Sustainable Business Model Development for Agroecological Farming in Africa

This PhD proposal aims to contribute to the Urbane Project, which addresses the challenges of sustainable agriculture and food security in Africa. The agro-food sector is a crucial part of the African economy but faces sustainability challenges like climate change and land degradation (Jaffee et al., 2018; Berthe et al., 2019). The proposed research focuses on the application of agroecology, a way of farming that mimics natural systems and reduces dependence on external inputs and food sources (Altieri, 2018), to enhance local resilience and achieve food sovereignty (Altieri, 2009; Altieri & Nicholls, 2012; Gliessman et al., 2019; Holt-Giménez & Altieri, 2013). Holt-Giménez (2010) defines food sovereignty as the communities' right to produce, access and control food. Patel (2009) argues that food sovereignty is necessary for food security. According to the FAO (2002), food security is a situation where" all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life". The proposed research draws on case studies from six African countries and the author would like to present it in the conference to get further guidance and feedback on the proposed research/dissertation plan. The research aims to answer the research question:
" How can sustainable business models be designed and implemented within the African agro-food sector to address the needs and priorities of different stakeholders and promote the transition to food sovereignty based on agroecological principles and practices?"