Agroecology and the One Health approach to reducing agricultural pollution in Africa (DAETOX)

In rural areas of Benin, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, agricultural intensification, deforestation and the mismanagement of chemical inputs are causing pollution that simultaneously affects human, animal and environmental health. In the face of these interlinked risks, sector-specific responses are proving inadequate and call for integrated, area-based approaches.

The DAETOX project aims to sustainably reduce pollution from agri-food systems by supporting the agroecological transition in the target areas. It is committed to improving the overall health of people, animals and ecosystems by adopting the One Health approach as a framework for action. By supporting nature-based innovations, DAETOX seeks to reconcile the reduction of health risks, the preservation of natural resources and the improvement of living conditions for rural households. 

The project is structured around three components: 

• Generating data and strengthening One Health capabilities: DAETOX supports participatory regional assessments, action research and applied training initiatives to document pollution, analyse its health impacts and build the capacity of public, scientific and community stakeholders to act in a coordinated manner.
• Supporting the adoption of agroecological practices: the project supports farmers through demonstration fields, innovation circles and economic demonstration schemes, promoting the adoption of practices that reduce the use of chemical inputs whilst safeguarding incomes and food security.
• Preserving and restoring natural resources: DAETOX strengthens the co-management of forests, soils and protected areas, supports the restoration of degraded ecosystems and develops sustainable income-generating activities, thereby limiting pressure on natural resources.

• A measurable reduction in pollution caused by pesticides, livestock effluent and deforestation in the target areas.
• Improved overall health through reduced exposure of human and animal populations to toxic substances.
• Strengthened economic resilience of rural households through the adoption of profitable agroecological practices and the structuring of local value chains.
• Sustainable influence on public policy, supported by scientific data and multi-stakeholder advocacy mechanisms.

The DAETOX project stands out for its innovative and demonstrative nature. It puts the One Health approach into practice within agri-food systems, linking scientific research, local action and policy advocacy. The project transforms environmental constraints into economic opportunities through nature-based solutions and a local circular economy. Through its multi-country structure, knowledge-sharing mechanisms and scalability, DAETOX is an exemplary project, fully aligned with the FFEM’s strategy to promote sustainable transformational dynamics.