Insights

This case study presents a solar drying dome, a low-cost, energy-efficient solution originally developed by Silpakorn University in Thailand . Made from durable polycarbonate, the dome protects food from dust, insects, animals, and microbial contamination, while preserving its nutritional quality and appearance.

This practice brief describes the educational curriculum adopted by GSF to engage sustainably Young students in Cambodia into Agroecology practices through training, field visits and fields trips and practice.

This video highlights the Solar Dryer Dome, a sustainable, solar-powered innovation designed to help farmers reduce post-harvest losses, preserve crops, and increase income. The main goal of this video is to showcase how this simple yet effective technology improves food security, minimizes waste, and enhances market opportunities for small-scale farmers. Implemented by the Community Development and Environment Association (CDEA) and supported by the ALiSEA Small Grant Facility 2022, this initiative aligns with agroecology principles, promoting sustainability, climate resilience, and efficient resource use. Through real farmer experiences, we explore how this innovation is transforming agriculture in Laos.

This video, produced by SPERI, highlights the efforts of H’re indigenous villagers and Po E Commune in Kon Tum province, Vietnam, as they transition to agroecological farming. Supported by an ALiSEA small grant, the initiative integrates native edible and medicinal herbs with diversified crop cultivation to promote sustainable, herbicide-free agriculture. Through farmer-led experiments, traditional knowledge, and community-based learning, the project fosters biodiversity, strengthens local livelihoods, and builds resilience in upland farming systems.

Meet Ms. Doan Thi Phuong from Hai Xuan Commune, Hai Hau District, Nam Dinh Province — a passionate pioneer on the journey of “returning to nature.” With courage and determination, she gave up harmful chemicals and embraced sustainable farming methods rooted in agroecology. Her commitment not only transformed her own land but also inspired her community, fostering trust in safe, nature-friendly agriculture. Her story is a powerful example of resilience and leadership, encouraging others to cultivate a healthier, more sustainable future. This video is part of the project “Strengthening Community Capacity in Monitoring Pesticide Use and Promoting Agroecology – for a Non-Toxic Environment,” supported by the ALiSEA Small Grant Facility 2022. Implemented by the Research Centre for Gender, Family and Environment in Development (CGFED), in collaboration with the Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific (PAN-AP) and the Women’s Union of Hai Hau District, Nam Dinh Province.

This video highlights best practices and lessons learned from the project “Strengthening Community Capacity in Monitoring Pesticide Use and Promoting Agroecology – for a Non-Toxic Environment.” Implemented in Hai Hau District, Nam Dinh Province, the project empowers women farmers to take the lead in monitoring pesticide use through CPAM tools and biodiversity tracking. With many men migrating for work, women play a key role in protecting both human health and the environment. Through hands-on training and community events, female farmers are not only building their skills but also raising awareness and advocating for reduced use of highly hazardous pesticides. Their leadership is essential in promoting safer, more sustainable agroecological practices. This initiative is supported by the ALiSEA Small Grant Facility 2022, and led by CGFED, in partnership with PAN-AP and the Women’s Union of Hai Hau District.

This video showcases “The ‘Do All’ Biochar Wood Vinegar Kiln”, a practical and efficient design that allows small-scale farmers to produce both biochar and wood vinegar from agricultural waste. Developed at the ECHO Asia Farm in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the kiln supports sustainable farming practices. This initiative is part of the ALiSEA Small Grant Facility 2023, which aims to strengthen biochar producer networks across the region.

This video captures a hands-on Biochar Production Training held in Chiangdao, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Local farmers and community members learned how to produce biochar and wood vinegar using simple, low-cost kilns. The training aimed to promote sustainable farming practices and soil health through practical, on-site demonstrations. It was conducted as part of the ALiSEA Small Grant Facility 2023 to strengthen community-based biochar knowledge and networks.

This research brief present the results of a survey aiming at documenting the use and impacts of hazardous pesticides among farmers. This survey employed the Community-Based Pesticide Action Monitoring (CPAM) methodology developed by the Pesticide Action Network Asia Pacific (PAN AP)

This practice brief describes the development of an inclusive business model with small-scale farmers in the vegetable value chain of Ham Yen, grounded on two complementary methodologies: the agricultural value chain approach and inclusive business modelling with smallholder farmers.