From 27 October to 7 November 2005, Tim Hart and Chris Opondo were in Rome, Italy, at the 18th International Farming Systems Association (IFSA) Symposium on “Farming Systems and Poverty: Making a Difference – Global Learning Opportunity” (or “GLO” for short) to present papers on African farmers’ innovations and explore possibilities for collaboration in development-oriented research in Africa. Tim is from the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and a member of the Core Team of Prolinnova– South Africa. Chris Opondo, from the African Highlands Initiative (AHI), is an associate of Prolinnova -Uganda. Both received partial funding for their participation through the international Prolinnova programme; they raised further funds through IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development) and the Kirkland Trust Fund Scotland.
Tim presented two papers: “Supporting farmer innovations: bridging the gap between scientific theory and the diverse farming practices of smallholders”, by Willem Stoop and Tim Hart; and “Across the divide: the impact of farmer-to-farmer linkages in the absence of extension services” (MS Word file: size : 52 KB), by Tim Hart and Roberta Burgess. Chris presented a paper on: “From reductionism to farmer innovation systems: implications for multi-stakeholder collaboration and learning in Uganda” (MS Word file: size : 107 KB), by Chris Opondo, Joshua Zake, Ann Stroud, Joseph Tanui, Ronald Lutalo [ Prolinnova- Uganda coordinator] and Rogers Kanzikwera. More information about the GLO can be found in the joint report (MS Word file: : size : 266 KB) by Tim and Chris. A post-GLO CD including all papers submitted and accepted for the GLO is being prepared by the organisers. The proceedings will be posted on the IFSA website.
