© Glen/Adobe Stock HFFA Research supported GIZ staff and their partners in designing and conducting socio-economic analyses and valuation of ecosystem services in partner countries of the global ProSoil conservation and rehabilitation programme
Climate change presents a major threat to agricultural productivity, food security, and rural livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable regions. To respond, the Global Programme Soil Protection and Rehabilitation for Food Security (ProSoil), funded by BMZ and implemented by GIZ, promotes agroecological practices that enhance soil health and resilience. In 2021, this work was expanded through the EU co-funded ProSilience initiative—part of the DeSIRA programme—targeting selected partner countries across Africa and Asia. Yet, for effective implementation, a shared and practical framework is needed to evaluate the socio-economic and environmental benefits of these practices in the context of development cooperation.
In June 2022, GIZ engaged HFFA Research GmbH to develop a methodological guidance for conducting socio-economic and ecosystem service analyses relevant to ProSoil activities. The guidance aims to support GIZ staff and local partners in preparing, implementing, and harmonizing evaluations across multiple countries—including Benin, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Burkina Faso, India, and Tunisia.
Our work included:
The guidance provides a structured approach for assessing the value of agroecological interventions and encourages standardized analysis across country programmes. The accompanying evidence review highlights promising results in terms of farm income, environmental resilience, and climate mitigation potential, though it also reveals significant gaps requiring further research.
The Methodological Guidance is available in English and French. The Review on Economic Benefits through Agroecological Soil Practices is available in English.
