Agricultural research and extension systems are central to unlock the potential of agricultural innovation and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Agricultural research, extension and advisory services are essential to increase productivity and promote sustainable agricultural growth while alleviating poverty.
FAO supports Member Countries by providing policy advice and technical assistance, sharing knowledge and developing institutional and technical capacities so that they can transform their agricultural research systems and extension and advisory services, unlocking the full potential of agricultural innovation.
Knowledge management
FAO supports capacity development that promotes sustainable rural growth and agricultural innovation through the provision of comprehensive knowledge and information about readily available technologies for smallholder farmers
Partnerships
By partnering with international agricultural research and extension consortia and fora such as CGIAR, GFRAS and GFAR, FAO advances research governances and priorities to promote agricultural innovation and supports pluralistic, demand-led and market-oriented extension and advisory systems
Advocacy, assessments and policy advice
FAO develops Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS) assessments and raises awareness about the benefits of adopting an AIS approach to agricultural innovation. In addition, FAO provides policy advice through targeted studies and supports policy development through initiatives such as the Tropical Agricultural Platform (TAP)
Capacity Development and technical advice
FAO strengthens national capacities for agricultural innovation through appropriate research and extension policies, strategies and technical support, including initiatives such as the Capacity Development for Agricultural Innovation Systems (CDAIS) and other Technical Cooperation Programmes (TCP)
