Robert Bunch

Robert Bunch (born August 13, 1938) is an American agronomist and author, best known for his work promoting green manure/cover crops and sustainable agriculture practices among smallholder farmers, particularly in Latin America. His innovative approach emphasizes farmer-led experimentation and adaptation, empowering communities to develop solutions tailored to their specific environmental and economic circumstances.

Bunch holds a PhD in International Agronomy from Cornell University. After completing his doctorate, he spent several years working in Latin America, initially with World Neighbors. His experiences led him to develop a strong critique of top-down, technology-driven agricultural extension models, arguing instead for approaches that prioritize local knowledge and farmer empowerment.

Bunch's core philosophy revolves around the idea that farmers are the best innovators for their own land. He advocates for providing farmers with a basket of options, such as different varieties of cover crops, and then allowing them to experiment and adapt those options to their specific needs. He is a strong proponent of using locally available resources and low-cost technologies to improve soil health and increase crop yields.

His most influential book, Two Ears of Corn: A Guide to People-Centered Agricultural Improvement, has been widely translated and used as a manual for agricultural development workers around the world. He has also authored several other publications focused on sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment.

Bunch's work has been recognized for its practical impact and its emphasis on participatory development. He is considered a pioneer in the field of farmer-led agricultural innovation.