Course announcement: Linking research to local rural innovation

From March 9 till March 27, 2015, The International Centre for development oriented Research in Agriculture (ICRA) is organizing a three-week course for agricultural professionals from research, extension, development or producer organizations and the private sector.

The course aims to introduce those trained in conventional research and development methodologies to new approaches and tools for designing and managing stakeholder participation in rural innovation. It will enable participants to create and support effective collaborations and dynamic stakeholder networks which will help to generate new knowledge by fostering collective learning and joint experimentation. In this way, the ICRA course will enable mid-career professionals to more effectively meet today’s increasing agricultural development challenges.

Why choose this course:

• The course is challenging, varied and hands-on with a range of activities such as trainer-assisted group sessions, role-play and a field visit to a research and development project in the Netherlands.
• Training is tailored to the needs of participants and builds on their experiences and projects. This makes it easier for participants to apply their learning to the context of their organization.
• The ICRA tutors are highly experienced in training, rural research and institutional change in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
• The course content is constantly updated and reflects the latest ideas and developments.
• Graduates benefit from strong post-course support and membership of an active alumni network.

 Some of the course topics are:

• Linking research to development
• Rural innovation and drivers of change
• Stakeholder engagement, networking and partnership development
• Theories of change and impact pathways
• Interactive learning approaches and methods, facilitating resourcefulness and learning
• Gender responsive programmes
• Incorporating lessons learnt in participants’ own projects or programmes

Fellowships

Candidates who want to qualify for a fellowship need to apply to ICRA by 12 October 2014.
ICRA’s courses are on the Nuffic course lists of the Netherlands Fellowship Programmes of NFP and MSP (MENA).

For more info and to apply visit the ICRA website.