Integrated Agricultural Research for Systems : Innovation Platforms (IP) of Agriculture Value Chains

This Guide is prepared based on the concepts, principles and practices of the innovation systems, with particular reference to integrated agricultural research for development (IAR4D) which uses innovation platforms (IPs) in agriculture value chains and food systems. The contents of this Guide have been informed by the experiences and lessons learned from the IPs in agriculture value chains and food systems of CORAF/WECARD, National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and FARA projects, as well as the CTA’s training. Successful creation and facilitation of IPs is governed by multi-stakeholder processes and the nature and complexity of agriculture value chains and food systems. Innovation platforms catalyze and facilitate collective actions through multi-stakeholder processes in value chains and food systems including the management of natural resources. The IPs have started to show development impact at local levels and contributed to improvements in rural livelihoods. This Guide suggests some guidelines for the creation and facilitation of functional IPs in agriculture value chains and food systems.