This second volume of Stories of Change explores how DeSIRA projects have contributed to transformative shifts in agrifood systems (AFS), by developing and scaling innovations that respond to sustainability challenges. Building on the strategies and approaches outlined in the first volume, these stories focus on the nature, ownership, and transformative potential of innovations supported by DeSIRA.
OVERVIEW ON CLIMATE CHANGE presented by W. Pieter Pauw, Eindhoven University of Technology for the Global Farmer Field School Platform Webinar Series on Climate Change - Session 2: Equipping farmers for climate action: key concepts and tools for FFS
A novel rectangular hand net (RHN) was developed to manage insect pests in rice seedbeds, overcoming the limitations of traditional round nets, which can damage seedlings and are less effective in catching insects. The RHN features a 50 cm by 20 cm rectangular frame made of 4 mm GI wire, with a 100 cm plastic pipe handle and an 80 cm mosquito net. The net is used by walking rapidly around the seedbed, sweeping to catch harmful insects while releasing beneficial ones back into the field.
Learning modules and exercises for farmer communities presented by Dada C. MORALES‐ABUBAKAR, FAO, for the Webinar series on Climate Change and Farmer Field School - Session 2: Equipping farmers for climate action: key concepts and tools for FFS
This comprehensive guide accompanies the Learning Journey in Rwanda, known as the 'Land of a Thousand Hills' where the economy heavily relies on agriculture. This document presents a detailed look into Farmer Field Schools (FFS) established through the ACP MEAs 3 programme, highlighting innovative farmer initiatives and success stories. Within these pages, you will discover the outcomes of FFS trials with ecosystem-based practices, such as integrated pest management, biofertilizer and biopesticide application, mulching, and the restoration of local seed varieties.
Learning from farmers: case study on Senegal presented by Stefano Mondovi, FAO Innovation Officer, for the Global FFS Platform Webinar series on Climate Change and Farmer Field School - Session 2: Equipping farmers for climate action: key concepts and tools for FFS
This abstract highlights the transformative journey of Lakshmi Devi, a farmer-turned-entrepreneur in Nandgaon, Uttarakhand, facilitated by the Mount Valley Development Association (MVDA). It emphasizes the impact of MVDA’s Farming Innovation for Women Empowerment (FIWE) project in rural development.
Through qualitative analysis, the narrative demonstrates how MVDA’s initiatives, such as women's groups, skill development, and access to government schemes like ATMA, empowered Lakshmi Devi, enabling her transition from a landless farmer to a successful entrepreneur.
El sector agrícola de Nicaragua desempeña un papel clave en el desarrollo del país, pero los avances son desiguales en las distintas regiones, especialmente en el corredor seco, donde vive el 40% de los productores y el 30% de la población se enfrenta a problemas de nutrición. Estos problemas se deben a factores como la variabilidad climática, el escaso acceso a los servicios y la inversión limitada.
The Muni University-Omia Agribusiness Development Group (OADO) partnership operates in the West Nile sub-region of Uganda, an area facing challenges such as land degradation, poor soil health, and climate change. Historically a tobacco-growing region, it now relies on smallholder rainfed agriculture and is adopting high-value horticultural crops. Despite development interventions, 84% of the population lives in multidimensional poverty.
The Office of Innovation launched the Portfolio Sense-Making initiative to mainstream the concept of innovation portfolio management across FAO teams and Divisions/Offices at HQ, Regional and Country levels. Portfolio Sense-Making involves systematically analyzing and visualizing innovation projects and their key data to understand their interrelationships, strengths, areas for improvement and potential impacts, thereby facilitating informed decision-making and strategic alignment with Organizational goals.