Agriculture has a major role to play for achieving the SDGs but its resilience and sustainability are increasingly at stake. Addressing the challenges it faces requires knowledge for evidence-based decisions and solutions.
Quality and relevant agricultural research calls for data sharing and knowledge exchanges across regions. Research and training platforms in partnership (“dispositifs de recherche et de formation en partenariat” dP) are structured around priority thematic areas jointly defined by the partner research organisations involved and guiding the work of multidisciplinary teams, under a common governance.
This unique model fosters dialogue and collaborative thinking around global issues while supporting the emergence of specific and local innovation for increased impact.
Synopsis
The session provided greater insight into ‘Research and training platforms in partnership’ (Dps). The panellists presented their own experiences of working within a range of Dps, and highlighted their wide-ranging benefits, most notably trust and connectivity. Emphasis was given to the ability of Dp partners to interconnect through cross boundary research ‘ecosystems’, which offer diverse and permanent partnerships. Such partnerships help stimulate capacity building and enable researchers - especially young researchers - to develop in depth relations with local communities to the benefit of knowledge building over time.
