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  • New Release: Food Policy: Lessons and Priorities for a Changing World2025 Global Food Policy Report by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

    The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) has released its highly anticipated 2025 Global Food Policy Report, titled Food Policy: Lessons and Priorities for a Changing World, edited by Johan Swinnen and Christopher B. Barrett.

    Over the past five decades, global food systems have undergone profound transformation. Throughout this period, food policy research has played a vital role in informing decisions that promote agricultural growth, improve livelihoods, and enhance food security and nutrition worldwide.

    This latest edition of the Global Food Policy Report reflects on the evolution and impact of food policy research and explores how it can better support policymakers in addressing emerging challenges and opportunities. The report’s chapters offer critical insights and identify priority research areas through 2050.

    Featured Chapter: Agricultural Extension Services – From Transfer of Technology to Facilitation for Innovation

    Chapter 8, titled Agricultural Extension Services: From Transfer of Technology to Facilitation for Innovation, highlights the evolving role of agricultural extension and rural advisory services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Authored by Kristin Davis, Rikin Gandhi, Jawoo Koo, Berber Kramer, Alesha Miller, Jona Repishti, David J. Spielman, and Rasheed Sulaiman V., the chapter examines the transition from traditional top-down approaches to a more inclusive and innovation-driven model.

    Drawing on IFPRI’s “best fit” framework, the authors analyze how extension services have become increasingly pluralistic—incorporating diverse methods and actors—to better support farmers in boosting productivity, strengthening resilience, and conserving essential natural resources.

    To read this chapter, click on the link below:

    https://cgspace.cgiar.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/53dc42c6-43e6-4c64-8d1f-89f3429f3bb0/content

    To read the full report, click here: https://cgspace.cgiar.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/c55dd818-5f9b-4536-b552-7c37b094030d/content

    To read the synopsis, click here: https://cgspace.cgiar.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/270d3c16-d2b1-4640-ba39-58fd7c21cc87/content

    To register for the online launch event on 28 May 2025 (6.30 PM India Time), click here:

    https://www.ifpri.org/event/2025-global-food-policy-report-food-policy-research-for-a-brighter-future-looking-towards-2050/

    https://www.ifpri.org/event/2025-global-food-policy-report-food-policy-research-for-a-brighter-future-looking-towards-2050/
    https://www.ifpri.org/event/2025-global-food-policy-report-food-policy-research-for-a-brighter-future-looking-towards-2050/
  • The 2nd ASEAN University Symposium for Sustainable Food System
    Figure 1. The 2nd ASEAN University Symposium for Sustainable Food System. Source: https://www.ipb.ac.id/news/index/2025/05/ipb-university-hosts-symposium-for-sustainable-food-system-collaboration-of-10-universities-from-8-asean-countries/

    This year, the 2nd ASEAN University Symposium for Sustainable Food Systems was proudly hosted by the Faculty of Economics and Management, IPB University, in collaboration with eight partner universities from across Southeast Asia.

    This symposium builds upon the initial meeting held in April 2024, during which IPB University established a regional network of ASEAN universities. Together with 10 universities from 8 ASEAN countries, the network aims to collaboratively explore and develop sustainable food systems across the region.

    The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders who shared insights on the current state of food systems and engaged in meaningful discussions on how to achieve a more sustainable and ideal future.

    Read more: https://www.ipb.ac.id/news/index/2025/05/ipb-university-hosts-symposium-for-sustainable-food-system-collaboration-of-10-universities-from-8-asean-countries/

  • The Silent Famine: Addressing Asia Pacific’s Hidden Emergency of Food Loss and Waste

    On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) hosted an essential webinar as part of the Community of Practice on Food Loss and Waste (FLAW) initiative. The session, titled “The Silent Famine: Asia Pacific’s Hidden Emergency of Food Loss and Waste,” focused on the urgent need to address the often-overlooked issue of food loss and waste in the Asia-Pacific region. A representative from RASSEA attended the webinar. This community of practice was established to raise awareness, encourage knowledge exchange, promote collaboration, initiate impactful programs and projects, and drive policy advocacy aimed at minimizing FLAW across the region.

    During the session, Dr. Ravi Khetarpal, Executive Director of APAARI, emphasized the critical issue of food loss and waste, describing it as a hidden emergency with global implications. Food loss, as he explained, occurs during production, post-harvest, and processing stages. Alarmingly, 15% of all food produced is lost on farms during, around, and shortly after harvest. This represents a staggering amount of vegetables, fruits, grains, and other food that could potentially feed 870 million undernourished people four times over. Food loss refers to a decrease in the quantity or quality of food caused by decisions and actions of food suppliers in the supply chain, excluding retailers, food service providers, and consumers.

    In the Asia-Pacific region, the majority of food waste—approximately 53%—comes from households. Since 2010, the level of household food waste has consistently increased, reaching 72 kilograms per capita in 2022. If this number could be reduced, the positive impact would be extraordinary. For example, saving just 25% of current food loss and waste would be enough to feed 870 million people. Even more impressively, if the Asia-Pacific region could cut its food waste by half, it would save 456 million tons of food—sufficient to feed 300 million food-insecure individuals.

