BIOVISION

Annual Report 2008

BioVision FoundationBioVision Foundation combats hunger and poverty, and is dedicated to the dis-semination and application of ecological methods to sustainably improve living conditions in Africa, whilst pro-tecting the environment. BioVision supports help for self-help and promotes eco-logical thinking and action – in both wealthy developed, and in the poorer developing countries. BioVision Foundation is recorded in the Commercial Registry and fulfils the federal regulations for non-profit, charitable organisations. BioVision Foundation is ZEWO certified in Switzerland. BioVision Foundation qualifies as a 501 (c) (3) charity in the USA.

BIOVISION ContentsPresident’s Foreword 1Management Report 2Projects 4 –13 Sphere of Human Health 4

Sphere of Plant Health 6

Sphere of Environmental Health 8

Sphere of Information Dissemination and Sharing 10

Sphere of Information and Public Relations Switzerland 12

Financial Report 2008 14 –16 Income Statement 14

Operational Costs 15

Project Expenses 16

Efficiency Report 18 – 20 Organisation 18

Partnership 19

Partners 20

BioVision 10th anniversary

In October 2008 BioVision celebrated its 10th birthday with the people of Chemaley in

western Kenya. Dr. Hans Rudolf Herren, World Food Prize laureate and long-standing

head of prestigious research institutes in Africa, set up the BioVision Foundation in

1998 on the basis of his vision for a healthy world, living in harmony, and without

hunger and poverty.

Account for donations

Donors in Switzerland PC-A/C 87-193093-4

Foreign donors Donations Bank Account:

BioVision Foundation, Zürcher Kantonalbank P.O. Box, CH-8010 Zürich Switzerland

Account Number 1100-0722.687 Swiftcode: ZKBCHZZ80A IBAN CH75 0070 0110 0007 2268 7

Donations are tax-deductible.

Imprint

© Copyright by BioVision Foundation, May 2009

Text editing and concept: Peter Lüthi, Andreas Schriber, Verena Albertin

Financial report: Stephan Gisi

Production, Photoediting Peter Lüthi

Translators Carmen Loughlin, Karl Lane

Photos Peter Lüthi, Christof Sonderegger, Andreas Schriber, Verena Albertin, Reto Baumann, Photopress/Kusano

Implementation and design Fortunat Anhorn, Malans

Printers Druckerei Landquart, Switzerland

Schaffhauserstr. 18, 8006 Zurich

Dear supporters,

My family and I have lived in different countries in Africa

for 27 years – and I have ties of deep friendship with many

people on that continent. That Africa should again be

among the losers when it comes to nutrition, the world-

wide financial crisis and the already foreseeable conse-

quences of climate change, is something that saddens and

worries me. But these crises also fortify me in my work, and

in my conviction that today we are in a position to change

course and, together, to shape a future for us all. All that is

needed is the will to do so.

I’m often asked how many people the world can feed sus-

tainably.

There would in fact be enough food for all – and for the 2.5

billion more people who will swell the population in the

next 50 years – if we did not allow half of what we produce

to be wasted. Added to that is everything that is already

being used as vehicle fuel. So the question is not whether

we can produce enough, but how, and where, and at what

(ecological) price. As co-president of the International

Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for

Development, IAASTD *, for four years I travelled all over

the world overseeing a well researched evaluation on the

situation of agriculture world wide. The IAASTD report,

with its call for ecological agriculture, caused a worldwide

stir when it was published in April 2008.

For over 10 years BioVision has been promoting ecologi-

cally sound thinking and action. Agriculture has a central

role in people’s survival – and not only through food pro-

duction. Water, air and our entire environment depend on

the important services agriculture contributes to the ecosys-

tem. Farmers play a substantial part in preserving a habitat

where people can live successful and healthy lifes. But we

also need a kind of agriculture which can help the develop-

ing countries to overcome poverty. Among other things,

that means that we here in the north should no longer

receive direct payments to produce surpluses which are

then offloaded in the south and destroy the existence of

farmers there.

Ecological and organic agriculture and greater consumer

awareness are set to become more and more important.

Consumers must get used to the fact that good food costs a

little more. In the north we can afford it; in the south, things

are different. Nevertheless, it would be wrong to hold down

the prices of food there, because that would keep the farm-

ers in poverty. We must invest in developing countries, so

that people can find work and have more money to spend;

building roads, railways and industries that can process the

agricultural products. At the moment most of these pro-

ducts are exported in its raw state, without added value, or

else consumed locally.

If we take a sober view, we know that there are insufficient

resources for equitable sharing if everyone were to con-

sume at the same level that we in the industrialised coun-

tries do today. If we want to help people in the south to live

better, we must be consistent and start with ourselves.

First Lady, Michelle Obama, generated a lot of media atten-

tion when she started a small organic vegetable plot at the

White House in Washington, demonstrating that it is per-

fectly possible to combine an ecological way of thinking

and acting with a positive attitude to life.

Ensuring that we change course and that we devise and

implement solutions to problems in all the different areas of

agricultural, socio-economic and environmental concern, is

something towards which we all must work.

Together with BioVision I shall continue to campaign for a

more reverential and rational approach to our environ-

ment.

Here I would like to express my personal thanks to you,

our highly valued supporters, for your loyal support. Thanks

to you, we have already achieved a lot. Let us continue to

campaign together for a better world!

Best wishes,

Dr Hans Rudolf HerrenPresident of the BioVision Foundation

*Information to IAASTD 2008 see page 21

1

In turbulent times it is a good idea to reflect on one’s roots and on one’s

strengths. BioVision can look back on an eventful but successful year.

The political unrest in Kenya, one of our priority countries, at the begin-

ning of the year under review, showed yet again how quickly even good

planning can be put at risk by external factors – and how important

strong partnerships are. Fortunately, the situation in Kenya has returned

to normal. Even if the possibility of further political and social conflict

cannot be ignored, work continued as planned in the BioVision project

areas. Our lean and efficient organisational structure, our solid network

and the local anchorage of our projects proved strong enough for us to

be able to act quickly and effectively even in a crisis situation.

The selected reports on pages 4 – 13 provide an impression of the speci-

fic work being done in individual projects. In the year under review a

total of 19 projects were supported in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia

and Switzerland.

Thanks to our excellent financial results (see Financial Report, p. 14), it

was possible to continue important activities and extend partnerships.

Donations, which for the first time exceeded 4 million Swiss francs,

again incurred only modest administrative costs.

Promotion of personal responsibility

The fact that we consistently build on functioning and locally entren-

ched networks and partner organisations in our project countries, under-

Management ReportSustainability despite crises

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lines our commitment to sustainability. Using every franc

of donors’ money in a appropriate, efficient and effective

way also means investing in sustainable concepts.

Training and the dissemination of knowledge are invest-

ments in the future – this kind of development coopera-

tion needs long-term commitment. As a non-profit-making

organisation, BioVision has been campaigning for more

than 10 years for development that is both socially just

and ecologically sound.

The ever-increasing support and recognition for our work

at home and abroad shows clearly that our sponsors

understand and support this approach.

Focus on ecological approaches

BioVision supports sustainable development projects

which promote the elaboration, implementation, enhan-

cement and propagation of ecological methods. In this

way the lives of those influenced can be improved in a

way that is not based on unsustainable use of the envi-

ronment. BioVision is making a relevant contribution to

the achievement of the UN millennium goals (MDGs),

and to the implementation of the recommendations of the

2008 IAASTD global agricultural report (see p. 1 and 21).

BioVision, as a Foundation for ecological development,

engages in systematic public relations and information

work at home and abroad; it secures funds, builds up

functioning networks and supports relevant, locally-

rooted organisations in developing regions.

BioVision adopts a holistic approach to its activities. The

interlinking of human, animal, plant and environmental

health (the 4-H principle) promotes and supports sustai-

nable, ecological development.

In disseminating ecological solutions, BioVision acts as a

bridge between research and application, supporting coo-

peration between the various actors involved in the pro-

cess. In specific information projects BioVision uses diffe-

rent means of communication, and systematically encou-

rages the exchange of information.

Showing solidarity, looking to the future

BioVision stands for effective, transparent development

cooperation with an all-round, ecological approach. Our

values are guided by the need to encourage ecologically

and socially equitable ways of thinking and acting, both

at home and in developing and emerging countries.

on ecological regeneration and social justice.

natural means of subsistence and the conservation of

our natural heritage.

mean that we must act in solidarity with others and

behave in an ecologically responsible manner, adapting

our lifestyle accordingly.

In the year under review, BioVision’s focus on processing

information, and disseminating and exchanging practical

knowledge, again helped to empower people both in the

north and in the south to take more responsibility for

their actions and lifestyles and to make decisions infor-

med by more environmental awareness.

With projects that are firmly established locally and that

consistently encourage personal responsibility, people

change from being passive subjects to active participants.

Grass-roots projects, such as community based malaria

prevention in Nyabondo (see p. 4) or income generation

through the cultivation of medicinal plants (see p. 8), on

the one hand improve the lives of those involved and at

the same time can be used for demonstration and training

purposes.

Through our composite approach, and our encourage-

ment and support for self-help projects, we are able to

build replicable and ecologically sound models, thus en-

suring that the donations we receive bear fruit – which is

exactly what sustainability is all about.

Andreas Schriber CEO BioVision Foundation

3

Education is the best investment in the future. BioVision disseminates knowledge in places where many people lack access to important information.

BioVision CEO, Andreas Schriber and BioVision ecotrainer, Mathilda Ouma, with primary school children from the 4K environment club at Mbita Point, Suba District, Kenya.

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Sphere of Human Health

4

Project Stop Malaria – Nyabondo Fewer mosquitoes – less malaria

Project Stop Malaria Nyabondo at a glanceProject number BV HH-01

Project Start 2004

Beneficiaries Over 34,000 people benefit from integrated malaria control through education, mosquito control and protection from mosquito bites by the use of impregnated bed nets.

Development Goal Sustainable improvement in health for the population of Nyabondo by combating malaria in a targeted way through the integrated control of the disease vector (anopheles mosquito).

mosquito control.

least 70% of the population will benefit.

-quito population and training of local personnel in the application of environmentally friendly Bti.

icipe African Insect Science for Food and Health, Kenya

Control Agency Meilen

Other BioVision Projects in the Sphere of Human Health 2008:

1. BV HH-02 Stop Malaria Malindi (Malindi, Kenya)

2. BV HH-03 Stop Malaria Ethiopia (Tolay, Ethiopia)

3. BV HH-04 IVM Malaria Model for T21

Nyabondo lies on a plateau overlooking Lake Victoria in west-

ern Kenya. Large areas of this elevated plain consist of clay

soil, which is unsuitable for agriculture.

Because of this, many people in the local community make

their living from the manufacture of handmade clay bricks –

the well-known ‘Nyabondo Bricks’. The excavation of clay cre-

ates thousands of pits which collect rainwater. These pools are

ideal breeding areas for the anopheles mosquito, carrier of

deadly malaria. Cases of this much-feared disease have greatly

increased in Nyabondo in recent years.

BioVision supports a project that significantly contributes to

malaria prevention: malaria-carrying mosquitoes are controlled

by using 3 environmentally friendly methods, which consider-

ably reduces the incidence of malaria. First, the affected popu-

lation is informed of the danger presented by the pits. Typical

symptoms of malaria are explained, and the people are in-

structed to go immediately to the doctor, not to the traditional

healer, at the first sign of any symptoms. Malaria education is

often carried out by young people in the form of drama or

puppet theatre in marketplaces, village areas and schools.

The second component in the Stop Malaria project is

the treatment of the anopheles breeding sites in settle-

ment areas. In collaboration with the local population,

stagnant bodies of water are drained, levelled or treated

with organic Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis).

This treatment kills only mosquito larvae and poses no

threat to humans or the environment. In this way both

mosquitoes and malaria can be specifically and effec-

tively targeted and treated. Mapping of possible breed-

ing sites, scientific supervision of mosquito populations

and spread of malaria vectors also play an important

role.

The third component is protection from dangerous mos-

quito bites through the use of impregnated bed nets.

The nets are distributed as a priority to pregnant women

and mothers with small children, whose immune sys-

tems are too weak to fight the disease. Cases of malaria

among children under 5 in Nyabondo were reduced

from 60 to 20 % within a short period of time.

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Since the launch of the project at the end of 2004, we have had noticeably fewer mosquitoes. In the past we had terrible outbreaks of malaria. In May and July in particular, practi-cally one person every day died here from the disease. Now that has completely changed. It has been a long time since

anyone at the hospital died from malaria.

Sister Carmelina, St. Joseph Mission Hospital, Nyabondo, Kenya

„ The project has demonstrated that with the involvement of the community and all other relevant stakeholders,

malaria can actually be reduced significantly. However the key to sustainability of the fight against malaria, is for all players to keep on realizing their role and not to

lose the momentum once good results are observed.

Samuel Kahindi, Stop Malaria Project Manager, Nyabondo, Kenya

We dried out the mosquito breeding sites in our school area with two drainage ditches and learned how the larvae in the pools created by the brick makers could be controlled.

Thanks to these measures, we were successful in decimating mosquito numbers and thereby reducing the suffering

caused by malaria. We now recognise the importance of mosquito control and we maintain the drainage system.

Mrs. Betty Oyoga, Secondary school teacher in Oboch, Nyabondo, Kenya

Sphere of Plant Health

Project Sebeta Biofarm for the BlindIncome for people with disabilities, through organic farming In the Project Sebeta – Biofarm for the Blind, 100 partially

sighted people and 2 instructors were trained in organic farm-

ing with support from BioVision. A biofarm was established

for this project through the generous provision of a plot by

the Sebeta School for the Blind, which serves as a training

and information centre for physically disabled people from

all over Ethiopia and for small-scale farmers from the sur-

rounding area. Participants learn organic methods of vegeta-

ble cultivation, cattle husbandry, beekeeping, poultry farming

and maintenance of a plant nursery. Belaynesh Adenew, spe-

cial agricultural trainer with the BioEconomy Association

(BEA) – Ethiopian partner organisation of BioVision – high-

lights the fact that working with partially sighted people is an

important contribution to Ethiopia’s development that also

develops the self-confidence and security of those affected.

Within the framework of the project the partially sighted

participants are also taught life skills. Important topics are

HIV/Aids, family planning and raising awareness in order to

prevent sexual exploitation of disabled women. Alongside

Project Sebeta Biofarm for the Blind at a glanceProject number BV PH-04

Project Start 2007

Beneficiaries 100 partially blind, deaf and physically disabled people (40 female, 60 male). All members of the organisation for the disabled DOPD and the School for the Blind in Sebeta and their families as well as people from the surrounding communities, benefit indirectly from the project,.

Development Goal To improve health, nutrition and income for for people with disabilities in and around Sebeta, through the promotion of integrated organic farming and protection of the environment.

women) through courses in organic farming, health and income promotion and product marketing.

husbandry and vegetable and fruit production. Integration of a biogas facility.

with disabilities as well as local farmers.

Other BioVision Projects in the Sphere of Plant Health, 2008

1. BV PH-01 Push-Pull Strategies & Empowerment of Women (Kenya)

2. BV PH-02 IPM Tomato East Africa (Tanzania)

3. BV PH-03 FiBL System Comparison (Kenya, Bolivia, India)

4. BV PH-05 PushPull Dissemination via The Organic Farmer (Kenya)

practical training, course participants receive the neces-

sary tools and materials to apply what they have

learned independently on the school plot and at home

on their own land, and to pass the information on to

neighbours.

Two hundred interested men and women farmers from

the neighbourhood, as well as employees from the

School for the Blind and from other training institu-

tions, were inducted introduced to organic agriculture

through information and demonstration days. This is

the basis for careful selection of communicators for the

intensive courses in the next phase of the project.

The Sebeta Biofarm is now being augmented with

additional components such as a biogas facility and

through the training of future teachers of schools for

the disabled.

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I jumped at the chance to take part in a course on organic vegetable farming. The training was so good that I was able to increase the

value of my vegetable garden independently and pass on what I had learned to my neigh-bour. Now we both have wonderful, splendid

vegetables!

Zenebech Jambere, food storekeeper in the Sebeta School for the Blind, Ethiopia

This project opened my eyes. I came to realise how important organic farming is and how

much it can contribute to the welfare of needy people.

Gemtissa Takele, field coordinator and instructor, Biofarm Sebeta, Ethiopia

„ We benefited a lot from this project. Thanks to the training in biofarming, people like us see

new prospects. We are confident that despite our physical challenges we can earn our own

money. This gives us power to help fight against discrimination. And last but not least we have

our own healthy vegetables to eat.

Raissa Kadi, Biofarm course participant and student of the Sebeta Special School for the Blind

Sphere of Environmental Health

The Kakamega forest is not only the sole remaining rainforest

in Kenya, but also the last relic of the Guinea-Congo rain-

forest in East Africa. For many endangered plant and animal

species it represents a vitally important refuge. But this natu-

ral paradise is under extreme pressure. As firewood and farm-

land decrease around the periphery of the forest reserve,

people feel forced to source the necessary wood and grazing

from the forest. Illegal clearing to create farmland has already

destroyed large areas of the forest. This trend is being coun-

teracted by the creation of new sources of income for the

local population.

With the Medicinal Plants project, BioVision, in collaboration

with affected village communities, helps to defuse this con-

flict. People living adjacent to the forest are trained and sup-

ported in the cultivation of medicinal plants outside the

forest, and in the distillation of extracts from them. These are

processed into remedies, which are then sold in supermar-

kets in the cities. Communities neighbouring the rainforest

Project Medicinal Plant-Based Enterprises“Create income – save the forests”

Project Medicinal Plant-Based Enterprises at a glanceProject number BV EH-03 in combination with BV EH-05

Project Start 2005

have cultivated medicinal plants, thereby achieving improved access to markets and sales opportunities for their sustainably-grown natural products via small businesses.

processing of aromatic and medicinal plants and environmental education to protect forests and biodiversity.

plants and marketing and sale of the remedies, for cooperatives and farming families.

icipe African Insect Science for Food and Health, Kenya

Other BioVision Projects in the Sphere of Environmental Health, 2008

1.BV EH-02 Cabesi (Kenya)

2.BV EH-05 Biodiversity Conservation Education

earn significant additional income in this way, and the-

reby have the opportunity to buy food and firewood at

the markets.

In this project, tangible environmental education is of-

fered to the population alongside the generation of new

sources of income. Local people receive training to be-

come eco-trainers. These eco-trainers sensitise their peers

to the ecological value of the forest and conduct informa-

tion events and promote environmental protection mea-

sures, predominantly with schoolchildren. In 2008, com-

munity libraries with stimulating and informative books

and pamphlets were set up in villages adjacent to the

rainforest. These appealing facilities are well used by

schools and the general population.

BioVision is transferring this successful strategy to endan-

gered coastal and mountain forests in Kenya and Tanza-

nia, which also number among the most biologically

diverse habitats in the world.

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BioVision Foundation supports us, together with the farmers, in finding new ways to

generate additional income without destroying the forest and its biodiversity.

Wilber Lwande, Head of the Bioprospection Group icipe, Nairobi

„ Previously, my income as a conventional farmer simply did not meet my family’s needs. When I

learned of the opportunity to take part in the Medicinal Plants Project, the big turnaround happened. We can earn more by cultivating medicinal plants. I personally have learned

through the project that I have a head for business.

James Ligare, Ocimum farmer and leader of the Muliru Farmers’ group, Kakamega, Kenya

I collect teaching materials and newspaper articles about the rainforest, and also read the excellent

BioVision farmers’ newspaper. This year we were even chosen to receive an Infonet-

Computer. With this we will convince even more farmers, especially the young men, to

switch to organic farming.

Viviane Okoyo, Librarian in Kakamega, Kenya

Project Infonet-BioVision.org Information service at the click of a mouse The initiative for Infonet-BioVision came from a simple far-

mer in Nyabera (West Kenya). He complained to BioVision

project collaborators that he could never find any information

when he had problems with his vegetable cultivation. “I need

a library in my area that I could use when I need information,

since agricultural advisers rarely make their way into the

field”, said the frustrated farmer.

His wish was heard. In October 2007 the electronic library for

farmers www.infonet-BioVision.org was launched on the in-

ternet. The website offers scientifically proven information,

specific to Africa, on the organic control of the most common

plant pests and diseases. Target groups are farmers, agricultu-

ral advisers, teaching personnel and goal-related organisa-

tions in sub-Saharan Africa.

Infonet-BioVision is distinguished by the choice and quality

of its information and by clear visualisations and illustrations.

Choice is intentionally limited to the 150 most important and

wide-spread diseases and pests in East Africa – subdivided

Sphere of Information Dissemination and Sharing

Project Infonet-BioVision at a glanceProject number BV IS-03

Project Start 2005

Beneficiaries Farmers and advisers from health, environmental and agricultural disciplines, teaching personnel, local NGOs and government organisations.

Development Goal Sustainable improvement of health, nutrition, education and income of the rural popu-lation through the dissemination of relevant information.

with up-to-date information on ecological agricultural methods and organic control of plant pests and transmitters of disease to humans and animals, specific to East Africa.

