About us
Systems approach to advice and development
At the Agro Eco-Louis Bolk Institute we focus on the broader context of development. We link development to trade in sustainable agricultural products. We believe that only through sustainable agriculture poverty can be alleviated without depleting natural resources. Considering nature the source of knowledge we think in systems, and analyze problems from a broad perspective. Our systems approach results in solutions that work in practice, in developing countries as well as in the Netherlands and Europe.
Making systems work
Our clients choose us because of our expertise in sustainable agriculture and our system-level solutions for development issues. We work in close collaboration with farmers and extension officers, making sure that our advice, training activities and development projects are practical and useful. Through knowledge exchange with people from the field and critical reflections and analyses, we empower local agricultural communities.
Our corporate identity
The Agro Eco-Louis Bolk Institute is a mid-sized, independent international organisation specialised in participatory research and advice on organic and sustainable agriculture, international development, nutrition and health care. Our main office is located in Driebergen (the Netherlands) where we operate under the brand name Louis Bolk Instituut. From our offices in Accra (Ghana) and Kampala (Uganda), we work in various countries of Eastern and West Africa. Our systems approach, respect for the integrity of life and participatory methodology are central pillars of our work.
As a result of the merger between Agro Eco and the Louis Bolk Institute in January 2009, the new Agro-Eco Louis Bolk Institute has research, advice and development projects in Europe, Africa and Central Asia.
Contact persons
Alastair Taylor, regional manager Eastern Africa
Willem-Albert Toose, regional manager West Africa
Bo van Elzakker, manager Tropics
