Innovating Agroecology in the Mekong
The Agroecology Learning Alliance in Southeast Asia (ALiSEA) has released a comprehensive report detailing the impactful results of its Small Grant Facility (SGF) implemented from 2022 to 2024. With a total investment of €337,475, the facility funded 18 grant project initiatives aimed at transforming food systems across Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Bridging the Resource Gap
Established to support local actors who often face limited visibility and funding, the SGF serves as a strategic engine for the regional agroecology movement. The facility empowers organizations to test innovations, document their impacts, and strengthen their technical and market-related capacities.
The 18 funded projects were distributed across the region, with the highest concentration in Cambodia (39%), followed by Laos (28%), Vietnam (28%), and Thailand (5%).
Key Achievements and Impact
The initiatives successfully reached over 6,000 beneficiaries, including farmers, students, and local authorities—half of whom were women. Major highlights from the program include:
- Diverse Innovation: Projects introduced practical solutions such as solar dryer domes for sweet potato processing in Laos, biochar networks, and eco-friendly weed control.
- Market Development: Seven pilot initiatives focused specifically on improving market access and creating sustainable linkages for agroecological products.
- Strengthened Partnerships: The facility fostered collaboration among 42 organizations, ranging from international NGOs (37% of grantees) to research institutes and private social enterprises.
- Youth & Women Empowerment: Dedicated programs encouraged youth engagement in innovative farming and helped women expand their value-chain opportunities.
A Foundation for the Future
Beyond immediate field results, the SGF emphasized knowledge generation. By documenting field experiences and linking them to public policy, ALiSEA ensures that these transitions are not only technically sound but also institutionally supported and socially inclusive.
This cycle of grants was made possible through financial assistance from the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union (EU), the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM), and the Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD).
