REALMS
Kenya,Rwanda,
concluded
The project introduced sustainable practices to increase the production of global crops for food security in Kenya and Rwanda.
The Regenerative Agricultural practices for improved Livelihoods and Markets (REALMS) was a four-year € 6M project funded by the IKEA Foundation. Implemented by SNV, the project aimed to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Kenya and Rwanda. The project started in November 2020 and concluded in December 2024.
As the world's population grows and dietary patterns change, food demand is increasing. By 2050, the production of key global crops may need to increase by 60-110% to meet the food security needs of 820 million undernourished people. Agriculture has primarily focused on increasing production through intensification and land expansion, but this has led to soil degradation, biodiversity loss, pollution, and poverty among smallholder farmers.
The approach
SNV and the IKEA Foundation share the same vision to create a better everyday life for as many people possible. Through innovative projects in the agricultural sector, both organisations aim to create opportunities for a better life for people, while protecting the planet.
Through the REALMS project in Kenya and Rwanda, the team promoted the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices such as reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, implementing Integrated Pest Management, and establishing soil and water conservation measures to stop erosion.
In Kenya and Rwanda, several smallholder farmers applied circular and regenerative farming practices, such as the application of low quantities of home-made compost and animal manure, along with biological pest control. However, the majority of smallholder farmers had yet to be introduced to biological pest control. To help realize this, the REALMS project worked with smallholders and their communities, supported local service providers (SMEs), and collaborated with relevant stakeholders to co-create the necessary enabling environment for the application of regenerative agriculture.
During the project, the following approaches were taken:
Farming communities including women and youth were actively engaged in decision-making, field trials, training, and evaluation.
An innovation fund to support SMEs was rolled out to enhance market development and the commercialization of regenerative products and services.
Supportive national and sub-national agricultural policies were co-developed to better govern and regulate the agricultural sector.
A focus on livestock as an important input in the commercial value chain because they provided a source of manure for crop production.
Used stover from crops as feed for the animals. The overall resource use efficiency of small farms was expected to increase as crops and livestock enterprises were combined in small farms.
The project sought to reach 10,000 smallholder farmers: 5,000 in Kenya and 5,000 in Rwanda; 30,000 farmers beyond direct participants in the project; 11 national and sub-national governments; 10-12 civil society organisations; 20 agri-businesses; 10 farmer organisations; three knowledge and research organisations; and four multi-stakeholder platforms.
