Accra, Ghana – The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) ex-Pillar IV (CAADPXP4) partners, in conjunction with the Strengthening agricultural knowledge and the innovation ecosystem for inclusive rural transformation and livelihoods in Eastern Africa (AIRTEA) Consortium led by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), have initiated the Agribusiness Learning Alliances (ABLA) Proof of Concept Workshop today in Accra, Ghana.
Commencing over a span of two days, this workshop has convened key stakeholders and experts to assess and articulate the ABLA concept, formulate a methodology for establishing the ABLA proof of concept, and explore its potential to amplify the economic value stemming from innovation platforms.
During his introductory address, Dr. Aggrey Agumya, the Executive Director of FARA, expressed his satisfaction with the partners reconvening for this pivotal concept. He underscored that these engagements will lead to devising strategies to enhance the outcomes and impact of research and innovation.
He further elaborated, stating, “We are presented with an unprecedented opportunity to etch history by definitively formulating and framing the methodology for testing a concept that will revolutionize IPs and ultimately improve the livelihoods of farmers and other value chain participants, particularly women and youth.”
The Agribusiness Learning Alliances (ABLA) model, crafted and trialed under the Strengthening agricultural knowledge and the innovation ecosystem for inclusive rural transformation and livelihoods in Eastern Africa (AIRTEA) project with funding from the European Union Commission (EUC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), offers a promising solution.
This inventive approach seeks to fortify the business dimension of Innovation Platforms, thereby enhancing the economic value derived from these platforms.
African agriculture has long grappled with challenges such as limited technology adoption, resource constraints, and inadequate institutional collaboration. To address these concerns, Innovation Platforms (IPs) were established, aiming to facilitate collaboration among research, producers, the private sector, extension services, and policy domains. However, these platforms have not fully harnessed their potential for economic efficiency and heightened profitability for agricultural enterprises.
This collaborative endeavor between CAADP-XP4 and the AIRTEA Consortium led by FARA signifies a significant stride toward revolutionizing African agriculture, fostering economic growth, and elevating the well-being of smallholder farmers.
