Switzerland and in East Africa. This approach is based on the conviction that sustainable development is only possible if humans, animals, plants and the environment are equally «HEALTHY». The «i» stands for information and relates equally to the dissemination of practical knowledge to local communities and the need to raise awareness amongst politicians of the importance of creating the right framework. Biovision calls for sustainability in both the North and the South. The cross-cutting themes of participation, gender equality and income generation underly all its projects. These range from grassroots projects with small-scale farmers in East Africa, national and international political advocacy to raising awareness amongst consumers in Switzerland.
How you can help In completing the above projects, Biovision can draw on 16 years of experience in the field of development cooperation. As a result of its many successes, it has grown from a small aid organisation to an internationally respected political force for sustainable development. To continue this success, it needs financial support. Would you like to take an active role in helping Biovision continue its successful work against hunger and poverty? Would you like more information or do you have a question? Please contact us and we shall be pleased to help! We would be happy to explain our work in person or welcome you at one of our events (www.biovision.ch).
Alexandra Gebauer, private donations and bequests, +41 44 500 45 07, a.gebauer@biovision.ch Juliana Campos, institutional partnerships, +41 44 500 45 09, j.campos@biovision.ch Nina Zenklusen, institutional partnerships, +41 44 500 45 23, n.zenklusen@biovision.ch Samuel Trachsel, institutional partnerships, +41 44 500 49 53, s.trachsel@biovision.ch
We look forward to hearing from you!
Stiftung für ökologische Entwicklung Fondation pour un développement écologique Foundation for ecological development
Schaffhauserstrasse 18, 8006 Zurich, Phone +41 44 341 97 18 IBAN: CH69 0900 0000 8719 3093 4, www.biovision.ch