Progress and Next Steps
On February 20, 2025, APOPO Angola visited its Syntropic Farm Agriculture Pilot Project in Caiombo, Ebo Municipality, Cuanza Sul Province. The visit marked an important milestone — the first harvest — which produced a modest 25 kg of cassava and 5 kg of maize.
While this was a small but meaningful step forward, the project faces significant challenges, including water erosion, pests, and plant diseases. These difficulties have led to discussions on how to adapt and improve farming techniques for better results in future harvests.
APOPO carried out demining operations in Caiombo village from August to December 2021, resulting in nearly 350,000 square meters of land being released back to the community and 39 landmines and 360 other explosive remnants of war (ERW) destroyed. The syntropic farming pilot project is part of a wider post-clearance training program led by APOPO to promote sustainable agricultural practices in newly cleared areas.
What Is Syntropic Farming?
Syntropic farming is an agroforestry method designed to restore degraded land and improve agricultural productivity by mimicking natural ecosystems. It is based on four key principles:
- Stratification — Different plants grow at various heights, similar to a natural forest.
- Succession Planning — Fast-growing species prepare the soil for longer-term crops.
- Permanent Soil Cover — A continuous layer of plants and organic mulch protects against erosion and retains moisture.
- Biodiversity — A diverse mix of trees, shrubs, and crops helps control pests naturally and enriches the soil.
By following these principles, syntropic farming can improve soil health and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides — making it an ideal approach for Angola’s post-landmine agricultural recovery efforts.
Challenges and Adjustments
The APOPO pilot project was launched in early 2024 following a three-day syntropic farming workshop in Caiombo, led by agroforestry expert Roland van Reenen. A total of 35 participants — including local farmers and representatives from partner organizations — received training on the principles and application of syntropic farming.Together with the trainer, the 35 trainees worked actively to establish a 20 x 25-meter agriculture pilot field (500 square meters) to plant a combination of trees, vegetables, legumes, fruit trees, cereals and roots.
Four of the farmers — Eduardo, Carlos, Joaquim, and Manuel — were later designated as “Champions” to lead implementation on the ground. To support their involvement, each of them receives a monthly payment for their work in maintaining and improving the system at the pilot project.
However, as expected with any new agricultural initiative, not everything went as planned. Many plants, including beans and peanuts, did not survive due to a combination of water erosion, pests, and soil depletion. These difficulties have underscored the importance of adapting the approach based on the realities of the land.
To address these challenges, Roland van Reenen provided key advice to the team:
“The best practice against water erosion is to plant more plants! It is essential to avoid leaving soil exposed. This, along with thorough mulching, will naturally control pests and prevent plant diseases by enriching the soil.”
This guidance underlines the importance of increasing plant density and soil coverage to improve resilience and prevent further soil degradation.
The Role of APOPO’s Partners in Angola
Throughout the project, APOPO has worked closely with several key partners in Angola to ensure the initiative’s success. The National Mine Action Authority (ANAM), responsible for coordinating mine clearance and land rehabilitation efforts, has provided guidance on how best to utilize demined land for agriculture. The Institute for Agricultural Development (IDA), a government body supporting sustainable farming, has contributed technical expertise to help farmers adapt their practices. The Samuel Brace Cole Association (ASBC), a local NGO focused on community development, has been involved in training and empowering local farmers. Meanwhile, the Ebo Board, the municipal council overseeing local governance, has played a key role in facilitating community engagement and supporting agricultural initiatives in the region.
Next Steps
With input from Roland van Reenen in mind, the project team has outlined the following next steps:
- Increasing crop diversity to strengthen soil health and create a more resilient ecosystem.
- Applying more organic mulch to protect the soil from erosion and retain moisture.
- Adjusting planting techniques based on lessons learned from the first harvest.
António Kuti, APOPO’s Explosive Ordnance Risk Education Officer, oversees the project, while the four local “Champions” continue to lead daily activities. Their monthly payments ensure they can dedicate time and effort to refining and improving the system. The hope is that with the success of the pilot project, other local farmers can also implement similar systems in the area.
This first harvest was small, and challenges remain, but valuable lessons have been learned. With ongoing adjustments and expert guidance, the project aims to become more sustainable and productive over time.
By using syntropic farming to rehabilitate former minefields, APOPO is not just growing crops — it is guiding local farmers to restore their land sustainably and to improve their livelihoods.
