Syngenta Foundation
Much of our direct support for communities is provided through the Syngenta Foundation - funded by Syngenta. The Foundation focuses on improving the welfare of rural communities through sustainable agriculture. Since it was established in 2001, the Foundation has supported projects in Brazil, Eritrea, India, Kenya, Mali and Uganda.
The initial emphasis was on helping to develop technology through research and building capacity to help farmers increase yields. The Foundation is now helping farmers to capitalize on increased yields to improve their livelihoods by ensuring they have access to markets for their produce, and providing them with the necessary finance and business skills to make their farms sustainable.
For example, the Foundation's partnership at the Cinzana Research Station in Mali has shifted its focus from research to enterprise development. A full-time agronomist has been appointed to train farmers in business and finance skills. The partnership is working with Faso Jigi - one of Mali's largest farmer associations with 134 cooperatives - to enable farmers to store surplus crops and sell them outside harvest time, when prices are more attractive. Faso Jigi also has links with commercial banks, making it easier for farmers to access finance to develop their farms.
More information about the Syngenta Foundation and its work can be found at www.syngentafoundation.org.