    The webinar emphasized that Asia is a significant hub for the wastage of cereals and rice, which greatly contributes to environmental harm. The Asia-Pacific region is responsible for over half of the global food loss and waste. As reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2022, the annual economic loss from food loss and waste (FLAW) in this region reaches an astounding USD 940 billion. If no urgent measures are taken, this amount is expected to double by 2050. In developing nations, a noteworthy 40% of food losses happen during the post-harvest handling and processing stages, highlighting these phases as key opportunities for intervention. The stages leading to food loss and waste encompass production, post-harvest handling and storage, processing and packaging, distribution and retail, and consumption. Among these, the post-harvest handling and storage phase accounts for the largest proportion of food loss and waste at 40%.

    Figure 1. Key area of food loss & waste (FLAW)

    The impacts of FLAW extend far beyond economics. Environmentally, food loss and waste are responsible for 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to land degradation. Economically, smallholder farmers suffer the most, losing between 20–50% of their income due to inefficiencies in the food value chain, as reported by the World Bank in 2023. Additionally, FLAW exacerbates malnutrition, resulting in a loss of 24% of available calories in the Asia-Pacific region. To illustrate, saving just 1.3 million tons of food annually could provide enough sustenance for 3 million people.

    Dr. Khetarpal also discussed actionable steps to minimize food waste. He emphasized that simple changes at the household level can make a significant difference. For instance, planning meals in advance allows consumers to purchase only what they need, reducing the risk of food spoilage. Proper storage of food, particularly fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator, can extend their shelf life and prevent waste. Furthermore, composting food scraps converts what would otherwise be discarded into nutrient-rich soil, supporting the environment and relieving pressure on landfills.

    He also introduced FAO’s strategic framework for combating FLAW, known as the five-pillar strategy. This framework includes raising awareness and building partnerships, identifying critical points where losses are greatest, mobilizing investments to support solutions, tracking and monitoring progress to ensure accountability, and integrating governance to facilitate long-term policy and structural changes.

    As a call to action, Dr. Khetarpal emphasized the need for involvement from all sectors of society. Governments must take the lead in enforcing effective food policies and investing in food infrastructure. Businesses have a vital role in adopting circular economy practices that prioritize sustainability and reduce waste. Consumers can contribute by making conscious decisions at home, particularly by minimizing food waste in their daily lives. These collective efforts align with the global goal to achieve zero waste in key sectors and regions by the year 2030, marking a major milestone toward sustainable materials and food management.

    In closing, Dr. Ravi Khetarpal delivered a memorable and heartfelt message. He invited everyone to reflect on the wisdom of our grandmothers, who taught us never to waste food and to cherish every meal. “We must return to that mindset,” he said, “and honor our food by valuing it — not wasting it.”

  • Deadline Extended for FFS Innovation Award 2025 – Now Open Until 25 May

    Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has officially announced an extension for the FFS Innovation Award 2025 application deadline. Applicants now have until 25 May 2025 to submit their proposals.

    This award offers a valuable opportunity for individuals and organizations working in the field of agriculture, particularly those involved in the Farmer Field School (FFS) approach, to showcase innovative and impactful ideas. Submissions are welcome in Arabic, English, French, or Spanish.

    For full details and to apply, visit the official FAO page: https://www.fao.org/science-technology-and-innovation/ffs-innovation-award-2025/en

  • Farmer Field Schools Innovation Award 2025

    FAO opens the second edition of the Farmer Field Schools Innovation Award! Applications can be submitted in Arabic, English, French, and Spanish. According to Jordan Houegban (OIN FAO), this award celebrates innovative solutions implemented through Farmer Field Schools (FFS) that contribute to sustainable agrifood systems, promote agroecological transitions, strengthen local economies, and drive social inclusion. The award offers not only recognition and visibility, but also mentorship and the opportunity to showcase your innovation at the FAO Science and Innovation Forum in Rome, October 2025.

    More information about this, can be accessed through this link: https://www.fao.org/science-technology-and-innovation/ffs-innovation-award-2025/en

  • Collaborative Extension: The Key to Empowering Local Dairy Farmers in Indonesia

    Local dairy farmers in Indonesia are currently grappling with significant challenges. These include low productivity, milk prices that do not match production costs, and intense competition from imported products. These factors collectively contribute to imbalances in the national milk supply chain, directly affecting the welfare of small-scale farmers.

    According to data from BPS-Statistics Indonesia, in 2021, per capita milk consumption in Indonesia for  2020 reached only 16.27 kilograms. This figure is far below the minimum standard set by the FAO, which is 30 kilograms per capita per year. Meanwhile, as of 2024, national fresh milk production stood at 927,874 tons, while national demand reached 4.6 million tons. This indicates that approximately 80 percent of the demand for milk is still met through imports.

    The current level of milk production is primarily attributed to the small-scale nature of most dairy farming enterprises, which usually engage only two to five cows per farmer, along with the continued use of conventional farming techniques. The national milk productivity is set at 10 to 15 liters per cow per day, which significantly lags behind countries like New Zealand, where productivity can reach up to 30 liters.

