GPFS Innovation Platforms
Since an improved participation of all agricultural stakeholders in research, innovation and development discussions is crucial for finding solutions to feed 9 Billion people by 2050, SDC supports networks which emphasize dynamic relationships between a broad range of social actors (e.g. farmers, scientists, private sector, civil society etc.) to facilitate exchange of information and experience among agricultural stakeholders.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Global Global |
Agriculture & food security
Agricultural development
Agricultural research Agricultural policy |
01.02.2018
- 31.12.2021 |
CHF 1'375'000
|
- Networks have a stronger brokering role in agricultural innovation systems for development
- Actively engaged regional and thematic networks that influence national, regional and international discussion of agricultural development for the benefit of smallholder farmers
- Stronger involvement and brokering role of relevant Swiss actors in agricultural innovation systems and advocacy.
- Bern University of Applied Sciences
- Centre for Agricultural Bioscience International
- Food and Agricultural Organisation
- Other Swiss academic and research institutions
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURE
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Agricultural development
Agricultural research
Agricultural development
Agricultural research
Agricultural policy and administrative management
Cross-cutting topics The project also supports partner organisation improvements
Aid Type Core contribution
Technical assistance inclusive experts
Project number 7F09910
| Background | Over the past decades, progress in science, technology and innovation (STI) has led to improvements in living standards with the role of STI in fostering economic growth and sustainable development becoming increasingly evident. Most developing countries, however, have neither the research capacity to develop new technologies and adequate STI systems, nor access to international networks to support the effective acquisition and adaptation of technologies. Agricultural research investment levels in most low- and middle-income countries still very low. In this context, access to multi-stakeholder networks and their inter-connectivity will become more important in future. This is likely to be accelerated by the massive use of increasingly effective communication techniques. |
| Objectives | The overall goal of supporting knowledge and innovations networks is ‘’to facilitate information, knowledge and experience exchange among stakeholders to find future oriented, innovative and thus sustainable solutions for small holders agricultural development and poverty alleviation.’’ |
| Target groups | Networks and institutions active in knowledge and innovation for agricultural development and young professional who want to develop their competences in that field. Smallholder farmers and agricultural innovators are the final beneficiaries and actors. |
| Medium-term outcomes |
|
| Results |
Expected results: Common positions on strategically important debate such as seeds (access to, farmer seed systems, GMOs, gene editing, biodiversity), nutrition (access to), urban - rural linkages (markets, peri-urban agriculture, services, insurances), ecological agriculture, resilience and social networks. Collaboration between networks and other stakeholders enhanced. Results from previous phases: YPARD has grown to an informal network of more than 14’000 young agronomists. |
| Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
| Credit area |
Development cooperation |
| Project partners |
Contract partner Other International Organization Swiss Academic and Research Institution United Nations Organization (UNO) Other partners YPARD (young professional for agriculture development) CABI (Centre for Agricultural Bioscience International) SFIAR (Swiss Forum for international agriculture research) |
| Coordination with other projects and actors |
CGIAR (Consortium of International Agricultural research centers), GFRAS (Global Forum on Rural Advisory Services), ICIPE (International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology) Syngenta Foundation, FOAG (Federal Office of Agriculture), DFID, NL, IFAD, FAO |
| Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 1'375'000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 1'205'354 Budget of the organisation CHF 1'375'000 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF 0 Budget inclusive project partner CHF 2'600'000 |