Across Africa, agroecological farming practices are demonstrating potential to improve farm profitability, strengthen climate resilience and reduce dependence on costly external inputs. Adapt to Thrive: Transforming Food Systems in Africa. The Case for Investing in Agroecology, published by ActionAid International in October 2026, examines the evidence for agroecology as an approach to addressing food insecurity, environmental degradation and economic vulnerabilities in agricultural systems. The briefing synthesizes research and experiences from ten countries: Ethiopia, the Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The briefing was prepared for ActionAid International by Stefanie Swanepoel, drawing on a broader scoping study by Dr Wale Olayide and Dr Martin Oulu. Conducted in late 2025 and early 2026 across ten African countries, the research combined a review of academic and grey literature, government and NGO reports, and agricultural and environmental databases with field data from Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe, interviews, and surveys with farmers’ organisations, researchers, policymakers, civil society organisations, private-sector actors and donors.