2. As can be expected from an emerging market with over 50 million smallholders, agriculture has a crucial role
to play in Africa and the Middle East (AME) in elevating millions of people out of poverty and providing food
security for all. In this context, getting our Good Growth Plan commitments right in this part of the world is a
must.
Over the last few years since the launch of The Good Growth Plan in Africa and the Middle East, we have
reached hundreds of thousands of smallholders through innovative technology tailored to their needs, with
training on Good Agricultural Practices and safe use of crop protection products, and we have made a real,
substantial impact on their livelihoods and well-being, contributing to the empowerment of rural communities.
Make Crops More Efficient Empower Smallholders Help People Stay Safe
Over 225,000people trained
in the safe and effective use of crop protection
and seeds following the Five Golden Rules
350,000Smallholders
reached in 2016 with crop protection
products and treated seeds
The Good Growth
Plan in Africa
and the Middle East
of the total number of smallholders
trained in EAME region is in AME
95%
68Reference Farms,
with an average
yield difference of19%
Commitments in Focus:
*over 272 Benchmark Farmers
Syngenta elaboration of Market Probe data from the period Q4 2015 - Q4 2016.
*
3. Cocoa
Potato
Tomato
Wheat
White corn
“The promising results of our
Reference Farm Network in Africa
and the Middle East are proof of the
incredible growth potential of this
territory. Seeing the real impact that
The Good Growth Plan is having on
the ground makes me proud
of Syngenta people in our
territory and all over the world”
Pierre Cohadon,
Head of Africa Middle East, Syngenta
The Reference Farm Network
The Reference Farm Network in Africa and the Middle East
The impact stories highlighted in this brochure are just some of the examples of the thousands of smallholders
who are helping us to improve agricultural productivity for farmers all over the world. They are part of our
Global Network of Reference Farms (RFs), where we test and measure productivity increase through
innovative technologies to boost the yield potential of key crops. The farmers who join our network use
Syngenta products and recommended protocols to increase their yields, they receive training on
Good Agricultural Practices and safe handling of crop protection products, and can also count on
the support and advice of competent field experts. The data from the Reference Farms are collected
by Market Probe, an independent market research firm, and they are compared to the results of multiple
Benchmark Farms (BFs), bringing to life the real impact that crop protection and quality seeds can have in
empowering rural communities and unlocking the productivity potential of millions of farmers.
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Reference
Farms
4. IVORY COAST
Koffi Kouamenan Honore, Bonoua
EGYPT
Mohamed Fouly, Menia
Crop grown Cocoa
Size of farm 5 hectares
RF since 2014
Average yield difference
between RFs and BFs
in Ivory Coast
28%
Crop grown Wheat
Size of farm 6 hectares
RF since 2016
Average yield difference
between RFs and BFs
in Egypt
23%
“Since my cooperation with Syngenta and compliance with the
protocols, my production has really increased. Presently, when seeing
my production, the other growers come to learn from me. I became a trainer
for my fellow growers. I am proud of my production, proud of the beauty of my
plantation, proud to train other growers, proud of all this knowledge acquired
thanks to Syngenta. I am proud to live thanks to the income of my production.
There is a change in my social life because I live in my own home”
Koffi Kouamenan Honore, Reference Farmer
“Syngenta was helping me by providing useful information and the necessary
support in my agricultural different practices. They gave me useful advices when
I had problems in my crop. I am happy, I was able to have good yields and that
was achieved by completely removing wild bad grass and by not having any
yellow rust in my plants thanks to recommended anti-rust products”
Mohamed Fouly, Reference Farmer
5. ZIMBABWE
Mushoriwa Kurasha, Mazoe
ZAMBIA
Chilwesa Margree Simon, Chongwe
Crop grown White corn
Size of farm 3 hectares
RF since 2016
Average yield difference
between RFs and BFs
in Zimbabwe
49%
Crop grown White corn
Size of farm 4.7 hectares
RF since 2014
Average yield difference
between RFs and BFs
in Zambia
14%
“Together with the other Reference farmers we share ideas,
knowledge and assist each other with regards to the best farming
practices. We also learn from each other and as well get encouragement
from seeing how others are doing it. I am proud because upon gaining
knowledge on the best farming practices and implementing the trainings, I have
realized improved yields which I have used to capitalize on my other farming
operations. Using the knowledge I have gained, my performance in farming has
greatly improved”
Mushoriwa Kurasha, Reference Farmer
“The key challenges I face as a smallholder in Southern Africa are adverse
weather patterns, climate change and the ever increasing rate of inflation,
which makes it difficult to access good farm inputs at the right price. Syngenta
has been at the forefront to ensure that growers, especially someone like me who
is part of The Good Growth Plan and follows the protocol program, get prompt
response whenever there is an outbreak of diseases or pests. I got technical
advice and aid from the Syngenta/MRI team in Lusaka when army worms invaded
this season…and now I am optimistic this season harvest will be better”
Chilwesa Margree Simon, Reference Farmer