How does a new Biovision project actually come about? Take the Push-Pull approach as an example. Around 30 years ago, stem borers threatened the harvests of hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers in East Africa. The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), under the leadership of Biovision founder Hans R. Herren, developed an agroecological solution: the Push-Pull approach naturally protects maize fields from pests, improves soil fertility and increases yields. What began as a pilot project is now used by millions of smallholder farmers across several African countries. For more than 20 years, Biovision has supported research on this approach and has helped establish and scale it across different regions and countries.
Every new project therefore starts with a thorough analysis. Together with partner organisations, researchers and other local stakeholders, we identify challenges and develop solutions tailored to the local context. The goal is not simply to solve one isolated problem, but to create lasting, systemic impact.
Building trust takes time
When selecting new partner organisations, we place great importance on experience, technical expertise and strong connections within local agroecological networks. Equally important is a shared long-term vision and a willingness to develop innovative approaches together.
This is why we deliberately invest in long-term partnerships. Most of our projects are implemented with the same organisations over several project phases. This builds trust, encourages shared learning and creates the space to test innovative ideas on a small scale, continuously improve them and adapt them to local conditions. At the same time, we support our partners in strengthening their organisational capacities – a process that takes time.
Impact beyond the project
New partnerships therefore usually emerge from existing networks, joint pilot initiatives or exchanges with experienced organisations and experts. This ensures that our projects are firmly rooted in local realities and continue to create impact long after they have ended. Our goal is not to implement as many projects as possible, but to work with the right partners to develop solutions that continue to make a difference long after our direct support has ended.
Note: Biovision does not issue open calls for project partnerships or accept applications for project funding. We invest in a small number of carefully selected partnerships that grow over many years. For this reason, we are unfortunately unable to consider unsolicited project proposals or funding requests.
