Project 6: Partnerships, learning and innovation systems

The project develops knowledge, strategies and tools that contribute to strengthening the overall rice innovation system, with particular emphasis being paid to enhancing shared learning between NARES, the private sector and rural communities. Through involvement in the post-harvest sector, in platform development and the rice marketing chain, it feeds directly into SP5. Despite promising new technologies being developed, access is a critical limiting factor, especially for marginalized youth, women and poorer farmers. Also, the role of these groups in the generation and dissemination of technologies such as improved varieties needs to be further strengthened. Effective partnerships and an emphasis on social learning processes can help in scaling-up and scaling-out appropriate technologies. The project valorizes complementarity with WARDA’s networks ROCARIZ and ECARRN, the African Rice Initiative (ARI), and WARDA’s multiple partnerships with NGOs, the private sector and universities.

The project focuses on: (i) developing a competitive rice sector through effective R&D platforms; (ii) developing pro-poor seed systems, including mechanisms to bridge local and formal seed systems; (iii) strengthening rural learning systems through improved participatory learning and action research approaches and linkage with communication technologies; and (iv) strengthening the post-harvest sector to improve the quality and competitiveness of local rice.

Outputs

1. Improved partnerships and networks to promote rice sector development

2. Improved and functional pro-poor seed systems

3. Enhanced rural learning systems

4. Strengthened post-harvest sector