Research and Extension

Research and extension systems play a crucial role in agricultural and rural development. Moreover, they are central to realizing the potential of agricultural innovation.

In developing countries, innovation can address most of the challenges facing agriculture and natural resources management. Many developing countries do not have the means to introduce innovative methodologies into their agricultural practices. More specifically, the activities of agricultural research institutions are often affected by scarce investments and poor financial management, as well as limitations in technology transfer strategies.

FAO aims to address this gap by contributing towards the transformation of the agricultural innovation systems (AIS) of its Member Countries. AIS involve the individuals, organizations and enterprises that bring new products, processes and forms of organization into use to achieve food security, economic development and sustainable natural resource management.

FAO works to develop an enabling environment and to enhance national agriculture research institutions and rural extension services by offering policy advice and technical assistance to Member Countries, by promoting studies, policy dialogue, networks and partnerships at all levels, and by supporting capacity development for rural knowledge institutions. FAO focuses on bolstering inclusive AIS to address the needs of small producers to fully realize the potential of agricultural innovation in family farming. 

To achieve this goal, FAO has adopted a systemic approach encompassing five major areas of work:

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

FAO supports the strengthening of capacities in FAO Member Countries using the AIS concept to shape their institutions and their policies. This includes the AIS, its sub-systems at all levels and the respective institutions  from farmer organizations, advisory systems and services, research institutions, private enterprises using the FAO capacity development framework and emphasizing stakeholder ownership and participatory processes. FAO is also a coordinator of the activities of the Tropical Agricultural Platform (TAP),  a multilateral dynamic facilitation mechanism, which promotes improved coherence and greater impact of Capacity Development (CD) for AIS in tropical countries. To advance its mission, TAP has developed a Common Framework on CD for AIS. The three main products of the Framework are the Conceptual Background, the Guidance Note on Operationalization and the Synthesis Document.   

TOOLS

Through the development of tools and methodologies, FAO promotes networking, knowledge sharing and interaction of multiple actors in AIS and its sub-systems. FAO supports member states in applying Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), such as TECA and VERCON, to enhance stakeholder dialogue and information accessibility.

BIOTECHNOLOGIES

FAO assists its Member Countries to develop their capacities in agricultural biotechnologies and related issues through technical cooperation and training and provides advice to them on the development of national biotechnology strategies and biosafety frameworks. 

PARTNERSHIPS

FAO also promotes agricultural R&D through partnerships with a wide number of other international partners, including including the Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation (GFAR), the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) the  Independent Science for Development Council (ISDC), and the CGIAR Standing Panel on Impact Assessment (SPIA), each of which has a Secretariat hosted by FAO in Rome. FAO was also a founding member of the Global Forum of Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS).

POLICIES AND STRATEGIES

FAO advocates for inclusive agriculture innovation for its Member Countries, focusing on smallholder farmers and their organizations, through the provision of policy advice, including support on investment requirements, to help develop the programmes, strategies and approaches needed for new initatives. FAO also prepares policy studies such as the flagship publication on “Innovation in Family Farming” which was launched on 16 October 2014 as part of its State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) series.