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Agroecology as a Path to Sustainable Growth in India and Nepal
Eastern Nepal and Bihar, India: two regions facing similar challenges Eastern Nepal and the state of Bihar, India face a fair share of challenges. Both countries are among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change and experience increasingly unpredictable weather. Irregular rainfall, prolonged droughts and floods disrupt planting and harvesting cycles, reducing crop yields and threatening food security. Intensive farming practices and over-reliance on chemical fertilizers have also degraded the soil, impacting agricultural productivity and making it harder for farmers to sustain the …
Celebrating 15 Years of Impact: A Letter From Steve Brescia, Executive Director
Dear Friends, Groundswell will celebrate 15 years in 2024. We feel both humbled and proud as we reflect on what we have been able to accomplish together so far, and are determined to have an even greater impact in the future. Since our founding, we have learned a lot about how to coordinate an effective international network for collective impact, one that reflects our shared values and centers the agency of smallholder and indigenous farming communities. We are pleased to share some 2023 highlights in our latest Annual Report. Together as a network we have generated: Impact: Strengthened the …
Empowering Women in Agriculture: The Transformative Impact of Agroecology and Community-Led Initiatives
Women are essential to furthering the agroecological movement and improving the well-being of their communities and families. However, in many countries worldwide, women are more likely to be denied access to resources needed to be successful in agriculture (land, animals, access to money credit). Agroecology, “the holistic and integrated approach that simultaneously applies ecological and social concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable agriculture and food systems” (FAO) seeks to not only transform soil and environments but to heal our broken food system, ther …
Scaling Agroecology for a Resilient Future in Haiti & Ecuador
Agroecology offers a path for the positive transformation of our flawed farming and food systems, which significantly contribute to climate change, obesity, and global hunger. As interest in scaling agroecology grows, it’s crucial to evaluate its potential to merge science, practice, and social movements to build sustainable food systems. By offering practical and scalable solutions, agroecology promotes nutritious diets, soil regeneration, and climate resilience among farmers and pastoralists worldwide. But how do these benefits translate into tangible improvements for communities? Let’s expl …
Fertile Ground: Agroecology and Innovation
During a systemic “polycrisis” in agriculture and food systems, agroecology emerges as a transformative solution. Agroecology addresses climate change, health crises, and global hunger while catalyzing practical, scalable approaches for sustainable diets, soil regeneration, and climate resilience. Embraced by diverse institutions, it aims for a just transition, nourishing landscapes, and empowering farmers in the face of pressing challenges. Peasant Innovation and Agroecology in Brazil’s Semi-Arid Region The core of identifying, mobilizing, and safeguarding common goods is to strengthen social …
Global Partnerships in Action
Groundswell International advocates for action-oriented learning in collaboration with carefully chosen global partner organizations and allies. Through their work, we foster mutual learning, enhance methodologies and capabilities, make essential investments to foster continuous innovation, and promote agroecology globally. Our approach to strengthening the capacity of people, communities, and farmers’ organizations to create healthy farming and food systems from the ground up would not be possible without the work of our global partners. Global Partnerships in Action In 2023, the below progra …