-stainable agriculture, human, plant and animal health, conservation of natural re-sources and income generation using environmentally-friendly methods.

and radio.

icipe, African Insect Science for Food and Health, Kenya

Other BioVision Projects in the Sphere of Information Dissemination and Sharing, 2008

1. BV IS-02 Farmer Communication TOF Newspaper

2. BV IS-02/A TOF Radio, Kenya and Tanzania

3. BV IS-04 Infonet – Awareness Creation

into the four categories; plant, animal, human, and the

environment. Additionally, all editions of the popular far-

mers’ newspaper The Organic Farmer (TOF) can be sear-

ched according to topic and practical tips, and downloa-

ded from the website.

The information platform has enjoyed a growing profile

since it started in October 2007. The website is visited by

500 people daily from various countries in Africa. Even

people who have never used a computer before can

quickly find specific, concrete information and tips for

solving problems in the areas of health, agriculture, soil

fertility, agroforestry and sustainable irrigation. This prac-

tical information, together with over 1,300 photos and

illustrations is also available on CD, bringing a compre-

hensive library for farmers to every computer.

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„ With Infonet we open up access to locally relevant and scientifically proven information, with which

agricultural advisers and an ever increasing number of farmers can effectively solve their most

common problems.

Monique Hunziker, Project Coordinator for Infonet-BioVision, Zurich

Presenting Infonet to farmers always puts shining lights in the

eyes of the farmers. They are very appreciative, and from the feed-

back we get they are also very able to use this information to their

advantage.

Anne Bruntse, regional coordinator for Project Infonet, Nairobi, Kenya

„ Previously I used many chemical fertilisers and pesti-cides. Thanks to Infonet I now know that there are

environmentally-friendly ways to achieve a good harvest. I am passing these on, not only to my sons and

the farmers group, but also to a whole network of far-mers groups that I supervise. In this way many farming

families in Machakos profit from this great project.

Regina Muthama, Farmer in Machakos, Kenya

Project InfopoolInformation at first hand Every November, BioVision Foundation circulates invitations

to its symposium in Zurich – and the invitations are received

with growing interest. Seven hundred people arrived at the

Volkshaus in Zurich on the occasion of the 6th BioVision

Symposium in 2008. This demonstrates the great interest in

high-quality presentations and panel discussions on current

questions in development cooperation. Visitors to the sympo-

sium valued the opportunity to gain insights into BioVision’s

project work from the Foundation President in person. The

guest speaker for 2008 travelled all the way from Ethiopia.

Dr. Getachew Tikubet, capable and charismatic BioVision

project coordinator in Addis Ababa, demonstrated the success

of direct exchange between farmers, practitioners and bene-

ficiaries in the BioVision projects using some impressive

examples.

In the second part of the event, a first-rate lineup of excellent

speakers highlighted the complex problems surrounding

world nutrition. Andrea Ries from the Swiss Agency for Deve-

lopment and Cooperation (SDC), Dr. Getachew Tikubet (Bio-

Economy Association BEA/BioVision), Prof. Peter Schaber

(Centre for Ethics, University of Zurich) and Dr. Hans Rudolf

Herren (President of BioVision), under the chairmanship of

Sphere of Information and Public Relations Switzerland

Project Infopool at a glanceProject number BV IS-01

Project Start 2001

Target groups People in the industrialised nations, with a special focus on Switzerland.

Project Goal Promotion of ecological thinking and action.

networks in the sphere of sustainable development. Supporting the raising of awareness and formation of opinion among the populations of industri-alised countries in relation to the situation of people in Africa – their cultures, ways of life and challenges they face.

people of the North for the disadvantaged populations of Africa.

nomic challenges and solutions in an African context – according to the principles of ecology, sustainability and promotion of self-help.

of ecological development.

Other BioVision Projects in the Sphere of Information and Public Relations Switzerland, 2008

1. BV IS-01 Infopool, Switzerland and International

2. BV IS-05 Stop DDT Campaign (Switzerland and International)

3. BV IS-06 Mission Movie Help for Self-Help (Switzerland and International)

Andreas Schriber (CEO of BioVision Foundation), dis-

cussed the role played by people in Switzerland as well

as participating partners and farmers in Africa.

In accordance with BioVision Foundation’s goal, Bio-

Vision promotes ecological thinking and action in both

Africa and in the developed countries in the North. Bio-

Vision fulfils this mandate in Africa through processing

and dissemination of information for the farming commu-

nity in practical courses and through the media e.g. the

farmers’ newspaper The Organic Farmer (TOF) and TOF

Radio.

In the North, information work and opinion forming is

taking place through presentations, press work, the inter-

net (trilingual website – German, French, English) and

regular publications such as the BioVision Newsletter and

campaign information. In this way the understanding and

empathy of people in Switzerland to problems and ecolo-

gical solutions in Africa is enhanced. At the same time

BioVision offers Africans an enduring platform on which

to present their own viewpoints, whether at events or

through various media.

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The most valuable exchange takes place when knowledge is shared directly from person to

person. Then passion is shared and the sparks of enthusiasm can fly – from North

to South, and back again!

Dr Getachew Tikubet, BioVision Project Coordinator and Director of BEA/IBE and CEO of YEHA Institute,

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

In its reports, BioVision places great value on authenticity and objectivity. We strive

to be a mouthpiece for Africans in the North, and to open a window to Africa

for people in the North.

