Projects

Project description

The Adaptation and Valorization of Entrepreneurship in Irrigated Agriculture (AVENIR) aims at improving the socio-economic well-being and resilience of farming households in the regions of Sedhiou and Tambacounda, via climate-adapted irrigation and agricultural practices, with an emphasis on women and young people. This will be accomplished by increasing the profitability of agri-businesses in climate-adapted value chains (agroforestry, horticulture, rice).

The project also focuses on improving access to inputs and climate-smart technologies, efficient and affordable irrigation techniques; and fostering multi-stakeholder platforms for sustainable and equitable management of water resources.

The five-year project will directly benefit up to 10,000 beneficiaries (70% women) from farming households and indirectly benefit an estimated 35,000 individuals.

Expected outcomes

• Increased socio-economic empowerment of women and young people

This outcome encompasses the complex and inter-related changes that take place in both social and economic realms as part of the empowerment process. Interventions for economic empowerment focus on improving incomes and opportunities via key value chains, while developing critical leadership and soft skills. A key aim will be to increase the capacity of women and youth to profitably operate agri-businesses in selected climate-change-adapted value chains and improve market access.

• Sustainable and innovative intensification of irrigated and climate-change adapted crops

This outcome will prioritize climate-smart agriculture and irrigation systems to improve livelihoods, especially for women and youth. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) reflects an ambition to improve the integration of agriculture development and climate responsiveness. CSA initiatives focus on three pillars: sustainably increase productivity, enhance climate adaptation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. AVENIR will improve access to agriculture and irrigation inputs, technologies, and techniques, and increase the capacity of input and service providers to disseminate products and services that promote sustainable intensification of selected climate-change-adapted crops to farmers.

• Improved, sustainable and equitable local governance and territorial management of water resources

This outcome will focus on improving governance and management of water resources, working with government, civic groups and market actors. Capacity building activities and stakeholder dialogues will increase the capacities of local/territorial actors to manage water resources sustainably and equitably.

Project activities

The AVENIR project will support greater integration of women and young people from farming households for increased productivity within selected climate-change adapted value chains with strong market potential. The project will also promote market opportunities that increase the value addition of agricultural products and seek public-private partnerships and ongoing monitoring and research on successful techniques and technologies that will both strengthen and ensure the sustainability of project interventions.

Partners

• The Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA): Lead implementing institution
• The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT: Key technical Partner
• Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA)
• Center for Behaviour Change and Communication (CBCC)

More information

For more information, please contact Millie Gadbois, MEDA Country Director mgadbois@meda.org  or Caroline Mwongera, Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT Project Leader c.mwongera@cgiar.org  

Funders

Global Affairs Canada funds the project with co-funding from MEDA and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT.