Guiding Sector Transformation inclusive, effective and sustainable

Guiding Sector Transformation: inclusive, effective and sustainable

A well-performing agri-food sector requires a strong base of well-organised and professional producers (product push); a strong market demand for the produce (market pull); well-established services along the value chain; and evolving governance structures. Dealing with the complexity of sector transformation and connecting different building blocks of the sector, we apply a range of concepts, approaches, models and tools.

We use these to promote climate-smart agronomic practices to ensure yield; quality standards rewarded by the market; and business models inclusive of smallholder farmers, women and youth.

Moreover, we facilitate the development of institutions that are effective in governance.

Convening multi-disciplinary teams

For effective sector transformation we create truly multidisciplinary teams that combine content with process expertise. We leverage on:

  • a wealth of on-the-ground experience
  • a vast global network in industry, government, civil society, research and education
  • the integration of our products and services (programme design and implementation, process facilitation, training and advisory services and action research)
We are always looking to build bridges with those within and outside of WUR for specific and relevant knowledge.

Building relationships

While technical expertise is important for sector transformation, it is also crucial to build relationships and change attitudes. Our integrated perspective takes into account the different ambitions which stakeholders have for their sector. This also requires innovation in the social and political arena.

Our experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder partnerships makes it possible to create connections, address social issues and deal with the complexity of these systems. Our staff are trained and well-rehearsed in the art of working with people, including many skilled facilitators, trainers and brokers, along with an aptitude for communication, negotiation and mediation.

Improving the enabling environment

In practice, we design interventions that create capacities at human, organisational and institutional levels. Furthermore, we consider the interrelatedness and complementarity of these within a system.

Whilst innovating the day-to-day management of tasks performed by stakeholders, we also invest in improving the enabling environment. By presenting evidence we facilitate reforms to policies, laws and regulations and guidelines, as well as support their implementation.

We try to ensure that the rules of the game actually support what is considered good practice on the ground.

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