Global, with regional innovation scaling hubs and innovation policy labs located in Senegal, Kenya and Zimbabwe
Mission-oriented agrifood innovation systems for sustainability transition through agroecology (MAINSTREAM)
MAINSTREAM is part of the EU-funded DeSIRA+ initiative and operates under the umbrella of the EU Global Gateway strategy. It brings together global partners from research and innovation communities to unlock the large-scale deployment of successful community-driven innovations that contribute to resilient, inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems, focusing on often neglected agricultural research and innovation infrastructure.
Through Innovation Policy Labs (IPLs), transformative operational models, pilots and innovation roadmaps, the project engages governments, farmers, researchers and communities to co-create solutions and overcome barriers such as fragmented capacities, limited financing and outdated diffusion models. At regional level, innovation scaling hubs located in Senegal, Kenya and Zimbabwe connect innovation support service providers across countries, to link promising local innovation niches with regional policies and finance, while promoting open and responsible social innovation. The regional hubs offer scaling support to strategic innovation portfolios through mentoring, training and matchmaking services.
Drawing on FAO-led mechanisms and global platforms, including TAPipedia, and through the establishment of Thematic Think Labs, MAINSTREAM advances knowledge on mission-oriented and innovation support approaches.
MAINSTREAM leverages FAO's expertise in Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS) approach and its proven experience in supporting countries to strengthen their innovation capacities, notably through the Capacity Development for Agricultural Innovation Systems (CDAIS) and TAP-AIS projects. In line with the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–31 and the Science and Innovation Strategy, FAO supports research-for-development, strengthens national AIS, and helps countries design evidence-based strategies and policies for innovation. Through its Office of Innovation, FAO adds value by providing foresight, horizon scanning, and innovation-scaling expertise, ensuring the project is informed by global knowledge and geared toward impactful, scalable outcomes.
FAO also contributes to the success of the project through its global leadership on agrifood systems transformation and its innovative approaches, grounded in the 10 Elements of Agroecology and CFS recommendations, ensuring that outcomes of the project are demand-driven, aligned with national priorities and generate long-lasting impacts.
Further reading
Innovation at FAO
Discover FAO’s approach to innovation across agrifood systems
Policies and Capacities for Innovation
Learn more about the area of FAO's work under which MAINSTREAM is implemented