Exploring the impact of farmer-led research supported by civil society organisations

• DOI: 10.1186/s40066-015-0023-7
• Publication Date: 2015-03-10T04:42:45Z
• Authors: Ann Waters-Bayer; Patti Kristjanson; Chesha Wettasinha; Laurens van Veldh...; Gabriela Quiroga; Kees Swaans; Boru Douthwaite
• Keywords: Civil Society; Conceptual framework; Institutionalisation

This paper asks: What have been the impacts of farmer- or community-led (informal) processes research and development in agriculture natural resource management terms food security, ecological sustainability, economic empowerment, gender relations, local capacity to innovate influence on formal agricultural institutions? An innovative conceptual framework was applied a diverse set farmer-led initiatives countries Africa, Asia Latin America explore approaches, outcomes informal (ARD) facilitated by civil society organisations. Findings include following: locally appropriate technical innovations emerging from these are readily taken up other farmers; most common channels dissemination farmer through networks spaces created for farmer-researchers farmers meet exchange, such as innovation fairs; livelihood broad substantial; is strengthened institutionalisation sector has limited. Lessons drawn future partnerships promoting supporting involving ARD actors working with smallholder communities.