The approach of Prolinnova partners to agricultural research and development (ARD) and experiences in investing directly in farmer experimentation and innovation were presented at the second Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD2), held in Punta del Este, Uruguay, 29 October to 1 November 2012. GCARD2 was hosted by the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR) and focused on ways to implement the GCARD roadmap, with emphasis on foresight, partnership and capacity building for innovation and impact on smallholder livelihoods.
A presentation on Prolinnova experiences with Local Innovation Support Funds (LISFs), entitled “Direct investment in farmer-led research”, was made in the session on Public-Private-Civil Mechanisms for New Investments. As a panellist in another session on Innovations for Better Livelihoods, Ann Waters-Bayer from the Prolinnova International Support Team also spoke about the Prolinnova approach to agricultural research for development. Two partners from Prolinnova Country Platforms – Sonali Bisht from India and Chris Macoloo from Kenya – likewise took active part in GCARD2. During the final plenary session, Sonali made a presentation on behalf of NGOs about “Implementing the GCARD Roadmap: Collective Actions by 2014”. As of November 2012 until the end of the current review of GFAR governance, Sonali holds the NGO seat in the GFAR Programme Committee and Steering Committee.
In the GFAR blog, the Prolinnova-affiliated project INSARD (Including Smallholders in Agricultural Research for Development) shared a comment on the role of smallholders in foresight for ARD: Involving smallholders in ARD: mind the gaps!
