Research

Armed conflict, the unsustainable use of natural resources, the loss of biodiversity and climate risks in Somalia have significantly weakened local food systems. Large areas of once-productive rangelands have been reduced to critically low biomass, resulting in severe soil erosion, land degradation, and declining agricultural productivity. Against this background, we study the pathways to sustainable food production with a specific focus on natural resource management, ecosystem restoration and micro-enterprises to improve resilience in target regions. Key areas of study include testing sustainable farming practices, access to seeds, soil moisture management and nutrient cycling. Our research will also assess the role of consumers in supporting sustainable food systems by fostering demand for locally produced food. Research will be conducted in four target regions of Somalia.

Agroecology requires a transdisciplinary approach to integrate diverse knowledge systems and perspectives and co-design holistic solutions for addressing complex food system challenges. This project develops and scales a self-evaluation tool for research teams comprising farmer organizations, government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and the private sector. The tool will provide real-time feedback on the level of transdisciplinarity within partnerships and support actors in improving their collaborative approaches. Designed for use at different stages of research projects—before, during, and after—it will enable continuous self-assessment and refinement of teamwork and integration practices.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that farm households in the Bangladesh Delta that adhere to agroecological principles have demonstrated greater resilience to cyclones and other extreme weather events than conventional farm households. For instance, these farm households following agroecology principles reportedly experienced less asset loss and recovered more quickly in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal in 2024 compared to conventional farms. In this context, this research aims to assess the comparative disaster resilience of farms practicing agroecology versus those practicing conventional farming during Cyclone Remal and to determine the extent to which different combinations of agroecological principles contribute to resilience.