Poor linkages between researchers, advisory services systems, farmers, especially women farmers, private sector stakeholders and policy makers are a common issue in the countries in the Central Asia and the Caucasus (CAC) region. The unsystematic level of interaction undermines the ability of farmers to access and introduce innovative technologies and practices on their farms, and thus deprives them of innovation-based opportunities to improve their productivity, profitability and their livelihoods.

 

In view of this challenge, Central Asia and the Caucasus Association of Agricultural Research Institutes (CACAARI) and Central Asia and the Caucasus Forum for Rural Advisory Services (CAC-FRAS), a still informal regional platform of the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS), have decided to join efforts and undertake joint actions towards strengthening Rural Advisory Service Systems in the region. The goals are to learn from each other, develop common approaches, and coordinate efforts to strengthen agricultural innovation systems in the region.

From 17 to 21 November 2014, CACAARI and CAC-FRAS, in collaboration with the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR), Modernising Extension and Advisory Services (MEAS), International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and other partners, will organise a joint Regional Conference on Rural Advisory Services in the Bishkek region of the Kyrgyz Republic.

 

Mor information is available here.