Africa - Agro Eco-Louis Bolk Institute


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Every year we carry out more than 250 projects that promote truly sustainable agriculture, nutrition and health. A selection:

  • Treating children's headache




    Do children have fewer headaches if they– in addition to receiving standard treatment –are treated by a hypnotherapist or learn meditation exercises? Read More

  • Participatory research




    This project has reviewed the methods, applications and results of participatory research in the organic agriculture sector. Read More

  • Effects of a paleolithic diet




    What are the health effects of a paleolithic diet? An innovative study among participants, all of whom had increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and/or diabetes. Read More

  • Fine Flavour Cocoa




    A collaboration of chocolate manufacturers, cocoa researchers, farmers and international aid organizations. Read More

  • Keeping calves and cows together




    Separating calves from their mothers is considered animal-unfriendly by consumers. This project has been set up to improve organic calf raising methods. Read More

  • Stress reduction fo women with breast cancer




    In this study we are investigating whether the persistent fatigue during and after chemotherapy can be reduced by a yoga-based stress reduction method. Read More

  • Payment for Ecosystem Services




    An innovative concept to compensate farmers for taking conservation measures. Read More

  • Tackling the problem of feather pecking




    Feather pecking is a major problem in poultry farming. Our researchers have discovered that feather pecking can be minimized by providing more room for scratching and foraging. Read More

  • Reducing and changing fertilizer use




    This project helps farmers to reduce and change their fertilizer use without affecting yield or quality. It will enable them to comply with the "balanced fertilization” regulation (starting 2015). Read More

  • Green manures: a new method of soil fertilization




    Green manures such as grass-clover and alfalfa are good fertilizers. Our innovative application methods will help organic farmers to comply with the impending ‘100% organic' fertilizer regulation. Read More

  • ‘Buffer Farmers’ manage drought susceptible soils




    In this project farmers are working together with water managers to improve water retention in drought susceptible soils. Read More

  • Functional agrobiodiversity




    Employing ecosystem services to improve soil quality: in this project farmers learn to increase soil fertility by making better use of agrobiodiversity. Read More

  • Biodiversity in Brabant




    Farmers in two regions of Brabant are working to increase biodiversity on their farms. The result: robust, sustainable farming systems and a more attractive rural landscape. Read More

  • Lupin in the Dutch peat district




    Lupin is an attractive alternative for imported soy. In this project we work on more robust varieties, higher yields and better crop quality for lupin production on low-calcium soils. Read More

  • Reducing soil phosphate levels in nature areas




    Former agricultural land is successfully turned into nature areas with higher species diversity, thanks to our new methods to reduce soil phosphate levels. Read More

  • Natural farming




    Organizing successful partnerships between farmers and nature conservation organisations: our researchers are forming the bridge. Read More

  • Flourishing Farm




    More than 550 farmers are creating wild flower field margins to promote beneficial biodiversity. Their aim is to promote natural enemies of crop pests and reduce chemical pesticide use. Read More

  • Farm Seed Opportunities




    The objective of this European project is to stimulate the effective use of old and forgotten varieties to increase on-farm biodiversity. Read More

  • Bio-Impuls: Organic potato breeding




    Disease resistant potato varieties are crucial for the organic sector, but their availability is limited. This project aims to breed new varieties that are resistant to diseases such as Phytophthora. Read More

  • Cereal production in the IJssel Valley




    In this project we assist farmers in Gelderland with re-introducing old cereal varieties. The objective: to increase biodiversity within the landscape and on consumers’ plates. Read More

  • Economic analysis of farming in Flanders




    Conversion to organic farming is a cost-effective alternative for most conventional farmers in Flanders (Belgium). This is shown in an economic analysis carried out by our institute. Read More

  • The price of biodiversity




    In this project our researchers have analyzed the farm economic effects of biodiversity. This analysis provides insight into the ‘price’ of biodiversity. Read More

  • Koala project: is organic food healthier?




    In this project our researchers investigate whether organic food products have a positive effect on the health of 8-year-old children who have been followed since their birth. Read More

  • The Bruistuin Project: green and healthy together




    Residents of the Malburgen neighbourhood in Arnhem are working together in a community garden. Our researchers investigate the health effects of this innovative Green Care project. Read More

  • Efficacy of visualisation therapy




    In this project our researchers have studied the efficacy of guided imagery (visualisation) and relaxation exercises as methods to reduce pain, stress and anxiety after surgery. Read More

  • Attitudes towards Integrative Medicine




    This project has surveyed the knowledge and attitude of healthcare managers, nurses and paediatricians regarding Integrative Medicine (IM). Read More

  • Organic farmers’ networks in Flanders




    This project aims to improve the exchange of knowledge and experience between organic farmers and growers, extension officers and researchers in Flanders (Belgium). Read More

  • Organic Goat Meat Network




    Goat farmers, butchers and restaurant owners work together with our institute in this demonstration project on improving the production and marketing of organic goat meat. Read More

  • Organic Fruit Network




    In this network, organic apple and pear growers are supported by our researchers. They exchange knowledge and experience, for instance about soil fertilization and apple scab research. Read More

  • Project ‘Skylark’




    Objective: to increase sustainability of arable farms and production chains in the Flevopolder. Result: environment-friendlier farming methods, more stable yields and better farm economic results. Read More

  • Organic school gardens




    In Ghana we have set up organic school gardens. Result: healthy meals for school children, and hands-on training in organic cultivation methods for parents, farmers and agricultural students. Read More

  • Soil and biodiversity




    In the project Better farming with biodiversity 20 arable farmers on sandy soils and reclaimed peatland in Drenthe work together with our researchers to increase on-farm biodiversity and soil quality. Read More

  • Nigerian network




    A new organic research and development centre in Nigeria, coordinated by Agro Eco-Louis Bolk Institute. Read More

  • Certification of cocoa




    Sustainable and organic cocoa production is an efficient way to improve livelihoods without depleting natural resources. Read More