What needs to change for agricultural research and extension systems to be more effective agents of development?

Parallel sessions addressed systematic/strategic reform needs, action plan and framework components generated from the 2009 GCARD consultations. Discussion of key strategic needs across systems included: Better Benefiting the Poor through Private Sector Innovation and Actions Managing Risks to Farmers in a Time of Change Knowledge, information and advice in agri-foods systems Thinking Forward: Better Predicting and Addressing Future Needs [...]

Better Benefiting the Poor through Private Sector Innovation and Actions

Organized by the Farming First Coalition and chaired by Lindiwe Sibanda of FARNPAN and Joyce Cacho of Novus Int., the session covered a myriad of issues and perspectives, including: clarity in identifying and addressing the problem; careful choice of partners; explanation on how and when the poor will benefit; the importance of indicators; simplicity of [...]

Managing Risks to Farmers in a Time of Change

The session focused on the challenges of climate change, uncertain markets and price volatility, and competition for land and water for other uses than food production. Participants called for risk management plans and adaptation tools for small-holder farmers. “We face price volatility that is perhaps more severe now than ever,” said Jack Wilkinson, Vice Chairman [...]

Capacity Development

A parallel session on capacity development took a hard look at research investment trends and returns in order to identify the challenges in capacity building in agriculture for the future. Dr. Nienke Beintema of ASTIA said that different countries have different financial and human capacities in public agricultural R&D. Additional investments are urgently needed for [...]

Role of the Fast-Growing Economies as New Partners

The immense potential of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) to provide aid, guidance, and support to the developing world has not yet been reached, according to the Global Author Report (GAT) and discussed by participants at this session.   “I’m very happy that the emerging economies are taking AR4D into consideration,” said [...]

Addressing Gender for Inclusive Development

Gender is a hot button issue at GCARD and the session on gender for inclusive development was no exception – a lively mix of videos, panel discussions and interactive nodes to map out practical ways to promote gender equality in agricultural research for development. “Wherever there are women, there is more enthusiasm and excitement,” said [...]

Improving Partnerships

Ajay Vashee of IFAP opened the partnerships session, stating that, “you cannot improve what you do not believe in and you cannot improve what you do not measure.” For Dr. Gebisa Ejeta, partnerships start with a “sense of humility and commitment.” He added, “the best way to manage partnerships is to put a big chunk [...]