The ALIVE Programme, running from 2017 to 2022, aimed to improve the lives of small-holder farmers in East Africa through sustainable agriculture and agroforestry. Implemented through farmer organisations in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, the programme sought to create societal changes that would enable the realization of human rights and economic empowerment for smallholder farmer families.
Challenges faced by rural communities
Rural communities in East Africa face numerous challenges, including limited access to land, credit, and modern farming technologies. High unemployment rates and the impacts of climate change make it even harder for smallholder farmers to secure stable livelihoods.
Programme goals and funding
The ALIVE Programme was funded primarily by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) with a budget of approximately 100 million SEK. The programme aimed to promote sustainable agriculture and agroforestry, improve climate resilience, enhance food security and household incomes, and foster greater equality between women and men.
Key achievements
Throughout its duration, the ALIVE Programme achieved significant milestones. Over 90% of the farmers involved adopted sustainable agricultural practices. These efforts not only improved the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, but also contributed to climate resilience and sustainable development in their communities.
Empowering youth and women
By investing in the potential of rural youth and smallholder farmers, the ALIVE Programme fostered a generation of resilient, knowledgeable individuals capable of driving positive change in their communities. The programme also emphasized gender equality, empowering women farmers by increasing their access to productive assets, financial services, and decision-making roles.
Project partners and collaboration
The ALIVE Programme was a collaborative effort involving almost 40 local farmer organisations and various stakeholders committed to sustainable development. The programme’s success was built on strong partnerships and effective collaboration among all involved parties.
Project name: Agroforestry for Livelihood Empowerment (ALIVE)
Context: Rural communities in East Africa face challenges such as limited access to land, credit, and modern farming technologies, high unemployment rates, and climate change impacts.
Main purpose: Improve the lives of small-holder farmers through sustainable agriculture and agroforestry, promoting human rights and economic empowerment.
Duration: 2017 – 2022.
Locations: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda.
Target group: Smallholder farmer families living in a situation of poverty, with a special focus on women, youth and children, who are members or potential members of democratic farmers’ organisations, in areas vulnerable to climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donor: Funded primarily by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) with a budget of approximately 100 million SEK. Additional funding comes from Vi Agroforestry’s own fundraising in Sweden.
Implementing partners: Around 40 local farmer organisations and various stakeholders committed to sustainable development.