ARF

This fourth Thematic Paper of the F&BR Synthesis Study discusses Research for Development insights and innovations regarding smallholder farmers. The paper stresses that differences among smallholders have significant implications and require an integrated approach from donors, governments and development agencies. Any such approach should be rigorously monitored on process and results to enable adaptive programming and learning. »

How can business models be profitable and benefit low income populations, aim to address societal problems, including poverty and food and nutrition insecurity, and promote sustainable livelihoods? This is the key question explored in the third Thematic Paper of the F&BR Synthesis Study that has recently been produced discussing Research for Development insights and innovations regarding these business models, commonly referred to as Inclusive Business models. »

During a three-day workshop in Cotonou end November 2019, all Applied Research Fund (ARF) projects of NWO-WOTRO in Benin got together. Since these projects are finished or almost finalised, it was time to take stock of their outcomes, share lessons learned, and tackle issues related to scaling-up of project results. The final report (in French) and video are now available. »

The Applied Research Fund project “Enhancing Kersting’s groundnut production-marketability in Benin (Doyiwé)” published a video presenting the key activities of a Doyiwé seed fair and the achievements of the project.  »

In 2020 a synthesis study of the GCP and ARF projects under the Food & Business Research programme is executed. This first Thematic Paper of the F&BR Synthesis Study discusses Research for Development insights and innovations regarding three principles of Circular Agriculture: (1) preserving and enhancing natural resources, (2) efficient use of resources, and (3) multi-purpose use and recovering value from waste. »

”We need a paradigm shift to involve unusual suspects in research partnerships to foster the scaling of research and innovation on food and nutrition security”, was one of the conclusions during the ARF country workshop in Benin. Representatives of eleven Beninese ARF projects gathered in Cotonou from November 20 to 22, 2019 to take stock of lessons learned and outcomes and to jointly reflect, learn and work on further uptake of results. »