ICRA is an independent non-profit organization, founded in 1981 as the International Centre for development oriented Research in Agriculture. ICRA’s goal is to help end poverty and hunger and to promote sustainable resource use, through inclusive innovation partnerships and by the strengthening individual, organizational and institutional capacities required to make these partnerships work.
Researchers must make their work relevant for the inclusive development of involved communities. Agricultural professionals, farmers and their organizations need up to date information on how to most effectively improve food security.
ICRA is an independent non-profit organization, founded in 1981 as the International Centre for development oriented Research in Agriculture. ICRA’s goal is to help end poverty and hunger and to promote sustainable resource use, through inclusive innovation partnerships and by the strengthening individual, organizational and institutional capacities required to make these partnerships work.
Researchers must make their work relevant for the inclusive development of involved communities. Agricultural professionals, farmers and their organizations need up to date information on how to most effectively improve food security.
This course introduces you to new approaches and tools for designing and managing participation in rural innovation that help to resolve both problems and find complementary solutions. It enables you to create and support effective partnerships, collaboration and dynamic stakeholder networks to co-create new knowledge for better agri-business deals and higher farmer income.
Why choose this course?
- The course, with participants from all over the world, provides a unique enriching learning context in which professional networks can grow and lifetime friendships are built.
- The course is challenging, varied and hands-on, including trainer-assisted group sessions, role plays, and field visits to research and development projects in the Netherlands.
- Training is tailored to participants’ needs and builds on their experiences, ensuring that the relevance can be applied most effectively in other situations.
- Class sizes are kept small, between 12 and 20 participants, to enhance trainee interactions and opportunities for exchange.
- Participants work on tablet computers, which pay be purchased at a highly reduced price at the end of the course.
- All course participants benefit from post-course support and an active alumni network.
Course structure
Week 1: Innovation as a change process and a multi-stakeholder approach to rural innovation.
Main topics: systems thinking and complexity, linking research to development, facilitation and negotiation in multi-stakeholder processes.
Week 2: Case studies. Use of field trips to help unpack complex multi-stakeholder processes, by engaging with different stakeholders involved in competing claims on rural space.
Week 3: Developing the capacity to innovate in rural development, using action research and development projects that benefit farmers and small and medium sized agribusinesses.
Main topics: ICT in agricultural innovation, networking and partnership development, business approach to development, incorporating new knowledge in your own work (action plan)
Target audience
The course is specially designed for professionals involved in facilitating and coaching rural innovation. Candidates should be proficient in English, have at least five years professional experience, preferably in rural innovation and facilitation of learning, and have approval of their institution to participate.
Date and venue
15 May – 2 June 2017
Wageningen, the Netherlands
Tuition fee
3,990 euros
Application and scholarships
Online application form is here.
- Self-funded applicants face less competition and have a bigger chance of being selected. Deadline for self-funding participants is 3 April 2017.
- You can receive a 10% reduction on the tuition fee when you pay before 15 March, 2017.
- You can click here for: Scholarship information. The scholarship application deadline is 22 March 2017. The course in the Netherlands qualify for Nuffic scholarships (NFP/MSP- 60 countries).
Picture credit: Swedish International Agricultural Network initative
For more details visit here the ICRA website.