On 22nd January 2025, Practical Action’s CEO Sarah Roberts joined a dynamic discussion at the Business Fights Poverty Together for 2025 Forum. The focus? How businesses can lead transformative change through partnerships.
The event highlighted the pivotal role of businesses in advancing regenerative and climate-resilient agriculture.
Key Priorities Discussed
1. Defining Regenerative Agriculture
Practical Action’s regenerative agriculture approach centres on two principles:
- Regenerating Natural Resources: Improving soil health, biodiversity, and water resources.
- Regenerating Local Economies: Supporting inclusive and resilient rural economies.
In Peru, for example, Practical Action supports local enterprises producing organic fertilizers. This initiative provides sustainable inputs for farmers while boosting rural economies.
2. Strengthening Partnerships
Collaborations with the private sector are key to building climate-resilient agricultural systems. Practical Action’s work in Kenya exemplifies this approach through its RAY project, which has created opportunities for over 20,000 young people—61% of whom are women—to engage in sustainable farming practices. Reports show 84% of participants have adopted regenerative practices, leading to higher yields, reduced costs, and increased incomes.
3. Tailored Tools for Progress
Practical Action are developing the RAPID tool to help businesses assess and implement regenerative agricultural practices. This diagnostic tool enables teams to design interventions and monitor their impact over time.
4. Innovative Business Partnerships
Practical Action’s partnerships, such as the Global Distributors Collective (GDC), have brought clean energy, safe water, and agricultural tools to underserved communities. With over 219 members, the GDC has reached 47 million people, demonstrating the power of sustainable last-mile distribution models.
5. Integrating Biodiversity
The Biodiverse Landscapes Fund (BLF) Andes Amazon project showcases Practical Action’s commitment to protecting ecosystems while enhancing community well-being. In Peru and Ecuador, the initiative has trained Indigenous specialists and supported deforestation-free coffee certification systems, benefiting local economies and the environment.
Challenges and Opportunities
The forum also addressed challenges such as resistance to change among farmers, resource scarcity, and biodiversity loss. However, Practical Action emphasised that by investing in local economies, fostering partnerships, and leveraging innovative models like parametric insurance, businesses can drive meaningful change.
Call to Action
Businesses are encouraged to:
- Adopt regenerative agriculture principles.
- Collaborate with Practical Action to deliver sustainable services.
- Invest in initiatives like the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund.
- Align their strategies with biodiversity conservation and climate resilience goals.
By working together, we can create a more sustainable and inclusive future for communities and the planet.