    The problems do not stop there. In many regions, farmers sell milk to cooperatives at prices ranging from IDR 3,400 to IDR 5,600 per liter, while market prices can reach IDR 8,000 to IDR 10,000 per liter. This price disparity makes it difficult for farmers to cover essential expenses such as feed, animal health, and operational needs.

    So, what is the solution?

    One promising approach lies in empowerment-based communication through agricultural extension. In this context, extension services go beyond simply transmitting technical information; they aim to raise awareness, build skills, and foster independence among farmers.

    A successful example of this approach is the collaborative program between the Polytechnic of Agricultural Development (Polbangtan) Bogor and Mercy-USA, which provides dairy agribusiness training. This program educates farmers in business management, instills an entrepreneurial spirit, and supplies resources to enhance productivity. The initiative has become a model for extension programs in the Bogor area, incorporating environmentally friendly practices to promote sustainable farming.

    Not only are the government and NGOs playing a role, but business actors and SMEs are also getting involved. For instance, the SME Susu Mbok Darmi actively purchases milk directly from farmers at more equitable prices and provides cooling tanks to maintain milk freshness during distribution. This practice not only preserves quality but also increases farmer income. Data from the Village Cooperative Unit (KUD) Cepogo in Boyolali Regency shows that in 2019-2020, dairy farmers owning an average of five dairy cows earned a gross monthly income of around IDR 5,25 million (USD 345). After deducting operational costs of IDR 4,1 million (USD 270), farmers still take home a net income of IDR 1,15 million (USD 75) per month. This is a positive development, especially for small-scale farmers.

    PT Nestlé Indonesia has also shown a strong commitment to farmer empowerment by partnering with over 27,000 local farmers and 32 dairy cooperatives in East and Central Java. Nestlé sources fresh milk from these farmers to process at its facilities, including the Bandaraya Plant in Batang, Central Java. This partnership offers farmers a stable market and fosters local economic growth.

    Such collective efforts must be further improved. By forming partnerships among extension agents, cooperatives, entrepreneurs, and farmers, the dairy farming sector can achieve greater self-reliance, sustainability, and—most importantly—profitability for all stakeholders. This is clear evidence that collaborative extension is no longer optional but necessary.

  • MESSAGES FROM THE 10TH COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE HELD ON 23 APRIL 2025

    The 10th meeting of the Community of Practice (CoP) on Effecting Integration of Nutrition into Extension and Advisory Services (EAS) was convened by RASSEA on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in partnership with Puan Tani, a civil society Organization dedicated to empowering female farmers across various regions of Indonesia. Puan Tani is a member of both RASSEA and IFRAS. The meeting addressed the theme, “The Daily Reality of Village Communities in the Production and Consumption of Nutritious Food.” The agenda featured two volunteers, Ms. Ratih Purwasih (from Citorek Kidul Village, Lebak, Banten) and Ms. Dahria Achmad (from Nabire, Central Papua). Dr. Siti Amanah opened the CoP meeting by briefly explaining the background and objectives of the CoP, and Ms. Lani Eugenia of Puan Tani chaired the sharing session. Attendees included members of the RASSEA team, the board of Puan Tani, representatives from IFRAS, delegates from the Indonesian Association of Development Extension Experts (PAPPI), community nutrition experts, extension workers from several regions in Indonesia, academics, researchers, students, and youth representatives (Figure 1). The focus of the discussion within the CoP emphasized how the initiatives and movements of women, in collaboration with rural communities, address family nutritional needs.

    Figure 1. Participants of the 10th CoP Meeting held on 23 April 2025

    Summary of Interactive Dialogue at the 10th CoP Meeting

    • Ms. Ratih Purwasih mentioned that in Citorek Kidul Village, where most people work as farmers, carbohydrates are obtained independently by planting local rice varieties. Rice is planted once a year, and after harvesting, the rice fields are converted into ponds for carp farming. Subsequently, these ponds are used to grow horticultural crops.             
    • The main challenge in fulfilling nutritional intake in Citorek Kidul Village is the lack of community literacy regarding nutrition. The sustainable food yard (P2L) program and the stunting campaign have been quite successful in raising public awareness about balanced nutritional intake and efforts to achieve it independently. After the P2L program ended, the local community attempted to meet their nutritional needs independently by growing vegetables in their yards, but they faced obstacles due to limited space. Ratih provided an example of how to fulfill family nutrition independently by growing vegetables and fruits on idle land. Currently, public awareness of balanced nutritional intake is beginning to increase.
    • Ms. Dahria Achmad, from Nabire, Papua, shared her experience of meeting the nutritional needs of the community, which includes Indigenous Papuans (OAP) and Non-OAP. For carbohydrates, both OAP and Non-OAP cultivate their own crops, while vegetables, fruits, and proteins are occasionally sourced independently and sometimes purchased from the market.
    • Local communities are susceptible to various nutritional issues and non-communicable diseases because of their low nutritional status. Moreover, cultural factors significantly affect nutritional status, particularly among native Papuans.
    • Community Nutrition Expert Dr. Clara Meliyanti Kusharto shares her experience using catfish as a reliable source of protein and proposes a replica of a successful livestock distribution system to enhance nutrition and livelihoods. One of her innovations, Clarias biscuits, made from catfish flour, can be used to prevent stunting because they are rich in both macro and micronutrients.

