Build a Farmer Research Network
This solution addresses An agricultural R&D system dominated by a centralized, transfer-of-technology approach in West, Eastern + Southern Africa, Andes for smallholder farmers, researchers and development practitioners
Problem Description
FRNs aim to support of smallholder agriculture by engagin farmers and other stakeholders in research on agroecology. This is intended to increase the collective capacity of the R+D system to gather, share and interpret observational and experimental data, and thus to build the evidence base for agro-ecological intensification (AEI). In addition it is expected that FRNs will increase the agency and capabilities of rural communities to engage in research and innovation processes, with spillover benefits for improved agency in general.Building Blocks
- Gender responsive research approaches in Niger
- Stakeholder analysis for network building
- Collaborations between farmer organizatons, smallholder farmers, researchers and others
- Typologies for Ensuring Farmer Inclusion
- Qualitative research methods
- FRN principles
- FRN concepts
- Developmental Evaluation
- Social Network Analysis (SNA)
- Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation
- A farmer-to-farmer teaching model
- People-Led Development
- Valuing and protecting local knowledge
- Network building
- FRN woven around a farmer federation
Story
For smallholder farmers, the FRN approach is expected to contribute to improved agroecological performance, more sustainable livelihoods, and enhanced agency. It is also expected to support farmer groups and organizations, NGOs, government bodies and researchers in collaborating in rigorous, pertinent research in a broad range of contexts, which provide large networked datasets combining local farmer knowledge and global academic knowledge. And it is expected to contribute to stronger, more vibrant rural organizations, as institutional capacity is strengthened and farmer organizations are engaged in genuine collaborative research.
Sustainable Development Goals
On September 25th 2015, countries adopted a set of goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda. Each goal has specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years. This solution covers the following goals:
Photos
Organisations Involved
Contributed By
- Frank Tchuwa
- Ric Coe, SSD
- Bettina Haussmann, Univ. Hohenheim, Stuttgart
- Eva Weltzien, Seeds and Diversity
- Beth Medvecky, Cornell
- Maria Yumbla, Andes COP
- Daniel Nyambok, Agriculture Improvement Support Services (AGRISS)
- Kate Wellard
- Claire Nicklin
- Rebecca Nelson, McKnight CCRP; Cornell University
Solution Stage
One of the 7 stages of an innovation. Learn more
| STAGE | SPECIALIST SKILLS REQUIRED | EXAMPLE ACTIVITIES | RISK LEVEL AND HANDLING | FINANCE REQUIRED | KINDS OF EVIDENCE GENERATED | GOAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Making the case4 | Business development and evaluation |
|
MEDIUM |
MEDIUM | A stronger case with cost and benefit projections developed through practical trials and experiments, involving potential users | Clarity about what warrants implementation and funding |
Submitted By
Mary Richardson
Key Details
Sustainable Development Goals