Resilience in Motion: Rural Development Stories You Need to See

Mali (August 2025)

Leading Change Africa has made major strides in agricultural training and partnerships this month. From July 21 to August 15, the AGRIBOOST project successfully completed its theoretical phase, training 150 young people across four cohorts in conservation agriculture and soilless urban agriculture. The practical phase will soon follow, allowing participants to apply their new knowledge directly in the field.

To strengthen its impact, LCA Mali is also engaging institutions. On August 18, the team will meet with the Malian Agency for Environment and Sustainable Development (AEDD) to explore collaborations in sustainability and agricultural empowerment. In addition, LCA has confirmed its role as a technical partner for the International Forum on Nutrition and Food Security (FINSA 2025), where it will train 100 young participants in conservation and urban agriculture.

LCA's participation in FINSA 2025

 AGRIBOOST project Cohort

Through the SRI project, 100 farmers are also being trained in the Pfumvudza method, with sesame chosen as the trial crop. Five Pfumvudza plots and one Agrobusiness plot are already in full growth, with organic pest control underway to safeguard yields. This hands-on demonstration aims to encourage adoption of sustainable farming practices among smallholder farmers.

Burkina Faso (August 2025)

In Burkina Faso, LCA advanced its partnerships and community engagement. A second strategic meeting with Fork Investment was held to co-create the Job & Business Booster project, with clear roles defined and new financing avenues identified for its next phase.

On August 23, 2025, Leading Change Africa hosted a Facebook Live session on the theme “Youth and Green Jobs, hosted by the local team and our Operations Director, Awa Maiga: The Pfumvudza Technology, a Solution to Prioritize.” The event gathered nearly 40 participants from several countries and generated close to 70 comments. It created a dynamic space to share insights on how the Pfumvudza technique can enhance agricultural productivity and provide sustainable employment opportunities for young people.

Field interviews with local producers reinforced this message, as farmers shared real success stories of improved yields after applying the Pfumvudza technique. These testimonies highlight how innovation in agriculture can deliver both food security and livelihood opportunities.