    The CoP meeting was further enlivened by an icebreaker that involved guessing songs related to women and Kartini Day, aimed at appreciating women’s struggles in family and society. Kartini Day is celebrated on April 21 each year in Indonesia to honor the efforts of Kartini, the daughter of a Regent in Jepara, Central Java, for her role in the emancipation of women. 

    Follow-up and Recommendations

    The government must be more proactive in organizing various activities to raise public awareness about nutrition. This can be achieved by providing incentives or special affirmations, ranging from the production phase to household consumption. Strengthening nutrition-sensitive extension services must be prioritized, as extension workers are the primary agents at the community level. These workers can be trained and developed to enhance their capacity to perform their duties and functions effectively. The roles of self-help extension workers, government extension workers, and private extension workers should collaborate directly or through effective communication media to improve households’ ability to meet their food and nutrition needs appropriately. This collaboration is crucial for enhancing the quality of human resources, particularly considering that the prevalence of stunting in childrenremains exist in Indonesia (as shown in Figure 2).

    Figure 2. Malnutrition Trend in Indonesia 2013-2023
    Source: UNICEF with references to Riskesdas 2013, 2018;
    SSGI 2019, SSGI 2021, SKI 2022, SKI 2023

    A sustainable food and agriculture system is essential. In this context, all elements of society must be involved, including women (both in female farmers’ groups and other community groups), who should have access to opportunities, particularly for accessing and utilizing appropriate agricultural information and innovations that align with local needs and resource conditions. Women are strategically raising public awareness and implementing diverse, nutritious, balanced, and safe food production and consumption (B2SA).

  • Toward THE 4th RASSEA BIENNIAL MEETING

    This year’s Rural Advisory Services for Southeast Asia (RASSEA) Forum and Fourth Biennial Meeting, happening on September 26, 2025 via Zoom Meeting, centers around the compelling theme: “Rural Advisory Services and Lifelong Learning for Agricultural Innovations in the Digital Era.” The event seeks to explore how digital technologies and data analytics are reshaping the agricultural landscape—bringing opportunities for efficiency and innovation, while also raising critical questions about equity and access. As digitalization offers timely, accurate data that empowers decision-making, concerns are growing about how these advancements may unintentionally leave small and medium-sized farmers behind, especially those in remote rural communities. As we move forward in this exciting yet uncertain digital age, we invite experts, country members, and stakeholder representatives to share their real-world experiences and insights on leveraging digital tools while ensuring inclusivity and sustainability in rural advisory services.

    As we know, Rural Advisory Services for Southeast Asia (RASSEA) is a forum designed to enable multiple stakeholders in extension education and rural advisory services (RAS) to collaborate and improve the quality of RAS in pursuit of sustainable agri-food systems.  It acts as a subregional network of Asia Pacific Islands Rural Advisory Services (APIRAS) and is a member of the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS). RASSEA has a strategic plan for 2021-2030 that serves as a platform for developing activities both internally and fostering synergy and collaboration with various stakeholders. RASSEA has implemented programs that facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences among country forums (CFs).

    Currently, there are three CFs in RASSEA: the Philippines Extension and Advisory Services (PhilEASNet) forum, the Indonesia Forum for Rural Advisory Services (IFRAS), and the Malaysia Forum for Rural Advisory Services (MAFRAS) Network. According to the latest update, Timor Leste is interested in establishing a country forum, and this initiative is still under discussion among colleagues in Timor Leste.  Since its establishment, RASSEA has organized three biennial meetings, in 2019 (co-organized with Faculty of Human Ecology (FEMA) IPB University), in 2021 (co-organized with Indonesia Forum for Rural Advisory Services (IFRAS) & Indonesia Association for Development Extension (PAPPI)), and in 2023 (co-organized with Malaysia Forum for Rural Advisory Services (MAFRAS)). In the fourth RASSEA Biennial Meeting, The PhilEASNet and RASSEA have been in close co-operation to organize the event.  We met together with representative of CFs to prepare the biennial meeting.

    Figure 1. Zoom meeting with representaives of CFs
    Figure 2. Consolidation meeting on April 10th, 2025, toward the 4th RASSEA Biennial Meeting

    The objective of the fourth Biennial RASSEA Meeting is to share members’ experiences and develop recommendations for enhancing extension and advisory services (EAS). We will manage the event in two sessions. The first session will be the internal business for the CFs and RASSEA, and the second will be opened for public where we invite speakers to inspire transformative changes and innovations towards the future. Let’s stay in touch for the next update regarding the event.

  • UPDATE INFORMATION FROM SINGAPORE

    Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) will hold the inaugural Re:Define Success conference in Singapore from 8 to 10 September 2025.  This conference is organized by SUSS’ Student Success Centre (SSC) and the Node for Inclusive Lifelong Education (NILE) in collaboration with the Centre of Disability Studies, University of Leeds, United Kingdom. 

    This year’s conference theme is Empowering Change, Shaping Inclusive Futures. The conference aims to share insights, research, and ideas that challenge conventional definitions of success and highlight the importance of inclusivity within inclusive education, employment, and community. 