Peter Lüthi, Head of Communications and Campaigns at BioVision Foundation,

Zurich, Switzerland

Direct exchange between users and resear-chers from Africa provides an important

impetus for the handling of global challenges in agriculture. BioVision

contributes to sustaining this dialogue, also with a Swiss audience.

Andrea Ries, Head of Global Program on Food Security, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC, Bern, Switzerland

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Financial report 2008

Operational costs in CHF

BioVision’s complement of donors has greatly increased in the last year and can count on a network of around 35,000 donors and members who contribute to BioVision’s projects on a regular basis. BioVision’s organisational capital consists of earmarked (CHF 920,000) and free (unallocated) reserves (CHF 834,860). Ear-marked reserves serve to provide for commitments in mid- and long-term projects. Free reserves are intentionally reserved for use in financially difficult times and to be able to fulfil the Foundation’s goal in the future. Thanks to our conservative guidelines for investment, both our earmarked and free reserves are secure.

2008 2007

INCOME Donations 2,325,808 1,919,754 Project related donations 1,325,747 945,878 Membership dues 429,291 331,165 Bequests 53,500 500 Total income 4,134,346 3,197,297Difference from previous year 29% 13%

EXPENSES Project expenses Information Dissemination -1,594,563 -1,271,655 Human Health -321,980 -298,450 Animal Health -34,634 -136,693 Plant Health -301,005 -329,409 Environmental Health -270,652 -376,022 Additional project expenses -46,332 -36,530

Total project expenses -2,569,165 -2,448,759Difference from previous year 5% 0%

Fundraising and Communication -438,257 -327,548

General Administration Personnel -179,820 -124,024 Other administrative expenses -44,100 -55,952 Total expenses -3,231,342 -2,956,283

OPERATING RESULT 903,004 241,014before financial and outstanding income, exchange differences, funds and capital adjustments Financial income 1,601 14,524 Exchange differences 13,229 -95,155 Withdrawal from funds 1,292,723 864,821 Allocation to funds -1,325,747 -945,878 Allocation of project related capital Information Dissemination 0 40,000 Human Health 0 -270,000 Animal Health 0 -50,000 Plant Health 0 -190,000 Environmental Health 0 -110,000 Eco-dissemination (Knowledge transfer) 0 290,000 Income generation 0 290,000 OPERATING RESULT 884,811 79,326after financial and outstanding income, exchange differences, funds and capital adjustments

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Financial statement in CHF

„ Despite the worsening economic situation at the end of last year, BioVision has experienced a considerable increase in

donations (up 29% from last year). We are immensely pleased that the donors and members of BioVision stand

by us even in financially difficult times.

Stephan Gisi, Head of Finance & Fundraising

2008 2007

ASSETSCirculating assets Liquid assets 1,682,515 629,877 Accounts receivable in goods and services 91,912 12,172 Accounts paid in advance 22,011 13,020 Outstanding donations 0 314,405 Noncurrent assets Securities (Raiffeisen Futura - Swiss Franc Bond) 288,372 278,992 Total assets 2,084,809 1,248,466 LIABILITIES Committed assets Debts from goods and services 126,389 194,689 Project account icipe, Kenya 0 29,149 Accounts received in advance 39,480 23,522 Earmarked funds Information Dissemination 93,332 0 Human Health 4,655 75,228 Plant Health 15,241 0 Environmental Health 853 5,828 Organisation capital Foundation capital 50,000 50,000 Accrued earmarked capital 920,000 920,000 Accrued free capital 834,860 -49,951 Total liabilities 2,084,809 1,248,466

Project expenses in CHF

16

Source of funds 2008 in CHFIndividual Donors 2,233,835

Members‘ Annual Pledges 429,291

Foundations and Companies 998,721

Government Agencies 472,500

Application of funds 2008 in CHF

Projects 2,569,165

Fundraising and Communication 438,257

General Administration 223,920

The complete, audited financial report is available on request from our head office.

BioVision has invested in five priority programmes: Information Dissemination and Human, Animal, Plant and Environmental Health. Expenditure for projects in each area has subsequently been reported separately.

2008 2007

Information Dissemination BV IS-01 Infopool 818,090 798,030 BV IS-02 TOF Farmer Magazine 175,457 160,592 BV IS-02.A TOF Radio 31,326 0 BV IS-03 Infonet 379,870 313,033 BV IS-04 Infonet – Awareness Creation 50,754 0 BV IS-05 DDT-Campaign 27,908 0 BV IS-06 Mission Movie 111,158 0 Human Health BV HH-01 Stop Malaria - Nyabondo 76,186 124,568 BV HH-02 Stop Malaria - Malindi 123,802 173,881 BV HH-03 Stop Malaria - Äthiopien 96,512 0 BV HH-04 IVM Malaria Model for T21 25,480 0 Animal Health BV AH-01 Tsetse Control Mwea 0 22,337 BV AH-02 Tsetse Rollback Ethiopia 13,923 66,367 BV AH-03 Tsetse Rollback Expansion 20,710 47,989 Plant Health BV PH-01 PushPull Strategies 138,465 119,534 BV PH-02 IPM Tomato East Africa 48,658 97,315 BV PH-03 FiBL System Comparison 33,336 74,021 BV PH-04 Sebeta Biofarm for the Blind 37,111 38,539 BV PH-05 PushPull Dissemination via TOF 43,435 0 Environmental Health BV EH-01 Mwea Income 0 14,421 BV EH-02 Cabesi 192,031 259,158 BV EH-03 Medicinal plant-based enterprises 65,961 84,944 BV EH-04 Mully Children Family 0 17,499 BV EH-05 Biodiversity Conservation Education 12,659 0

6.9 %13.6 %

79.5 %

54.0 %

24.2 %

11.4 %

10.4 %

17

The Kakamega forest is not only the sole remaining rainforest in Kenya, but also the last relic of the Guinea-Congo rainforest in East Africa.

