The three main volumes (Synthesis Document, Conceptual Background, and Guidance Note on Operationalization) of the TAP Common Framework on Capacity Development (CD) for Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS) have been recently published by CABI, the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International. The Common Framework, developed under the Tropical Agriculture Platform, is intended to advance agricultural innovation in tropical countries. More specifically, the Framework aims at promoting better coherence and greater impact of CD in support of AIS. 

The Conceptual Background and the Guidance Note on Operationalization provide concepts, principles, definitions, approaches and tools to better understand the AIS architecture, assess CD needs, and plan, implement, and evaluate CD interventions. The Synthesis Document summarizes the content of the Conceptual Background. 

The Common Framework was developed in 2015 through a highly participatory process, incorporating inputs from a wide range of experts chosen from donors, research, extension and education institutions as well as international organizations involved in the field of agricultural innovation. 

After being approved by TAP partners in January 2016, the Framework is now applied in eight pilot countries (Angola, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, Laos and Rwanda) through the EU-funded project on Capacity Development for Agricultural Innovation Systems (CDAIS).