    The conference committee invites you to present your research, practices, or insights at this event. Your participation will spark meaningful conversations and connections.  

    Please submit your abstracts by 21st May 2025.  

    Presenters will be notified of acceptance by 6th June 2025

    You can access the Re:Define Success Conference webpage to submit your presentation abstracts. Details on the conference programme and event logistics will be shared on the website as the event date approaches. 

    For any queries, you can send an email to redefinesuccess@suss.edu.sg

  • Agroecology updates, plus a new date for the GFRAS Annual Meeting
    Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services
    GFRAS Update – February 2025
      
    In this first 2025 edition of the GFRAS Update
     
    New dates decided for the 15th GFRAS Annual Meeting, scheduled to take place in Senegal. Mark your calendars! Read more about this important update below, as well as about the following other topics:
     
     The Future of Extension – Keynote from Tawanda Hove (BMGF), held for the GFRAS General Assembly, now available online.GFRAS Strategy Task Force Call – Seeking experts to help shape the future of rural advisory services.Africa-Wide Extension Week 2025 –  Around 1,000 delegates expected to gather in Lilongwe, Malawi, in May 2025. GFRAS to host a side event on agroecology.FAO Case Study Call – Identifying case studies on pluralistic extension services for ecosystem restoration. Survey link & deadline included.Latin America SHEP Seminar – JICA, RELASER, IICA & IFAD discuss market-oriented agriculture in the region.AERAS Project Showcase – Latest progress on GFRAS’ agroecology project, and farmer advisory support initiatives.IALB/EUFRAS/SEASN Annual Rural Advisors Conference 2025 – June 25-26 in Brussels, focusing on advisory services’ role in agricultural policies. Registration open.AESA Panel Discussion – “Beyond Traditional Roles: Career Options for Extension Graduates” on Feb 27 at 15:30 IST.Nutrition Policy Brief – RELASER & RAS-SEA launch guidance on integrating nutrition into agricultural extension services in Indonesia.Caribbean Survey – University of Florida-led study on extension services in the region, supported by GFRAS.  We hope you enjoy this edition of the GFRAS Update!
    GFRAS Annual Meeting in Senegal – New Dates Announced
    GFRAS is proud to announce the new dates for the 15th GFRAS Annual Meeting, now scheduled to take place from 11-13 November 2025, with side events planned for 10 November. Following a series of discussions on the topic held in 2024, GFRAS is moving forward with a highly anticipated in-person gathering.The new administration in Senegal is actively engaged and strongly committed to the event, and is supported by AFAAS, as the continental extension network, alongside RESCAR-AOC, the West and Central Africa Network of Agricultural and Rural Advisory Services, and ANCAR. The meeting will continue to focus on the professionalization of advisory services, capacity building, and strengthening extension systems to better serve farmers and rural communities. Stay tuned for more details and registration information! ­
    GFRAS Strategic Framework 2026-2030: Join the Task Force!
    ­ GFRAS is renewing its strategic framework for 2026-2030. This framework will guide GFRAS in responding to the need for strengthening the agricultural extension and advisory services  ability to scale innovations and facilitate the required agrifood systems transformation. It will address the needs of its members, aligning with external opportunities and constraints. The renewal process will be participatory and inclusive, ensuring broad input from all relevant stakeholders. To support this effort, GFRAS is seeking members from its constituency to join the Task Force and Selection Committee. More details can be found in the Terms of Reference (ToR), which outline the procedure and requirements. Applications will be received until March 12, 2025. This is an opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of rural advisory services. ­ Access the ToR
    Africa-Wide Extension Week 2025
    The Africa-Wide Extension Week (AAEW) 2025 is set to take place from May 12-16, 2025, in Lilongwe, Malawi, bringing together around 1,000 delegates from across the continent and beyond to exchange ideas and shape the future of extension and advisory services. This year’s theme, “Rebranding Extension for Enhanced Public-Private Sector Driven Commercialisation, Industrialisation, and Inclusive Food Systems,” will focus on strengthening collaboration between stakeholders to drive agricultural transformation and sustainable food systems. GFRAS plans to host a dedicated side event at AAEW, bringing together agroecology experts and projects from its network, including the latest developments in the “Empowering Small-Scale Farmers in Agroecology (AERAS) project”. The session will showcase innovative approaches and best practices in agroecology within rural advisory services. ­ Register here
    ÆRAS Progress: Empowering Small-Scale Farmers in Agroecology ­ The ÆRAS  Project, funded by the European Commission and administered by IFAD, continues to make significant progress in strengthening participatory Rural Advisory Services (RAS) to support small-scale farmers in their transition to agroecology. To date, 5,036 farmers have been engaged across four target countries, reaching 56% of the overall goal of 9,000 farmers.Capacity-building efforts have exceeded expectations, with 33 Master Trainers and 243 RAS facilitators trained, surpassing the project’s targets. Additionally, 30 Peer Learning Teams (PLTs) have been established, and 43 coaching sessions have been conducted to enhance knowledge exchange.National-level learning and sharing workshops have been a cornerstone of the project, fostering reflection and collaboration among stakeholders. Workshops in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Uganda brought together 244 participants, exceeding initial expectations. These events provided a platform for discussing best practices, addressing challenges, and strengthening synergies with national institutions. As the project continues, a focus on monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive learning ensures ongoing improvements in advisory services and agroecological transitions for small-scale farmers. In the image below, a snapshot from the Ecuador National Symposium on Soil Conservation Strategy, part of the project.
    GFRAS Networks and its Partners
    ­ FAO-led Task Force on Best Practices ­ The FAO-led Task Force on Best Practices for the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (UN Decade) is conducting a global survey to identify case studies on pluralistic extension and advisory services for ecosystem restoration. They are aiming at documenting and showcasing good practices, and facilitating knowledge sharing among countries. The best case studies will be published in a compendium and presented at global events to help develop capacities to effectively provide extension and advisory services that integrate ecosystem restoration knowledge and practice. The survey is available in English, Chinese, French and Spanish. The survey will remain open until 15 April 2025. We invite the GFRAS community to contribute with its experiences, and hopefully draw attention to innovations happening at country level.  ­ Complete the survey
    ­ Towards a Market-Oriented Family Farming Agriculture ­ The International Seminar on the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) approach brought together over 120 participants from Latin America to explore market-oriented agricultural empowerment. Organized by JICA Bolivia with support from IFAD, IICA, and RELASER, the event highlighted SHEP’s transformation from “produce and sell” to “produce to sell,” enabling farmers to make informed, market-driven production decisions. Experts emphasized empowerment, rural women’s leadership, and innovation, while discussing challenges such as low adoption of technology and limited market knowledge.  With reported income increases of up to 70%, the SHEP model is gaining traction across Latin America, aiming to reach one million farmers by 2030. GFRAS and JICA have also worked together on a SHEP online training module. ­ Access it here
    Caribbean-Targeted Survey ­ The University of Florida is conducting a survey to gather insights on the current state and future needs of extension services in the Caribbean. This initiative aims to identify challenges, opportunities, and best practices to enhance rural advisory services in the region. We invite extension professionals, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners across the Caribbean to share their perspectives and contribute to shaping more effective and inclusive extension services. Your input will help inform strategies to strengthen knowledge sharing, capacity building, and innovation in agricultural extension. Your voice is crucial in building a more resilient and responsive extension system in the Caribbean.
    Take the survey
    Networking and Connecting
    Last Chance to Register: AESA Panel on Career Options for Extension Graduates ­ There is still one day left to register for the AESA (Agricultural Extension in South Asia) panel discussion on Beyond Traditional Roles: Career Options for Extension Graduates. This session will explore diverse career paths beyond teaching and research, featuring experts who have successfully built careers in the non-public sector. The event will take place on February 27, 2025, at 3:30 PM IST on Google Meet.Interested participants can still secure their spot by registering through the following link: Registration Form. This is a great opportunity to gain insights from professionals shaping the future of extension careers.