Efficiency Report

Auditing Agency

ARGO Consilium AG, Stäfa (ZH), Switzerland

Business and Divisional Management

Operative management rests with CEO Andreas Schriber. The core team of the office is made up of

Peter Lüthi, divisional manager for communication and campaigns; finance and controlling manager

Stephan Gisi and program coordinator Verena Albertin.

Collaborators

BioVision employs 7 people in Switzerland, who work predominantly on a part-time basis. The small,

professional team of long standing internal and external collaborators guarantees a high level of dedi-

cation and excellent specialist competence in all areas. Members of the Board work pro bono and are

called to committees when required.

Voluntary Collaboration

Despite limited financial and personnel resources, BioVision deals with a comprehensive variety of

activities at home and abroad. This is only possible thanks to the superior voluntary commitment of

many participants at all levels. In the 2008 business year, the members of the Foundation Board, the

collaborators in the BioVision team, external experts and above all, many volunteers, contributed a

total of over 900 pro bono work hours.

Dr. Hans Rudolf HerrenFounding member,President of the Foundation

Dr. Barbara Frei HallerPharmacist and EthnobotanistMember of the Board

Prof. Em. Dr. Ruedi BaumgartnerPostgraduate Studies in Developing Countries, NADEL Federal Institute of Technology ZurichMember of the Board

Mathis ZimmermannAttorney Founding memberMember of the Board

Objectives of the FoundationBioVision is a non-profit, non-denominational and politically independent foundation for the conservation of the foun-

dations of life. Projects are supported in Switzerland and in developing areas of the developing world. Our goal is the

promotion of socio-economically and culturally appropriate sustainable use of natural resources, as well as the conserva-

tion of plant and animal diversity. BioVision renders support for self-help and promotes ecological thinking and action.

BioVision Foundation is subject to federal control and is recorded in the Commercial Registry. BioVision Foundation is

ZEWO certified and fulfils the conditions for non-profit, charitable organisations in Switzerland. In the United States of

America, BioVision Foundation qualifies as a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt charity. The statutes are available on the BioVision

website or alternatively can be procured from the head office.

Organisation Foundation Board

BioVision’s highest authority is the Foundation Board. It is made up of a maximum of 7 people – mem-

bers of the board supply their services on a pro bono basis. Hans Rudolf Herren, as the founder,

belongs to the Foundation Board for life. All other members are elected for a period of office lasting

three years; re-election is possible.

The Foundation Board carries the responsibility for BioVision’s operations. It is responsible for stra-

tegic direction, election of the CEO and supervision of the office headquarters. The Foundation Board

approves the annual budget and plan, as well as applications for funding.

18

Lean Organisational Structure

BioVision places great importance on the efficient use of its resources, and can count on much good-

will and support from business partners, goal-related organisations and private parties. For example,

Terra Verde AG has provided BioVision Head Office with the necessary infrastructure at cost price for

many years.

Project management and administration is predominantly carried out by the project leaders on site.

Responsibility for implementation of financial measures lies with the experts and beneficiaries in the

project areas. Participation of the local stakeholders also serves long-term, sustainable embedding of

the projects in local culture and in agricultural and socio-economic systems.

BioVision Foundation fulfils the high ZEWO-standards for non-profit organisations in Switzerland. In

its project management and monitoring, BioVision adheres to internationally accepted standards of

quality. Current information on individual projects is found on pages 4 to 13, and on the BioVision

website, www.biovision.ch

Project Management in Africa – Program Co-ordination in Switzerland

In the 2008 business year 19 projects were supported.

These were developed through a participatory process managed and implemented on location by local

experts. Project leaders remain in close contact with the program coordination division in the Bio-

Vision head office, which ensures professional supervision.

Collaboration according to need

Development cooperation requires partnerships with locally anchored organisations and institutions.

They form the foundation for efficient planning and execution of projects. The projects are developed

by on-site partner organisations who then are invited to submit an application for financing to the

BioVision office in Zurich. The project committee consists of a member of the Foundation Board, the

program coordinator, and the BioVision CEO. The committee examines the proposals and makes a pre-

selection on the basis of clearly defined criteria. The BioVision Foundation Board makes the final

decision on any applications for support.

Realising impact through partnership

Long-standing targeted development processes build upon the dedication of local agents and the long-

term goal of self-supporting financing. In East Africa and in Switzerland there are well-known and

interested institutions which share the vision of a healthy and united world. Such institutions have

social networks, reliable representatives and structures at their disposal, as well as access to and expe-

rience with the rural population. In order to achieve sustainability in its projects, BioVision works

through extensive networks with various partners in East Africa and Switzerland.

Partnership

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icipe – African Insect Science for Food and HealthThis international institute for applied insect research, with headquarters in Kenya, is active in many African countries and is linked to 28 African universities.

