The Agroecology and Circular Economy for Ecosystem Services (ACE4ES) project represents a transformative multidisciplinary initiative underpinned by technology and innovation, capacity building, governance strengthening and mass communication. ACE4ES seeks to revolutionize agricultural and food systems by integrating agroecological principles and circular economy practices to enhance the resilience of livelihoods and landscapes, particularly in rice and maize production across Africa. Through research, technology validation, and knowledge-sharing activities, ACE4ES aims to address key knowledge and implementation gaps in agroecology, contributing to evidence-based advocacy and informed policy-making. By fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders and leveraging existing initiatives, ACE4ES accelerates agroecological transitions and promotes sustainable agriculture on a broader scale. The project’s integration within the Agroecology TPP aligns with the platform’s goals of building inclusive communities of practice, advancing collaborative approaches, and facilitating knowledge co-creation to achieve transformative change in agricultural systems.
Project scope and aim
The ACE4ES project aims to implement agroecology and circular economy technologies to mitigate Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) in rice and maize production across Africa. Its scope encompasses research, technology validation, and knowledge transfer activities to enhance the resilience of livelihoods and landscapes. By focusing on SLCP reduction, ACE4ES addresses critical environmental and socio-economic challenges while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Through partnerships and stakeholder engagement, the project seeks to accelerate the adoption of agroecological approaches, contributing to the broader goals of the Agroecology TPP.
ACE4ES aims to provide evidence-based solutions, inform policy-making, and foster collaborative efforts to build more resilient and sustainable agricultural and food systems in Africa.
Modality
The ACE4ES project operates through a multi-stakeholder partnership model, leveraging expertise from research institutions, government agencies, and local communities. It employs participatory approaches to technology validation and knowledge co-creation, ensuring relevance and scalability. Through collaborative efforts, ACE4ES facilitates the integration of agroecology and circular economy principles into agricultural practices, emphasizing sustainability and climate resilience.
Timeframe
May 2024 – April 2026
Key members and partners
- CSIR-Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI)
- AfricaRice
- Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG)
- Youth Initiative for Land in Africa (YILAA)
Related resources
- Explore the official project website: https://www.ccacoalition.org/projects/africa-implementing-agroecology-and-circular-economy-technologies-reduce-slcps-maize-and-rice-production
- Scroll through the previous issues of project newsletters and subscribe for the latest news: https://us17.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=9eee896605a7b0c92aa5b3ae5&id=14fd9de568
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Location
Target countries for project activities are as follows:
- Ghana
- Nigeria
- Benin
- Tanzania
Apart from the project targeted countries, the project team is open to collaborations and partnerships to cover more countries and more agricultural value chains.
Key contacts
Kwaku Onwona-Hwesofour Asante (Ph.D.), Research Scientist, asante.kwaku@gmail.com
CSIR-Crops Research Institute, P. O. Box 3785, Kumasi, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3539-3505
Tel: +233242272347 and +233208273576
Website: https://cropsresearch.org/
Added project value to Agroecology TPP
The ACE4ES project aligns closely with the objectives of the Agroecology TPP by advancing knowledge and practices that promote sustainable agriculture and resilient landscapes. Through a collaborative approach to validating agroecological and circular economy technologies, it contributes valuable evidence to inform policy-making and advocacy efforts. The project engages diverse stakeholders, including local communities, researchers, policymakers, and extension agents, fostering partnerships and knowledge exchange. By integrating research, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement, ACE4ES enhances the capacity of National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES) and local communities to adopt agroecological approaches. The project’s emphasis on participatory processes ensures that knowledge is co-created and contextually relevant, strengthening the overall effectiveness of the intended agroecological transitions. Through these efforts, ACE4ES adds value to the AE-TPP by accelerating the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and contributing to the resilience of livelihoods and landscapes.
Added value to the organisation running the project
The Agroecology TPP can add value to the ACE4ES project by providing a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. Through the TPP’s network of partners and stakeholders, ACE4ES can access additional expertise, resources, and opportunities for collaboration. The Agroecology TPP’s emphasis on inclusive, participatory processes aligns with ACE4ES’s approach to stakeholder engagement, facilitating the co-creation of knowledge and the exchange of best practices. Additionally, the AE-TPP’s advocacy efforts and engagement with policymakers can help amplify the impact of ACE4ES by promoting the adoption of agroecological approaches at regional and global levels. Overall, the Agroecology TPP’s support can enhance the visibility, credibility, and effectiveness of the ACE4ES project in advancing sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems.