    IALB/EUFRAS/SEASN Conference ­ The 64th IALB | 14th EUFRAS | 11th SEASN Annual Rural Advisors Conference, is scheduled for 25-26 June 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. This year’s theme is “Strengthening the Role of Advisors and Educators in the CAP – Now and in Future.” Events will be held at the Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the EURegistration: Now open at https://eveeno.com/ialb-eufras-seasn-2025. Young advisors under 35 are especially encouraged to attend and can also avail of this discount. For more details, including the event program, visit the conference website. ­ ­ Keynote: The Future of Extension ­ GFRAS is pleased to share the insightful keynote address delivered by Dr. Tawanda Hove from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation at the 2024 GFRAS General Assembly. His presentation explores the future of extension and the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in advisory services worldwide.Dr. Hove highlights how AI is already shaping agricultural extension, improving knowledge delivery, decision-making, and farmer engagement. His address provides valuable insights into how extension professionals can leverage digital innovations to enhance service delivery and meet the evolving needs of farmers. ­

    Showcase: Nutrition Policy Brief

    Strengthening Nutrition in Agricultural Extension in Indonesia ­ The Community of Practice (CoP) on Effective Integration of Nutrition into Extension and Advisory Services has launched a new policy brief highlighting strategies to integrate nutrition into extension services.  Indonesia faces a triple burden of malnutrition—under-nutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies—making it essential to enhance agricultural practices to improve food security. The policy brief emphasizes the role of extension and advisory services (EAS) in addressing these challenges by leveraging digital technologies, multi-stakeholder engagement, and participatory approaches. It also underscores the need for capacity development, data-driven monitoring, and innovative outreach strategies to promote sustainable agri-food systems. The CoP serves as a knowledge-sharing platform involving extensionists, researchers, policymakers, and civil society. The policy recommendations call for investments in nutrition-sensitive agriculture, strategic partnerships, and improved extension practices to ensure long-term impact.For more details, access the full policy brief. Access the policy brief ­

    Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services
    Avenue de Jordils, 1, c/o AGRIDEA
    1001 LAUSANNE – Switzerland
    info@g-fras.org ­ ­ ­

  • Meeting with Timor Leste Directorate of Agriculture Extension and Training Timor Leste Extension Service

