Enhancing linkages between extension, research and producers through innovations

FAO

Enhancing linkages between extension, research and producers through innovations

Year of publication 2020

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 4p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet

Edition 1

Full item page

Synopsis (short abstract) Closing agricultural production gaps between smallholder producers’ actuals and the potential created by scientific research results and advancements is a vital if we are to address global challenges such as food insecurity, environmental degradation and climate changes. The gap is particularly large in developing countries where smallholder farming dominates the agricultural sectors. One of the many factors and constraints is the fact that researchers in universities and research institutions have no incentive or motivation to serve rural producers. This is due either to the systematic separation of research, extension and actual farming systems in most developing countries, or a lack of awareness about the importance of integrating these fields. The linkages must therefore be strengthened by innovative approaches that enable smallholders to achieve economic, environmental and social gains sustainably from agricultural science and technology research advancements.To achieve greater coherency and complementarity of mission, goals and activities should promote regular and constructive exchange and collaboration between research, extension and producers.

Language English

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

Book (stand-alone)

An innovation in agricultural science and technology extension system
Case study on science and technology backyard
2021

Also available in:

No results found.

Food production worldwide is primarily carried out by smallholder farmers. Closing the gap between actual smallholder yield and those achievable through scientific research is vital to increasing the food availability and efficient use of inputs and natural resources. Multiple factors and constraints contribute to these production gaps, including uncoordinated linkages between education, research and extension. These linkages are often supply-driven and top-down, and unable to respond to the diversity of location-specific, locally-adaptive and multiple knowledge demands – as smallholders are a diverse group in terms of incomes, knowledge, perceptions and farming practices. In 2005, China Agricultural University (CAU) launched a pilot agricultural development project in partnership with Quzhou County in Hebei Province of China to work together to develop high-yielding technologies. In 2009, CAU professors and postgraduate students moved their research programs from the experimental station to the village, and rented a backyard, where they lived, worked and studied high-yielding technologies and responses from the farmers. Gradually, their backyard work attracted more farmers and encouraged their participation. The backyard thus became a science and technology dissemination platform in the local community. From then on, farmers, scientists and students referred to the project as the Science and Technology Backyard (STB). This publication was prepared as a case study report on the Science and Technology Backyard (STB).
Book (stand-alone)

Comprehensive assessment of national agricultural research and extension systems with a special focus on institutional linkages between various actors in Liberia
Analysis and guidelines - Liberia case study
2022

Also available in:

No results found.

As part of the efforts of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to support and strengthen NARS’ research impacts and their links to extension service systems, the present assessment was conducted in Liberia to establish deeper insight into these challenges and opportunities. The results presented in this comprehensive report can be used to support the development and adoption of guidelines for use by the NARS. The present study was undertaken to assess the implementation of AR4D in Liberia and the key actors involved to better understand the performance and the intuitional linkages amongst them and other relevant institutions to help identify potentials for fulfilling the agricultural research for development needs of the country with the over-arching goal of supporting small-scale farmers.
Document
Side event of the FAO Science and Innovation Forum – Strengthening agricultural Research-Extension- Farmers Linkages: project experience in Liberia
13/okt/22
2022

Also available in:

Bilingual

The weak collaboration and institutional linkages among agricultural extension, research and farmers in Liberia are a major constraint for sustainable agricultural production intensification, food systems transformation, and innovation. An EC-funded project, implemented by FAO is strengthening those linkages by applying key innovations at policy, institutional and field levels. Collaborative mechanisms among pluralistic extension actors enhanced the efficiency of the service provision. The project's holistic and innovative approach was embedded in a solid capacity development effort. The side event will present the project's good practices and innovations and offer a strategic discussion about the sustainable transformation pathway of research and extension in Liberia to meet the SDG targets.