partnerships

A stronger horticulture sector in low- and middle-income countries is expected to contribute to among others (inclusive) business development, employment, enhanced Food and Nutrition Security and economic growth. This has motivated the Netherlands to substantially invest in horticulture initiatives in these countries. This synthesis paper was written to develop an overview of the most important insights and lessons from these initiatives, with the aim of contributing to improved policy and practice of future horticulture development initiatives. »

This review aims to unravel how partnering processes relate to processes of inclusion in the context of food provisioning. In food provisioning, inclusion has two key dimensions: the inclusion of (low-income) consumers to increase levels of food security, and the inclusion of smallholder producers to promote inclusive economic growth. »

This briefing discusses the development of urban agriculture in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, looking at successful urban agribusinesses and the innovations, partnerships and policy developments that are creating new opportunities in this field. Urban and peri-urban agriculture offers opportunities for productive employment in a sector with low barriers to entry. Many urban agriculture policies do not address commercial urban agriculture, agro-processing and value addition activities well. »

This report proposes strategies and policies, harnessing cooperation between Africa and Europe, to enable the African agri-food and rural economy to respond to the challenge of generating sufficient jobs and incomes for the African workforce. Africa and Europe should implement and innovative partnership for the inclusive and sustainable development of Africa’s agri-food sector and rural economy, where African political and policy leadership should be a key element. »

In 2019, Dutch Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) again have the possibility to submit a proposal for Seed Money Projects (SMPs). SMPs serve to initiate (or act as the ”seed” for) international partnerships for Dutch SMEs in the Agri & Food and Horticulture & Starting Materials sectors. The main focus is on forming a consortium and exploring the possibilities for international activities. »

With the aim of reaching SDG2 (zero hunger and sustainable agriculture) development agencies have for a long time funded research for development. In the margins of the recent Wageningen SDG conference Melle Leenstra, policy officer food security at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was invited to give his take on the topic of the session entitled “Co-creation for impact: Donors and Knowledge institutions”. »