In October 2023, East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation (EWS-KT) and Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture (SFSA) embarked on a dynamic 5-year collaborative partnership aimed at uplifting smallholder farming communities in Africa and Asia. As two nonprofit foundations with parent companies in the agriculture sector, we see this as a natural pairing. EWS-KT and SFSA share a common vision: empowering smallholder farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

“This collaboration offers a unique opportunity to enhance sustainable agriculture and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Africa and Asia through complementary nonprofit activities,” said SFSA Executive Director Simon Winter. SFSA specializes in market connectivity and finance accessibility for smallholder farmers, while EWS-KT brings deep experience in training farmers in sustainable and profitable agronomic techniques and farm business skills.

Together, EWS-KT and SFSA are committed to cultivating these synergies to advance sustainable agriculture and strengthen the capabilities and livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Building on past collaborations, our foundations recognize several potential areas for collaboration. In particular, SFSA and EWS-KT are eager to collaborate on initiatives such as capacity building, financial education, project design, and improving farmers’ access to markets. Each of these areas contributes to creating sustainable solutions for the challenges faced by smallholder farmers.

“The memorandum of understanding between EWS-KT and SFSA will make it possible to advance joint initiatives that further strengthen smallholder farmers and the agricultural sector of which they are a part,” said EWS-KT Director Stuart Morris. “Working together on these projects will usher in new business opportunities for sustainable vegetable farming in Africa and Asia.”This partnership is a step toward building stronger, more resilient farming communities. We look forward to the innovative collaborations and impactful projects that lie ahead in support of smallholder farmers.