From 23 to 25 March 2022, the Research and Extension Unit of FAO, together with AFAAS, ASARECA, CCARDESA, CORAF and FARA (so-called CAADP XP4 Organizations) have conducted a Training of Trainers (ToT) on Integrating TAP common framework into African research and extension organizations in Africa within the framework of the TAP-AIS project, an EU-funded project that aims to strengthen Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS).

FAO’s TAP-AIS project is committed to provide technical support to the African partners to strengthen their capacity to scale this mission in the continent.

The Training of Trainers focused on introducing and contextualizing AIS concepts, TAP Common Framework for functional capacity development and its approaches and tools, using interactive approaches. About 30 participants - regional experts representing research, extension advisory, education, and non-governmental organizations joined the training from several countries in Africa. Almost 40% percent of the participants were women.

The trainers and facilitators from FAO, APAARI, CRISP, RELASER and FFAR actively developed a shared understanding of AIS and provided a mutual space for sharing and learning from their own experiences by engaging participants through interactive presentations, case studies and group activities. Three days of active exchange and learning created a sense of community among participants, resulting establishment of Community of Practices. With the shared objective and interest to support innovation in their countries, the participants left the training with a plan to promote functional capacity development through their own work at various national institutes.

Following this Training, CAADP XP4 organizations will finalize their Action Plans - initiated during the ToT- on how to apply the learning from the Training and next steps to integrate the TAP Common Framework within their institutions.  FAO’s TAP-AIS project is committed to provide technical support to the African partners to strengthen their capacity to scale this mission in the continent.