Based on discussions held in 2022 between the European Commission (EC), the Belgian Development Cooperation, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), IFAD has developed the Global Programme for Small-scale Agroecology Producers and Sustainable Food Systems Transformation (GP-SAEP) project. The project is a component of a broad funding initiative led by the EC and the Belgian Development Cooperation. Its primary objective is to overcome critical barriers hindering the adoption of agroecology and the transition to sustainable food systems among small-scale producers, including farmers and agri-food Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean (LAC).
The primary objective of the GP-SAEP program is to facilitate the transition of food systems toward agroecology. This involves empowering small-scale producers to enhance their agroecological practices by providing improved access to knowledge, support services, advanced technologies, and market opportunities. Ultimately, this initiative aims to bolster their resilience to climatic, environmental, and socio-economic challenges while simultaneously enhancing food and nutrition security and income levels.
YPARD, in partnership with the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) and Access Agriculture, is responsible for Component 3 of the project, namely:
This third component will be implemented in four target countries: Madagascar and Uganda in Africa, and Costa Rica and Ecuador in Latin America & the Caribbean.
The small-scale producers will be reached via 20 Master Trainers, 240 RAS (Rural Advisory Services) facilitators (60 per country), 20 YPARD agroecology fellows (5 per country), and 12 teams of 2-3 Entrepreneurs for Rural Access (ERAs) who will be promoting agroecology through farmer-to-farmer videos in local languages, in Africa.
To assist 10 000 small-scale producers in transitioning their production methods to agroecology, GFRAS, YPARD and Access Agriculture are utilizing various channels. One such channel involves engaging 20 young professionals who will serve as agroecology fellows.
The concept behind the agroecology fellows is to cultivate the next generation of young professionals, who will drive the growth of agrifood systems within their respective countries, whether employed in NGOs, government agencies, research institutions, or extension services. These individuals will serve as a bridge between the next generation of young professionals and extension services.
These young leaders will engage directly with individuals trained in the extension sector, such as the Master Trainers (mentioned above), as well as the farmers who are approached by extension services. This hands-on experience will afford the young fellows insights into agroecological extension methodologies and opportunities for improvement, thereby fostering more robust connections between farmers, policy research, and the NGO spheres.
Within each country, the five agroecology fellows will undergo comprehensive training in agroecology. This will take place through select modules developed for Master Trainers and practical training provided by YPARD, which will equip them with essential professional skills tailored to address the unique challenges faced by young professionals in the field. These skills encompass public speaking, budget management, gender sensitivity, and navigating generational gaps when engaging with farmers.
Moreover, each fellow will be paired with a mentor who will provide guidance and support throughout their project participation, thus facilitating intergenerational connections and knowledge exchange.
YPARD will play a pivotal role in disseminating the outcomes and insights garnered from the project. This dissemination effort will be multi-faceted, utilizing platforms such as the Youth Community of Practice (CoP) and YPARD Cafes to engage a broad audience. Through these communication channels, YPARD will actively disseminate valuable insights, best practices, and lessons learned derived from the project.
The primary objective of the Youth Communities of Practice is to foster an inclusive environment where the wider community is encouraged to share their own experiences and knowledge, which will be meticulously documented and utilized to develop comprehensive knowledge products. To this end, YPARD will host a series of Agroecology-focused events to engage and educate youth interested in this field. These events, scheduled to occur 3-5 times a year, will serve as platforms for raising awareness, sharing expertise, and facilitating discussions on critical topics related to agroecology.
In addition to online platforms, YPARD will facilitate in-person meetings and workshops (YPARD Cafes) in collaboration with the agroecology fellows and other project partners. These gatherings will be interactive forums for knowledge exchange, allowing participants to delve deeper into project findings, discuss challenges and solutions, and forge new collaborations.
By actively participating in dissemination activities, YPARD will ensure that the insights gained from the project reach a diverse audience, including young professionals, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in the agriculture sector. This collaborative approach to dissemination will enhance the project's impact and contribute to the broader goal of advancing agroecology and sustainable food systems.
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YPARD’s role within the project is pivotal. It serves as a cornerstone for its overall sustainability and success by involving young professionals in the project, and fostering generational renewal through agroecological transitions. YPARD will contribute significantly to its long-term viability and impact by actively engaging in various aspects of the project.
Stay tuned for announcements on the selection of fellows, upcoming YPARD Cafes, and Community of Practice events. At these events, you can participate in discussions, share insights, and collaborate with like-minded individuals passionate about advancing agroecology and sustainable food systems.
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