About Dr Ken Giller:

Ken Giller is Professor of Plant Production Systems at Wageningen University. His research focuses on smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa, and in particular problems of soil fertility with emphasis on the temporal and spatial dynamics of resources within crop/livestock farming systems. He leads a number of initiatives such as N2Africa – Putting Nitrogen Fixation to Work for Smallholder Farmers in Africa. He is co-chair of the Thematic Network 7 on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) of the United Nations and a member of the Unilever Sustainable Sourcing Advisory Board. Ken joined Wageningen University in 2001 after holding professorships at Wye College, University of London, and the University of Zimbabwe.

ABSTRACT – The Framing of Farming: Regenerative Agriculture

Agriculture is in crisis. Soil health is collapsing. Biodiversity faces the sixth mass extinction. Crop yields are plateauing. Against this crisis narrative swells a clarion call for Regenerative Agriculture. Regenerative Agriculture is being promoted strongly by civil society and NGOs as well as by many of the major multi-national food companies. But what is Regenerative Agriculture, and why is it gaining such prominence? Which problems does it solve, and how? In this seminar Ken will address these issues and open a discussion as to whether Regenerative Agriculture represents a re-framing of what have been considered to be two contrasting approaches to agricultural futures, namely agroecology and sustainable intensification, under the same banner. Join us to discuss whether this is more likely to confuse than to clarify the public debate and how best we can contribute to reshaping our food systems in future.