    Colleagues from Timor Leste express an interest to enhance extension in the country. According to Quintiliano Afonso Belo, MSc Senior Official, National Directorate of Agriculture Extension and Training Timor Leste  Extension Service, Timor Leste is currently striving to enhance agricultural extension and training services for farmers. As part of this effort, Directorate of Agriculture Extension and Training Timor Leste would like to collaborate and lean from other countries and adapt best practices.  On 12 February 2024, Dr. Siti Amanah (RAS-SEA Chairperson, from IPB University) together with RAS-SEA Program Manager (Dr. Epsi Euriga) and two RAS-SEA Volunteers (Ms. Siti Syamsiah and Mr. Rafnel Azhari) met virtually with Mr Belo and the Director of Agriculture Extension and Training Timor Leste (as shown in the photos documentation in this update news). The objective of the meeting was to discuss about the context of Extension and Rural Advisory Services (RAS) in Southeast Asia Region and Globally. The meeting also talked about the GFRAS, APIRAS, RASSEA Forum as the network forum to contribute to the improvement of the small-holder farmers welfare from the perspective sustainable agri-food system. The Timor Leste colleagues request to be part of RAS-SEA considering the need for learning and exchange experiences from Indonesia Country (and others) to find solution regarding the role of extension services to transform livelihood of small-holder farmers, enhance RAS, etc. There is also possibility for the Timor Leste if needed to create Country Fora for Timor Leste. The Timor Leste representatives would like to present at the Fourth RASSEA Biennial Meeting together with three Country Fora in RASSEA (The Philippines Extension and Advisory Services (PhilEASNet) the co-host for the 4th Biennial Meeting on August 25th 2025 that will be held virtually; Indonesia Forum for Rural Advisory Services (IFRAS), and Malaysia Forum for Rural Advisory Services (MAFRAS) Network). To date the Biennial Meeting preparation is on going. (SA)

  • POLICY BRIEF COMMUNITY OF PRACTICESON EXTENSION AND ADVISORY SERVICESFOR NUTRITION SECURITY IN INDONESIA: A Sustainable Agri-Food Systems Approach

  • 📢 CALL FOR GLOBAL CHANGE-MAKERS 📢

    The 5th International Conference on Rural Socio-economic Transformation (RUSET) 2024 is finally open 🥳

    RUSET is an annual event organized by the Department of Communication and Community Development Sciences, IPB University, Bogor.

    This year’s conference focuses on ”Toward Sustainable Agri-food Systems, Robust Agriculture 4.0, and Inclusive Community Development”.

    By registering, you will engage with outstanding experts from various international universities, contribute to impactful discussions, and collaborate on innovative solutions to critical challenges.

    🗓 Date: October 29-30, 2024.
    📍Location: Zoom Meeting
    💵 Fee
    •⁠ ⁠Without E-Certificate: FREE!
    •⁠ ⁠With E-Certificate: Rp 50.000/5 USD

  • EMPOWERING WOMEN FARMERS

    When: 15th August 2024

    Where: Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

    🔗 Join Online: Scan the QR Code

    Join us on August 15th in Bogor for a session with U.S. and Indonesian women farmers sharing their experiences in adopting technology and boosting productivity.

    🔗 Join Online: Scan the QR Code

  • Fundraising for Agricultural Networks

    GFRAS on Tuesday, June 18 2024 held a webinar discussing Fundraising for Agricultural Networks. This activity was attended by participants from sub regional and country fora of GFRAS. RASSEA also attended and participated in this activity.

    Dr Carl Larsen, executive secretary of GFRAS explains the importance of fundraising activities and how to best strategy them. When raising funds, it is important first to understand the big picture of the activities to be carried out, the impact on stakeholders, including the benefits for potential funding. Carl also mentioned the importance of clarifying ambitions, reviewing resources, external mapping, capacity building, and after that explains about how to write good proposals.

    During the discussion session, issues and views emerged and developed, such as that currently funding is available mostly for research projects advertised by national bodies, not for knowledge management activities. In addition, the priorities of national agencies may differ from those of extension networks. On the other hand, small amounts of funds are difficult to obtain, donors want large proposals (millions) which are not needed and cannot be managed by our network.

    RASSEA in this discussion expressed the view that in fundraising we need more colleagues in the network who have negotiation skills that will help in fundraising. Identifying potential donors and submitting portfolios also becomes very important. Establishing initial partnerships with potential partners is also something that needs to be done, including in order to understand the donor’s perspective/priority areas.

    This activity is very useful for opening perspectives regarding the best strategy for raising funds for the Agricultural Network and also being able to experience the best experiences from each participant from various countries. In relation to this, RASSEA has developed resource mobilisation framework to finance programs and activities. (RA).

  • Empowering Communities through Cross-Border Collaboration: A Joint Learning Initiative between Indonesia’s IPB University and Malaysia’s UCTC UPM via RASSEA
    Figure 1 Group photo of all academic visit participants.

    The Master’s Program in Development Communication (majoring in Communication and Development Extension) at the Department of Communication and Community Development Sciences, IPB University, recently conducted an academic visit to the University Community Transformation Center (UCTC) at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Selangor. The visits to Malaysia were Held from May 16 to 18, 2024, the visit aimed to enhance mutual understanding of extension and development communication through a collaborative learning experience between the two countries.

