DOES ONE ACRE FUND PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE AND AGROECOLOGICAL INTENSIFICATION?

Abstract

Agriculture production in sub-Saharan Africa faces increasing challenges due to climate change and rising populations. The task of driving sustainable agricultural development is difficult and features actors with differing strategies. Some development organizations tout the benefits of high input conventional agriculture, while others advocate an agroecological approach to supporting smallholders. The imperative for successful intensification is one commonality between stakeholders. One Acre Fund is an NGO based in Africa whose sole purpose is to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. This paper discusses One Acre Fund’s strategy in the context of agricultural intensification. One Acre Fund frequently claims that it increases adoption of climate smart agriculture. This assessment finds that One Acre Fund’s existing monitoring does not entirely support its climate smart agriculture ambitions. It additionally raises questions about the organization’s stance on farmer agency.