Developing a Mixed Knowledge Innovative System of Technical, Institutional and Traditional Information for Capacity Building and Empowerment of Multi-Stakeholders Networks in Rural Africa

The food challenge and sustainable management of natural resources in Africa involve capacity building of all stakeholders in rural areas. The challenge is to enable local development actors to adapt their practices to a global context in crisis both economically and ecologically. This grand challenge will require the development of innovative approaches and the development of tools for new learning and communication that will include new communication technologies and information while remaining respectful of the cultural context. Thus, the innovation needs to be co-constructed from local know-how and scientific and technical knowledge. Information and communication between all those involved in development needs to be revised and strengthened, in order to be more interactive and more efficient. A workshop "Learning, Producing and Sharing Innovations: Tools for Co-Construction and Sustainable Implementation of Innovations in Dryland Africa (APPRI)",was held in Ouagadougou in 2008 to identify the best co-learning models to support farmer innovation systems. Two models were reviewed. The 'Farmers' University' model was developed in Africa and Brazil and serves as a place to unify partnership initiatives, by bringing together research, rural development officers, farmer organizations, producer groups, and rural communities and municipalities. These Farmers' Universities are places of learning where a common vision is shared for implementing development and environmental improvement activities, particularly intended for small family farms. Another model, the 'Innovation caravan against hunger' developed in Cameroon and which involves the whole chain of stakeholders, notably producers, scientists and policy makers, was found relevant to be a communication method to enhance consultation among various actors and to promote and improve innovation sharing.