Our Approach
Our vision
Socially just, democratic and cultural biological diverse landscapes and food systems in Africa, based on the interconnected and harmonious diverse and co-creation between people and nature.
Our mission
We carve transformative pathways through co-generating and diffusing new discourses and catalysing action, at the intersections of biodiversity, climate change, and food systems to shift power and social changes that advance a just transition in Africa.
Our work is anchored in a value system of reciprocal, horizontal, and interconnected relationships between people and nature.
What we fight for
We have a long and respected track record of opposing the aggressive push of the Green Revolution on the African continent, and the national and regional institutional architecture driving this. At the same time, we work with partners to deepen a shared understanding of, and realise transitions to, agroecological farming practices that provide an alternative to the corporate capture of African seed and food systems.
Our Approach
Our theory of change flows from five dynamic and integrated strategies
Horizon scanning and internal reflection and learning
Our ongoing horizon scanning, and our own advocacy work at national, regional and international levels informs the research and analysis. This brings to light issues that may otherwise go unnoticed, and is what makes ACB a pioneering organisation, leading and influencing the work of others working in similar fields in and beyond Africa.
These ongoing processes guide our research, communications, capacity building, information sharing and advocacy work, to identify gaps in discourse and practice and prioritise what to focus on, how to respond and position ourselves, and what partners to work with.
Research and analysis
Our research and analysis aims to fill gaps in knowledge and bring new critiques and analysis into the public domain, to change public discourse and narratives and guide our capacity building, information sharing, communications and advocacy work. It includes critical analysis, participatory research, desktop research, field work, consultations and dialogues.
Communications
Communications is an essential strategy that cuts across and underpins all areas of our work, influencing public awareness and participation, public discourse and media, and decision makers.
Information sharing and capacity/movement building
Convening events provides the platform for sharing information and knowledge, building alliances and momentum around critical issues, collective action, changing public discourse, and influencing decision makers.
Advocacy
ACB’s own advocacy work influences discourse, the work of our partners, and policy and decision making at national, regional and international levels. It goes beyond decision-makers also to influence international NGOs, donors, and civil society networks ACB works with directly and beyond.
Our vision for change
Through these strategies, the ACB and self-organised civil society and farmers’ organisations, women and youth in Africa are empowered to participate in advocacy spaces on farmer seed systems, biosafety, agroecology and agricultural biodiversity conservation, and are able to influence public and private discourse and decision-making.
As a result, agricultural policies and implementation strategies are more inclusive, democratic and demand-responsive. This leads to positive, just and democratic policy and implementation, ultimately contributing to maintenance and use of agricultural biodiversity, and improved livelihoods and well-being of smallholder farmers in Africa.