Innovation System Perspective in Agriculture and Rural Development for smallholder farmers

19-21 November 2012. South Africa. Eleventh regional conference of the Southern and Eastern African Association of Farming Systems Research-Extension (SEAAFSRE). The conference, whose theme was ‘Innovation System Perspective in Agriculture and Rural Development for smallholder farmers’ was intended to share experiences and best practices in moving agriculture from subsistence to commercial among resource-constrained farmers in the region.

In particular, the conference shared practical experiences on the role innovation, agricultural training, research and extension can play in enhancing a value chain orientation in smallholder agriculture.

The conference was attended by individuals and organizations involved in Farming Systems Research-Extension (FSRE) work including farmers, policy makers, planners, trainers, researchers, advisory services providers, non-government organizations (NGOs), elected officials and donors. 

The objectives for the conference were:

• To share experiences on best farming systems research and extension practices and strategies for commercializing agriculture and reducing hunger and poverty. 
• To provide an opportunity for farmers, trainers, researchers, agricultural advisory and support service providers and elected officials to debate and learn together how they might individually and collectively make progress towards millennium targets in poverty, hunger and environment through innovations in smallholder farming systems. 

Outputs

• A profile of innovative farming systems research and extension opportunities for commercializing agriculture and reducing hunger, poverty and environmental degradation. 
• Peer reviewed proceedings of the conference detailing the achievements, lessons learnt and opportunities in the region.