AAgro-ecological gro-ecological IIntensification through action research with ntensification through action research with smallholder farmers in Malawi: R4D Platforms (R4D in IPs)smallholder farmers in Malawi: R4D Platforms (R4D in IPs)

Regis Chikowo (MSU)

Africa RISING ESA Review and Planning MeetingArusha, Tanzania, 9-11 September 2014

To do things differently/innovatively in the intervention districts through fostering mutual focus without creating new institutionalnstitutional layers of bureaucracylayers of bureaucracy

Transform researchers to learners/facilitators researchers to learners/facilitators rather than remain as ‘expertsexperts’

Use limited resources (from Africa RISING, from government, from NGOs) more effectivelymore effectively

Accelerate collective behavioral changechange Accelerate project impact realization at scaleat scale

Primary aims

District level (Level 1)Grassroots level (Level 2)

Two operational levels

Dedza ‘R4D platform’ stakeholders

Ntcheu ‘R4D platform’ stakeholders

Platform composition1. District Agriculture Extension Office as R4D

platform convener/chairperson2. NGOs (World Vision, Concern Universal, CADECOM)3. District Commissioner/Office4. Extension from Intervention sites5. Farmer/group chairs

Farmer centered platforms (Level 2)1. Farmers organizing themselves in learning units

with internal coordination around a ‘mother trial’ More effective (co)learning Lead farmers take a true leading role Researchers/extension come as facilitators

Have produced a multiplier effect to Africa RISING effortsoAfrica RISING transforming into core business at

district leveloMembers/farmers articulate science/agroecology

in amazing waysoCoordination of learning events (field days,

nutrition workshops) excellent

What platforms have achieved..

R4D platforms engineered field days

Nutrition outcomes prioritized

Year 4 (2014-15) and beyond…

1. Research in R4D platforms to take a leading component

2. Nutrition outcomes to be highlighted3. Reaching to ‘thousands’ of farmers with

‘silver bullet’ technologies

Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation

africa-rising.net