The seminar introduces the objectives and activities of the EC-funded CDAIS project, which is jointly implemented by FAO and AGRINATURA.

AGRINATURA is an alliance formed by 31 European universities and research organisations working in agricultural research, education, training and capacity strengthening for development. Their work focuses on initiatives that open up new opportunities for farmers to enhance food security and improve the agro-food sector in general, whilst reducing the negative impact of agricultural activities on the environment. The alliance provides access to major research institutions and universities in Europe and other regions, and is able to nurture scientific excellence through training and exchanges and further sustainable development in agriculture through joint research and education programmes and projects.

AGRINATURA is working with FAO to strengthen comprehensive capacities to accelerate agricultural innovation processes and partnerships between Universities and Research Centres throughout Europe and developing countries.

Specifically, AGRINATURA is working with FAO to: • Build capacities for strengthening National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in developing countries. • Influence research agenda to include gender-sensitive, small-holder oriented research priorities. • Provide access to knowledge, best practices, information to and the research community and smallholders, in particular on family farming aspects.