Explore our Approach

HOLISTIC PROJECT EVALUATION

Edhen applies an integrated approach to the evaluation and development process. This is especially valuable when ecological, social and economic dimensions need to be considered together. This approach is relevant across different sectors. Edhen has successfully applied it in agriculture, education, social initiatives and health-related projects. With various applications and benefits:

• Depending on your particular needs, we deliver internal evaluations for your organisation or independent external evaluations.
• We assess what has worked, what has not and why. These insights help clients develop their own context-specific strategies and solutions.
• Depending on the scope of the assignment, holistic evaluations are also the first step in our consulting process.

HOLISTIC FARM EVALUATION

In agricultural projects, we apply suitable evaluation tools, such as RISE (Response-Inducing Sustainability Evaluation). The method was developed at the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH-HAFL).  

RISE analyses the agro-ecological, economic and social sustainability of farms, using 48 indicators. The results are discussed with each farmer, and improvement measures are agreed together. To support farmers in developing the full potential of their farms, towards farming systems that are both regenerative and profitable.  

Edhen consultants have used RISE in various European and African countries, for both consultancy and education. In collaboration with the excellent RISE team at HAFL. More information on the RISE website.

SCIENCE-BASED PERMACULTURE

Permaculture provides a holistic framework for our regenerative development & design. Its principles extend beyond agriculture and can guide organisations, businesses and projects in developing more regenerative systems.

We combine permaculture principles with scientific evidence and practical local experience. Our whole-system approach considers the natural and built environment, water, energy, available resources and human activities.

By understanding how the elements of a system interact, we help develop integrated solutions adapted to local conditions and needs.

AGROFORESTRY

We support your agroforestry projects, from the first idea to lasting results.

Agroforestry is Edhen's main area of agricultural expertise. We support the co-development of locally adapted systems that integrate trees with crops and, where suitable, livestock.

Agroforestry systems can improve farm productivity, profitability, soil health, biodiversity, carbon storage and climate resilience. They combine ecological regeneration with productive and economically viable land use. This makes agroforestry key to addressing today's agricultural and climate challenges.

Edhen has broad experience in supporting agroforestry in European and African countries, from contributing to its development in Switzerland to projects in East-Africa.

We would be happy to also support your agroforestry projects. For the local implementation and long-term monitoring, we work with local agroforestry experts. For example, in East Africa, we collaborate with the design leads of ForestFoods, who developed syntropic agroforestry model farms in Kenya (see photo).