On January 14, 2025, the AfroGrow project held its virtual kick-off meeting, officially launching this EU-funded initiative dedicated to advancing agroforestry Living Labs for sustainable African growth. Coordinated by the…
What is it about?
AfroGrow is transforming agroforestry across Africa.
By combining innovation, collaboration, and community engagement, we create dynamic multi-functional landscapes that strengthen food security, address climate change, and support biodiversity.
With six Living Labs as hubs for research and knowledge sharing, we co-create effective solutions for sustainable farming, inclusive growth, and gender equity.
Partners
25
Countries
15
Living Labs
6
Budget
6
M€
Our Vision
AfroGrow envisions creating sustainable agroforestry ecosystems across Africa, promoting environmentally friendly, healthy, and circular practices. By using digital tools and knowledge-sharing networks, we aim to balance environmental conservation with socio-economic development, strengthening EU-Africa partnerships. Our mission is to lay the groundwork for prosperity and equity for future generations.
Living Labs
AfroGrow’s 6 Living Labs act as dynamic hubs for participatory research, knowledge exchange, and innovation. By working closely with local communities, researchers, and policymakers, these labs co-create solutions shaped for diverse ecological and socio-economic contexts. They serve as real-life environments for informed decision-making and policy-shaping, driving multi-functional agroforestry systems that cultivate sustainable, climate-smart practices.
SENEGAL
Tambacounda
- Agroecological Zone: Semi-arid
- Climate Classification: Arid, steppe, hot
- Challenge: Desertification and land degradation; Senegal is vulnerable to climate variability and extreme weather events; Rural communities face poverty, unemployment, and limited access to education and health services.
- Agroforestry system: Forest and fruit trees, alongside livestock production.
ETHIOPIA
Sidama Benssa District
- Agroecological Zone: Subhumid
- Climate Classification: Temperate, warm summer
- Challenge: Soil erosion, deforestation, and land degradation are significant challenges. Erratic rainfall and rising temperatures threaten agricultural productivity and livelihoods, making the region vulnerable to climate shocks.
- Agroforestry system: Integration of Ensete ventricosum (false banana) with Arabica coffee, as well as food and livestock production in a mosaic of plants.
COTE D’IVOIRE
Beki
- Agroecological Zone: Subhumid / humid
- Climate Classification: Tropical, savannah
- Challenge: Cocoa monocultures are under pressure from pests and diseases. Deforestation, environmental degradation, and socio-economic inequalities continue to threaten the region. Weak enforcement of environmental regulations and inadequate policy support are additional challenges.
- Agroforestry system: Cocoa-based system with well-conserved forests and integrated food and livestock production.
KENYA
Makueni County
- Agroecological Zone: Semi-arid / subhumid
- Climate Classification: Arid, steppe, hot
- Challenge: Limited access to affordable credit, financial services, and agricultural inputs like seeds and fertilizers. Gender inequality and vulnerability to climate change exacerbate the region's agricultural challenges.
- Agroforestry system: Maize agroforestry, combined with food, horticultural, and livestock production.
BOTSWANA
Central Province
- Agroecological Zone: Arid
- Climate Classification: Arid, desert, hot
- Challenge: Agriculture is challenged by limited water availability, extreme heat, soil degradation, and desertification. Traditional farming practices are unsustainable, and conflicts between agriculture and wildlife are a significant issue.
- Agroforestry system: Indigenous trees and integrated food and livestock production.
ZAMBIA
Eastern Province
- Agroecological Zone: Semi-arid
- Climate Classification: Temperate, dry winter, hot summer
- Challenge: Farmers struggle with access to markets and face challenges posed by climate change, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events.
- Agroforestry system: Fruit trees integrated into smallholder cropping systems, combined with livestock production.
Target Groups
AfroGrow brings together diverse groups across Africa to work on sustainable farming, food production, climate change, and carbon farming. By overcoming obstacles to adopting new practices, we aim to create stronger, more resilient farming systems. We’re focused on improving the environment and tackling issues like climate change, inequality, and water security. Our work benefits communities in both Africa and Europe:
Research &
Academia
AfroGrow fosters collaborative, interdisciplinary research, enhancing cross-border academic efforts. The project promotes skill development for young scientists, contributing to innovation and knowledge advancement in agroforestry.
Investment advisors in agroforestry
With AfroGrow, investment opportunities in agroforestry become clearer, leveraging advanced digital tools. This ensures alignment with sustainable agriculture strategies, providing credible analyses and maximizing returns while supporting green initiatives.
Land Managers, Farmers, and Pastoralists
Proven agroforestry practices contribute to environmental performance and carbon sequestration, ensuring equitable access to resources. This enhances productivity and sustainability across diverse regions.
Agricultural/Agroforestry/Livestock Extension services
AfroGrow's solutions equip extension services with scientific evidence and innovative tools. These enhance advisory support for integrating sustainable practices and creating forward-thinking business models.
Ag-tech industry
Open-source solutions from AfroGrow inspire new technologies and products, improving productivity and profitability in agriculture. This drives better research, development, and commercial strategies.
Media
AfroGrow provides accurate, impactful information, enabling effective awareness campaigns about sustainable agroforestry. This fosters a deeper public understanding of climate resilience and innovative agricultural solutions.
Society
The project raises awareness of sustainable practices, encouraging informed decision-making and advocacy for gender-responsive policies. It connects individuals with innovative approaches to address pressing local and global agricultural challenges.
AU-EU Projects and Networks
AfroGrow contributes to dynamic partnerships by sharing insights, addressing food security, and driving evidence-based policy development. This strengthens agroforestry management and the broader AU-EU collaboration.
Latest News
Collaboration
The AfroGrow Consortium unites 25 diverse partners from 9 European and 6 African countries, including universities, research institutes, NGOs, SMEs, and public sector representatives from the AU and EU. AU-based organizations bring strong community engagement experience, while EU partners offer expertise in open science, social sciences, and gender equality. This complementary partnership ensures a holistic and collaborative approach to achieving AfroGrow’s goals through direct stakeholder engagement and shared expertise.
Meet the Partners
Associated Partners