SDC – Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operationSDC is one of icipe’s most important investors and co-finances with BioVision, a project investigating organic farming in the tropics. In past years, SDC has significantly co-financed many of BioVision’s projects implemented in East Africa.

BEA – BioEconomy Association EthiopiaThe local organisation BEA is engaged in capacity building activities by providing bio intensive agricultural training to farmers all over Ethiopia. Thus animal health is bound up with organic plant protection and the conservation of natural resources.

FiBL – Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, SwitzerlandA research partnership exists with FiBL, Research Institute for Organic Agriculture, with the aim of researching and promoting organic farming in developing regions.

Helvetas – Swiss Association for international Co-operation Helvetas is one of BEA’s most important donors and is supporting a collective initiative for rural development in Ethiopia.

Avallain AG – Organisation for innovative E-learning for better access to educationAvallain is specialised in transfering knowledge to different target audiences and project partner for the information-platform for farmers (www.infonet-biovision.org).

KARI – Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteProject partner in the dissemination of ecologically sound technologies for small-scale farmers in Kenya.

A good combination of theoretical knowledge on improving health and biofarm-ing, practical training in relevant biofarming methods and marketing is needed to change the lives of disadvantaged farmers in a sustainable way. With the support of the BioVision Foundation, the BioEconomy Association provided training pack-ages to selected farmers and aided them in establishing a new model biofarm for integrated training and learning. Our maxim is: „Changing challenges to oppor-tunities using simple and innovative means.”

Dr. Selamawit Aseffa, Executive Director BioEconomy Association, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

What Africa’s small scale farmers urgently need is reliable, locally adapted and applicable information and training in sustainable agriculture. KARI and BioVision have joined forces in order to propel the dissemination in the field of ecologically sound methods – and what we experience is, that the farmers are most receptive to such methods.

Dr. Joseph Mureithi, Deputy Director KARI, Kenya Agriculture Research Institute; Member of the Advisory Board of TOF The Organic Farmer, Nairobi, Kenya

Applied insect research is indispensible in developing ecological solutions to pest and disease problems. Here icipe assumes a leading role on the African continent. In BioVision we have found an ideal partner, with whom these solutions can be brought to those affected.

Prof. Christian Borgemeister, Director General, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya

BioVision – Partnerships for Ecological Development

20

ThanksThe work of the BioVision Foundation is supported by a growing number of private donors and members, without whose donations the projects of BioVision would not be possible. The projects were also supported by the following institutions with considerable financial contributions:

Bio Partner Switzerland AG

Develop Design

Evang.-ref. Church of Bülach

Evang.-ref. Church of Luzern

FAWCO – The Fed. of American Women’s Clubs Overseas

Foundation Alice & Karl Schenkel-Wagner

Foundation Yoni

Hilton Foundation

Hippocrate Foundation

Hug Verlag AG

Karl Mayer Foundation

Development Service of Liechtenstein

Salvia Foundation

Sotronik GmbH

Foundation Barbara Christiane Koch

Foundation Corymbo

Foundation Third Millennium

Foundation Fons Margarita

North-South Foundation

Foundation Temperatio

Terra Verde AG

The Hurst Foundation

The Usitawi Network

The Usitawi Network Club Zürich

Thurkraftwerk AG

Victorinox AG

Vontobel-Foundation

Organisations which collaborate with BioVision in projects and networks Bridgeworks Business into a Better World Coop Fund for Sustainability DLCO-EA Desert Locust Control Organisation East Africa Eawag Department of Water and Sanitation in Developing Countries eduvision eLearning – Development Powered by Education Infosud Press Agency for International Cooperation and Development Policy KEMRI Kenya Medical Research Institute KEMRI KIOF Kenya Institute for Organic Farming KU Kenyatta University KWS Kenya Wildlife Service MI Millennium Institute Praxis Ethiopia Interest Group of International Researchers SHL Swiss Agricultural College STI Swiss Tropical Institute TFCG Tanzania Forest Conservation Group TSBF Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute UNDP United Nations Development Programme VSF Vétérinaires Sans Frontières

Various alliances

In 2002, the World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) initiated a global consultative process to determine whether an interna-tional assessment of agricultural knowledge, science and technology (AKST) was needed. An Intergovernmental Plenary meeting in September 2004 agreed that an international assessment of the role of agricultural knowl-edge, science and technology in reducing hunger and poverty, improving rural livelihoods and facilitating environmentally, socially and economically sustainable development was needed in the form of an International Assess-ment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD). The IAASTD, which included governments, the private sector and civil society, was cosponsored by major UN Agencies and OECD coun-tries. In April 2008, the final Reports were endorsed by 59 countries. The IAASTD concluded that in order to deal with the complex food security challenges ahead, there is a need to radically change course and move to-wards an agriculture in harmony with the ecosystem.

* Footnote from p. 1:

Help for self-help!

BioVision FoundationSchaffhauserstrasse 188006 Zurich / SwitzerlandPhone +41 (0)44 341 97 18Telefax +41 (0)44 341 97 62info@biovision.chwww.biovision.ch

Donation account PC 87-193093-4

BIOVISION

BioVision has an impressive record of enabling disadvantaged people to learn new skills and techniques allowing them to improve their livelihoods, whilst at the same time respecting the environment.

Simone Niggli BioVision AmbassadorSimone Niggli is a 14-time orienteering world champion, 3-time Swiss Sportswoman of the Year winner and holds an MSc in Biology.

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