LocationsThis collective effort sets the stage for the upcoming ‘Designing and Experimenting a Territorial Approach for Agroecology’ project
UNDP-GEF Small Grants Programme in Mauritius Partners with Association Mauricienne d’Agroécologie to Enhance Food Security through Organic Farming and Agroecology
October 11, 2024
Agroecology is gaining momentum in Mauritius, driven by initiatives like those of the Association Mauricienne d’Agroécologie which are supported by multiple stakeholders including the UNDP-GEF Small Grants Programme
Stéphane Bellerose / UNDP Mauritius
The successful completion of the third phase of the 'Expansion in Organic Farming with Regional Expertise in the Indian Ocean' project (EMBEROI III) implemented by the Association Mauricienne d’Agroécologie, formerly known as Le Vélo Vert (LVV), was marked by a closing ceremony on Thursday 10 October 2024. This initiative was supported by the European Union, the Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB), Eclosia and the UNDP-GEF Small Grants Programme (UNDP-GEF-SGP) in Mauritius.
Launched in 2022, EMBEROI III has successfully established agroecological hubs and living labs in Saint-Félix and Bel Ombre, providing innovative training grounds for local agri-entrepreneurs, landowners, and other stakeholders. Activities under the project were carried out in collaboration with public and private sector organizations from Mauritius and the Réunion Island including Formaterra, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD), and the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI). The innovative and collaborative model developed through this partnership, backed by the UNDP-GEF-Small Grants Programme, has aligned the interests of multiple stakeholders, including landowners, the private sector, and public authorities. The commitment of the European Union and the Mauritius Commercial Bank to ensuring food security and safety in Mauritius has been particularly noteworthy, further solidifying support for sustainable agricultural practices.
Collective Efforts for Sustainable Agricultural Services
A key component of this initiative was the creation of the Académie Terres d’Agroécologie, which aims to train around 50 participants in agroecology each year. So far, 44 participants, including 11 women from the National Women Entrepreneurs Council and 13 individuals involved in the agroecology sector, have successfully completed the training, which is supported by the UNDP GEF SGP. The training consists of three chapters made up of 12 modules delivered over 28 days. Two participants in the training have been selected to launch agro-ecological enterprises on experimental plots in Chamouny. Three more participants will join them upon completion of the second batch of training.
This collective effort sets the stage for the upcoming ‘Designing and Experimenting a Territorial Approach for Agroecology’ project, supported by the UNDP-GEF-SGP. In this new phase, collaboration with local businesses, researchers, and civil society organizations will be key in developing an agroecological hub which will be co-designed with five future agriculture entrepreneurs selected through in-house training. These entrepreneurs will receive access to equipment, technical support, and commercial partnerships through Eclosia Group to market their products. Additionally, a digital platform supported by the Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) has been created to facilitate the sale of organic farming products, enhancing market access for local producers and promoting the consumption of sustainably grown food. The hub will also experiment with a participatory guarantee system (PGS), aiming to develop alternative systems for quality control and certification of agro-ecological products that meet both local and international standards.
Promoting Agro-ecology to achieve SDGs
This initiative significantly contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By promoting sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation, it emphasizes food security and food safety, ensuring that agricultural practices not only increase productivity but also prioritize the health and well-being of consumers. The project has actively engaged women, youth, and persons with disabilities, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity.
The long-term vision of the collaboration between the UNDP-GEF-SGP and the Association Mauricienne d’Agroécologie and its partners is to ensure that, by 2040, 50% of the fruits and vegetables for the domestic market will be produced using agroecological methods.