This brief explores the definition of Agricultural Knowledge and Information System (AKIS) and the inventory of AKIS in Europe.
Little is known about effective ways to operationalize agricultural innovation processes. The authors of this article use the MasAgro program in Mexico (which aims to increase maize and wheat productivity, profitability and sustainability), and the experiences of middle level ‘hub managers’, to understand how innovation processes occur in heterogeneous and changing contexts. Their research shows how a program, that initially had a relatively narrow technology focus, evolved towards an innovation system approach.
This paper outlines key areas of intervention that are identified as the core of FAO's strategy on strengthening Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS) across multiple areas of work (e.g. research and extension, agroecology, biotechnology, green jobs, resourcing etc.) for achieving sustainable rural development.
The report entitled ‘Innovation in the Irish Agri-food Sector’ was compiled by researchers from the University College of Dublin (UCD) following interviews with stakeholders from across the sector, and an analysis of data from Eurostat, the OECD, and the Teagasc National Farm Survey. The report also shows that the sector is strong in terms of research capacity, overall education levels, and favourable tax regimes to encourage business innovation. The report was launched at the international conference ‘Driving Innovation in the Irish Agri-Food System', held in June 2014 at the UCD.
In this book, the authors assessed the role of biotechnology innovation for sustainable development in emerging and developing economies. This book compiles studies that each illustrate the potential, demonstrated value and challenges of biotechnology applications for sustainable agricultural innovation and/or industrial development in a national, regional and international context.
Les investissements dans les agrocarburants en Afrique constituent une véritable question de développement. Ils sont pleinement concernés par le débat sur les acquisitions de terres à grande échelle et exposent les populations et les agricultures africaines à plusieurs types de risques. Dans le même temps, ils représentent une opportunité dans des pays où l’accès à l’énergie est sans doute un des principaux facteurs de blocage au développement. Certaines formes d’investissement peuvent être encouragées, à condition qu’elles profitent aux économies locales.
Resulta esencial calibrar las máquinas con el fin de lograr densidades de siembra y tasas de fertilización óptimas. Los errores en la calibración, incluso los más leves, pueden provocar grandes diferencias en el campo. Con la calibración se asegura que no se aplique demasiada semilla o fertilizante (con lo cual se ahorra dinero y se protege el medio ambiente), pero tampoco cantidades insuficientes, lo cual puede producir una disminución en el rendimiento.
La FAO a adopté une approche multidimensionnelle pour aider les exploitants familiaux pauvres à faire face aux difficultés qu’ils rencontrent au quotidien et renforcer leur capacité de création de revenus, afin de réduire la pauvreté rurale.
Este trabajo da cuenta de las diferencias y similitudes de los enfoques de extensión rural que han utilizado la universidad de caldas y la Asociación Hortifrutícola de colombia (Asohofrucol), durante los últimos seis años, con productores de mora de los municipios de Aranzazu y manzanares (caldas).
Agriculture plays an important role in the economy of Pakistan and it is not possible to realize sustainable biological yields without following sustainable agricultural extension. However, these extension activities are not making significant impacts on crop yields and have not been able to help farmers realize sustainable biological yields and elevated rural livelihoods. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the perceptions of the farmers about the extension services. A survey study was conducted in the Peshawar district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province - Northern Pakistan.