Strengthening farmer-research partnerships
Description
Smallholder farmers play a vital role in global food security, preserving agricultural biodiversity essential for resilient and sustainable food systems. However, they face increasing challenges due to climate change, environmental shifts, and socio-economic pressures.
Our initiative is dedicated to ensuring farmers have access to diverse, high-quality, and locally adapted crop varieties, strengthening their ability to sustain livelihoods and enhance food security.
We foster farmer-research partnership to co-develop crop diversity solutions that meet the needs of smallholder farmers. By bridging traditional knowledge with scientific research, we aim to create sustainable and scalable agricultural innovations.
In 2021, a global dialogue –Bringing Farmers to the Table– brought together researchers, policymakers, and farmers to explore inclusive agricultural research models. Led by Oxfam Novib, CIRAD, and the CCRP, and supported by key partners in Uganda, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Senegal, this initiative is shaping a new approach to agricultural development.
Key focus areas:
- Experimental Research Partnerships – Strengthening farmer-research collaborations to increase the availability and adoption of diverse crop varieties.
- Paradigm Shift – Encouraging policymakers, researchers, and farmers to embrace new ways of working that promote mutual respect and innovation.
- Policy & Institutional Reforms – Advocating for governance changes that enhance smallholder farmers’ access to diverse and nutritious seeds.
Key activities include:
- Mapping seed systems and identifying challenges with regional partners.
- Hosting regional workshops (Burkina Faso, Uganda) to design farmer-research collaboration models.
- Developing a pilot phase for innovative, scalable solutions.
Partners
-
CCRP Mcknight Foundation -
AFSA -
CICOD Malawi -
Oxfam -
IFAD -
Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Updates
Burkina Faso Workshop (March 2023)
A landmark gathering in Ouagadougou brought together 30 representatives from farmer organizations, research institutions, NGOs, and seed producers across Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Senegal.
Key outcomes:
- Advancing participatory plant breeding and strengthening seed systems.
- Creating demand and market linkages for high-quality, locally adapted seeds.
- Establishing a collaborative farmer-research network to scale innovations.
- Addressing power imbalances and advocating for policy reforms that support farmer-led seed systems.
By building strong partnerships and fostering innovation, we are working toward a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable food system for smallholder farmers worldwide.
