BASF and SNV extend collaboration to support smallholder farmers in Ethiopia
BASF and SNV extend collaboration to support smallholder farmers in Ethiopia BASF
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BASF Partnership with SNV to Support Smallholder Farmers in Ethiopia
Introduction
BASF continues its partnership with the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) under the Horti-LIFE project to support smallholder farmers in conflict recovery and drought-affected regions of Tigray and Amhara Region in the North of Ethiopia. In continued effort to support these communities, BASF through its Vegetable Seeds division BASF | Nunhems, has provided 800 kg of high-quality onion seeds, 666,000 hot pepper seeds and 1,500,000 tomato seeds to Farmer Field Schools supported by SNV, facilitating essential training and distribution of seeds to 4,000 smallholders. This collaborative initiative aims to revitalize agriculture in conflict recovery and drought-affected areas and empower farming communities to rebuild their livelihoods. The seed handover ceremony was organized in the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture on February 27, 2024, in the presence of H.E. Dr Melese Mekonen, State Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Supporting Smallholder Farming Families
With this partnership, BASF is committed to continuously supporting smallholder farming families in Northern Ethiopia, and this goes beyond the provision of seeds. The seeds will be used by farmers who participate in Farmer Field Schools (FFS) organised by SNV. Upon completing good agricultural practice trainings, farmers receive seeds to implement their newly acquired knowledge on their own farms. Matthias Pohl, Head of Societal Outreach at BASF Agricultural Solutions, emphasises: “We are impressed by SNV Farmers Field Schools’ great success, also in times of challenging environmental conditions. BASF welcomes the opportunity to support SNV in its endeavours to improve smallholder livelihood through its active engagement by focussing on Integrated Pest Management and responsible use of crop protection products”.
Continued Collaboration
Ben Depraetere, Managing Director of BASF | Nunhems in Ethiopia, expresses enthusiasm for the partnership’s continuation, stating: “We are proud to continue supporting smallholder farming families in Ethiopia, rebuilding their livelihoods. Our collaboration is a testament to our commitment to empowering farming communities and society through various social engagement activities. It is great to witness how providing farmers with high-quality seeds and training them on cultivation methods not only enhances crop yields but also contributes to more nutritious diets in their household, making a significant positive impact in their lives.”
SNV’s Impact
SNV, under the Horti-LIFE project, has been working closely with the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture since 2016. It uses the horticulture Farmer Field School (FFS) Extension Methodology to enhance farmers’ practical knowledge and skills to solve challenges on production and productivity. Recent surveys reveal FFS members achieve 34% higher yields and 43% higher incomes. SNV’s programme operates in 147 districts, benefiting approximately 80,000 farmers annually through 2,000 FFS.
Testimonial from SNV Ethiopia Country Director
Julie Graham, SNV Ethiopia Country Director, comments on BASF’s support and emphasises the importance of their high-quality seeds. “Our partnership with BASF brought positive outcome. The FFS members who received the first batch of seed support benefitted from improved productivity, disease resistance, long shelf life and higher market prices.”
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment. | – Increased crop yields – Increased incomes of small-scale food producers |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services. | – Increased job creation – Increased access to financial services |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.6: Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle. | – Adoption of sustainable practices by companies |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
The article discusses BASF’s partnership with the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) to support smallholder farmers in conflict recovery and drought-affected regions of Ethiopia. This partnership aims to revitalize agriculture in these areas and empower farming communities to rebuild their livelihoods. SDG 2, which focuses on achieving zero hunger, is directly connected to the issues highlighted in the article.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The article mentions that BASF’s collaboration with SNV goes beyond the provision of seeds and includes training farmers on good agricultural practices. This training aims to improve smallholder livelihoods and empower farming communities. SDG 8, which focuses on promoting decent work and economic growth, is connected to the issues discussed in the article.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The article highlights BASF’s commitment to supporting smallholder farming families in Ethiopia and mentions their focus on integrated pest management and responsible use of crop protection products. This aligns with SDG 12, which aims to promote responsible consumption and production.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers
The article mentions that the partnership between BASF and SNV aims to revitalize agriculture in conflict recovery and drought-affected areas, and empower farming communities to rebuild their livelihoods. This aligns with the target of doubling the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities and decent job creation
The article discusses how BASF’s collaboration with SNV includes training farmers on good agricultural practices, which can lead to increased crop yields and improved livelihoods. This aligns with the target of promoting development-oriented policies that support productive activities and decent job creation.
Target 12.6: Encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices
The article mentions BASF’s focus on integrated pest management and responsible use of crop protection products. This aligns with the target of encouraging companies to adopt sustainable practices.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Increased crop yields: The article highlights the success of the Farmer Field Schools (FFS) in achieving higher yields and incomes for farmers.
– Increased incomes of small-scale food producers: The article mentions that the partnership between BASF and SNV aims to improve smallholder livelihoods, which implies an increase in their incomes.
– Increased job creation: The article mentions that BASF’s collaboration with SNV includes training farmers on good agricultural practices, which can lead to increased job opportunities in the agricultural sector.
– Increased access to financial services: The article does not explicitly mention this indicator, but the promotion of development-oriented policies and support for smallholder farmers can contribute to increased access to financial services.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment. | – Increased crop yields – Increased incomes of small-scale food producers |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services. | – Increased job creation – Increased access to financial services |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.6: Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle. | – Adoption of sustainable practices by companies |
Source: basf.com
