Enhancing Sustainable Production Systems : Integrated and Participatory Approaches for Nature-Based Solutions in Guinea-Bissau

Overview & Synopsis

This technical note aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Guinea-Bissau’s agriculture sector and its impact on natural resources and proposes sustainable development solutions grounded in agroecological principles and nature-based approaches. The recommendations outlined in this document seek to inform potential investments to enhance agricultural productivity, expand market access, and strengthen climate resilience by leveraging successful examples from the country and other comparable contexts. This note aligns with Guinea-Bissau’s strategic development priorities. These include: (i) the Guinea-Bissau Compact for Agriculture and Food which focuses on sustainably improving productivity and value addition in agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture; (ii) the National Agricultural Investment Plan (PNIA), which prioritizes food crop development (notably rice and horticulture), market access, and livelihood diversification; and (iii) the National Sustainable Development Plan (PNDS), which emphasizes increasing agricultural and livestock productivity through the adoption of improved technologies and practices. This note is intended for a diverse audience, including policymakers, technicians, and the broader development community. It was developed based on literature review, analysis of secondary data, field visits, and interviews with key informants and national stakeholders. The rest of the note is organized as follows: chapter 1 presents introduction. Chapters 2 and 3 provide an overview of the agriculture sector in Guinea-Bissau and its associated farming systems; chapters 4 and 5 outline nature-based solutions at the community and farm levels, as well as options for sustainable access to inputs; and chapter 6 concludes with key recommendations.