With a resounding applause, the three days GFAR Constituent Assembly has come to a close. The three days were marked by sharing of experiences, deliberations, making of resolutions to reshape the future of GFAR. And all this was shared with the outside world via the World Wide Web. As the more than 100 participants travel … More Feedback from participants at the GFAR Constituent Assembly

“If you want to go fast, walk alone; if you want to go far, walk together”, goes a popular Chinese Proverb. In order to walk far in achieving its mandate, GFAR requires coordinated and coherent actions, delivered through effective multi-stakeholder partnerships, – partnerships with governments, development partners, civil society organisations, research organisations, agricultural organisation among … More Redefining GFAR’s Roles through Collective Action

Just how wide can GFAR’s mandate spread? This was the central question whose answer was sought through the Constituent Assembly sessions. The deliberations and discussions focused on the GFAR’s vision and mission. Were they clear among the participants? Had the previous sessions helped in demystifying what GFAR is all about? And what advice do the … More GFAR: About roles, mandates and relevance

As the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR) searches for new revolutionary ways to raise productivity while protecting the environment, bamboo and rattan offer fast and effective solutions for countries across the Global South. Bamboo and rattan offer a world of innovative approaches and useful new technical solutions to countries and rural communities that have … More Bamboo and rattan: protecting the environment and bringing income to rural communities

The much-anticipated GFAR Constituent Assembly has officially started today. Over 100 representatives from GFAR’s stakeholders globally are convening to deliberate on the GFAR’s future role, governance and resourcing as part of its strategy in enhancing its fight in poverty alleviation, increasing food security, and promotion of sustainable use of natural resources.

As the global development community shifts to the post-2015 agenda and looks for ways to help rural communities adapt to the worsening effects of climate change, it may be neglecting a critical resource in the struggle to secure a more sustainable future – bamboo. This oversight is a major obstacle to bamboo’s wider recognition and … More Bamboo: A strategic resource for countries to reduce the effects of climate change

International development institutions and investors increasingly recognise the essential role played by rural advisory services (RAS) in reducing hunger and poverty. Yet, until recently, they have failed to present a coherent and credible voice, with little representation in global or regional rural development forums.

Look up the word “renew” in an English dictionary and you’ll come across words like refresh, replenish, reinvigorate, or reaffirm. Any or all of these could apply to the exciting changes underway in GFAR, which aim to ensure the Global Forum can continue to meet the demand for agricultural research and innovation in the developing … More Taking a fresh look at GFAR

GFAR has a vital role to play in the future of agricultural research and innovation, says the FAO’s Dr Ren Wang, but it must continue to build on its unique position as a platform representing the many different stakeholders across the entire food value chain. As a founding partner of GFAR, the FAO has a … More Reform and Renewal: Building GFAR’s “Comparative Advantage”

By Marina Cherbonnier, Web and Communications manager (YPARD) To ensure healthier livelihoods worldwide – and in the long term -, the young generation needs to fully get their hands and minds into agricultural development now. Being connected through a global collective platform, through which they can realise their full potential and contribute proactively to innovative … More An avenue for the new generation to take up agricultural development