This publication presents perspectives from researchers working in agricultural and environmental sciences on the importance of place-based research environments and institutional collaborations. Drawing on experiences from Nairobi (Kenya), Toronto (Canada), and the Department of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Naples Federico II (UNINA), the discussion highlights how diverse ecological conditions, advanced research infrastructure, and strong links between science and practice shape research outcomes. Nairobi is portrayed as a strategic center for studying biodiversity, agroforestry, restoration, and rural development due to its diverse landscapes and proximity to real-world land-use challenges. Toronto offers access to world-class scientific infrastructure, interdisciplinary expertise, and advanced technologies that support cutting-edge research in plant biology and related fields. Meanwhile, UNINA provides a unique setting where longstanding agricultural traditions intersect with contemporary scientific research, enabling investigation of crop production challenges, plant health, and sustainable agricultural systems. Collectively, these perspectives demonstrate how research institutions and regional contexts can foster innovation, collaboration, and knowledge generation to address agricultural, environmental, and socio-ecological challenges.
Tag: agricultural research
Agroforestry technologies: livestock production and agroforestry
Developing and sharing capacities for agricultural research and innovation systems: A science review of theoretical concepts, methods, tools and standards
This study is a scoping literature review aimed at identifying current concepts, methods, tools and standards used or relevant for learning and capacity development in agricultural research and innovation systems. It provides an overview of the state of science, practices and remaining gaps in approaches to learning and capacity development at the individual, organizational and systems levels. It is intended to inform CGIAR’s future capacity sharing work by learning from the theories and empirical evidence presented in the scientific literature, and from approaches and activities conducted by other entities that CGIAR could adapt. This study reviews the dominant theoretical frameworks and practical concepts, methods, tools and standards for capacity development at individual, organizational and systems levels, and discusses how they could be applied to CGIAR’s capacity sharing work in the context of agricultural research, training and innovation systems.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the Financial Matching Grants under the Zambia for Agroforestry, Biodiversity and Climate (Z4ABC) project
The Zambia for Agroforestry, Biodiversity and Climate (Z4ABC) project, co-funded by the European Union, offers financial matching grants to support private sector entities engaged in sustainable value chains. This FAQ document clarifies eligibility criteria, financial and organizational requirements, and the application process. Grants range from £5,000 to £60,000 and are available exclusively to Zambian-owned entities with at least two years of operational history. Applicants must demonstrate financial accountability through audited statements and meet compliance documentation standards. While core value chains include mushrooms and caterpillars, the initiative encourages innovation across non-timber forest products. Activities must align with pilot sites in Eastern, Lusaka, and Muchinga provinces. Only one proposal per applicant is permitted, and informal groups must formalize their status to qualify. The document emphasizes transparency, accountability, and strategic alignment with Z4ABC’s restoration and climate resilience goals.
Incorporating nutritional goals into international agricultural research: approaches and opportunities.
Outlines the activities and programs of ILCA that affect the nutritional status of the underfed human population; discusses the linkage between livestock production & human nutriton, commodity priorities & characteristics and alternative choices for nutritional improvement; ends with suggestions for strengthening nutritional concerns in ILCA research.
Relation between agricultural researchers and extension workers: the survey evidence
The study draws on a survey of individual researchers and extension workers from 18 countries, including countries in Asia, Latin America, Africa, Middle East, and North America. Following a presentation of the survey methodology, the paper reviews: (1) the involvement of extension workers in research; (2) the extent of personal contacts between researchers and extension workers; (3) issues discussed by the two groups; (4) the two groups’ attitudes toward each other, and (5) ways in which various personal attributes influence the research- extension relationship.
Using Value Chain Innovation Platforms to improve the quality of coffee in Mt. Elgon region of Uganda
Using a choice experiment approach to assess production tradeoffs for developing the croton value chain in Kenya
Mainstreaming Incentive Systems for Integrated Landscape Management: Lessons from Asia
Audited Financial Statements 2013
This paper asks: What have been the impacts of farmer- or community-led (informal) processes of research and development in agriculture and natural resource management in terms of food security, ecological sustainability, economic empowerment, gender relations, local capacity to innovate and influence on formal agricultural research and development institutions An innovative conceptual framework was applied to a diverse set of farmer-led research initiatives in countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to explore approaches, outcomes and impacts of informal agricultural research and development (ARD) facilitated by civil society organisations. Findings include the following: locally appropriate technical innovations emerging from these processes are readily taken up by other farmers; the most common channels of dissemination are farmer to farmer through informal networks and spaces created for farmer-researchers and other farmers to meet and exchange, such as innovation fairs; livelihood impacts are broad and substantial; local capacity to innovate is strengthened and institutionalisation through the formal sector has been limited. Lessons are drawn for future partnerships in promoting and supporting farmer-led research involving formal and informal ARD actors working with smallholder communities.