    Led by Dr. Siti Amanah, a lecturer at IPB University and Chairperson of the Rural Advisory Services Southeast Asia (RASSEA), the delegation was warmly welcomed by Associate Professor Dr. Khairulmazmi Ahmad, Director of UCTC UPM, and Professor Dr. Norsida Man, Deputy Director of UCTC and Chairperson of the Malaysia Forum for Rural Advisory Services (MAFRAS). The collaborative exchange program attracted 150 participants and was held in a hybrid format, engaging stakeholders from academic institutions, the Malaysian Ministry of Agriculture, the private sector, and research communities.

    Extension and development communication play a crucial role in empowering farmers and rural communities by enhancing the capacity of individuals, groups, and institutions to sustainably improve their quality of life. As of 2024, Indonesia’s population has exceeded 280 million, with approximately 27.5 million people employed in agriculture. Alarmingly, half of these farmers live in poverty, and the number of agricultural extension workers—currently fewer than 50,000—is insufficient to effectively serve the nation’s 75,000 villages. Thus, multi-stakeholder collaboration involving the government, volunteer extension agents, and private sector actors is urgently needed to bridge the gap in extension services.

    One of the strategies presented by Dr. Siti Amanah during the session was Indonesia’s model of partnership in Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services. Her presentation was based on findings from a joint study with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), titled Agricultural Human Capital Investment (AHCI). A notable case she discussed was the collaboration between the global cocoa company PT Mars and farmers, extension workers, as well as both local and national governments. This partnership is part of the Rural Empowerment and Agricultural Development Scaling-Up Initiatives (READSI), which aims to enhance the technical and non-technical capabilities of cocoa farmers in South Sulawesi.

    Figure 2. Presentation session by Dr. Siti Amanah.

    The innovation introduced by READSI lies in its Cocoa Doctor approach—training farmer group leaders as master trainers who then guide their group members in best practices for cocoa cultivation. These practices include seedling production, plant rejuvenation, the use of liquid microorganisms, and expanded market access. Local extension agents support this system by serving as facilitators, collaborators, and advisors. Notably, women farmers are actively involved in the cocoa seedling process. This initiative has demonstrated tangible improvements in farming practices and livelihoods. The full report on this successful partnership can be accessed here: https://hdl.handle.net/10568/143136.

    Extension services are fundamentally an educational investment that fosters empowerment through behavioral transformation. Effective communication, community participation, and inclusive engagement are essential elements for sustaining this transformation. The success of extension efforts heavily relies on the involvement, initiative, and motivation of individuals, groups, and local communities. These services are multidimensional and must be tailored to the specific challenges and local contexts in which they are applied.

    Both Indonesia and Malaysia have demonstrated successful examples of extension and empowerment programs that unite government agencies, communities, and the private sector to enhance farmer capacity. UCTC UPM, for instance, employs a bottom-up approach that utilizes the university’s physical resources and human capital to bridge the gap between academia and local communities, making the campus more accessible to the people.

    During the visit, Wulan Ali Rahmin, a graduate student from IPB University, had the chance to share her experience working in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi. She detailed how she and her team assisted the local community in developing sustainable innovations using coconut husks—an agricultural waste product often discarded after harvesting the fruit. Their initiative transformed coconut husks into “cocopots,” a practical and eco-friendly product. This participatory approach not only advanced environmental sustainability but also delivered economic benefits to the community, particularly to women and youth.

    This collaborative forum between Indonesia and Malaysia serves as a strong example of how regional networks like RASSEA can foster synergies among stakeholders to develop more effective and inclusive extension and advisory services. Through shared learning and innovative partnerships, Southeast Asian countries are establishing the foundation for a more just, empowered, and sustainable rural future.

  • HAPPY RAMADHAN 1445 H / 2024

    “May Allah Always Bless You and Your family with joys, togetherness,and happiness”

  • HAPPY NEW YEAR 2024

    Wishing you a prosperous New Year

    filled with happiness and new opportunities.

  • Institutional Innovation to Facilitate Low-Cost Organic Certification- How Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Work in Vietnam, APIRAS-APAARI-FAO-TAP Good Practice Note 4
  • EL NIÑO IMPACT ON AGRICULTURE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

    Agriculture sector in Southeast Asia is facing serious problem, in which the production several comodities such as rice and corn is fluctuated causing the unstability in the food supply. One factor influencing the rice productions is climate extreme.

    El Niño is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. Trade winds and atmosphere are also impacted by El Niño.

    In Indonesia, currently the price of rice is increasing because the availability of rice is decreasing. The impact of El Nino greatly influences this situation. Several provinces have experienced drought which has resulted in rice fields failing to harvest.

    The Impact of El Nino on Farmers

    The impact of El Nino is felt by farmers, especially in the agricultural sector. Some of the impacts are:

    1. Drought

    El Nino often causes sea surface temperatures to increase and reduce rainfall in some areas. Prolonged drought can occur as a result of this, causing the availability of water for agriculture to decrease.

    • Planting Season Disruption

    El Nino changes weather patterns and can disrupt the usual planting season. Farmers may experience delays in planting crops, a reduction in planting area, or even crop failure.

    • Diseases and Pests

    Changes in weather conditions due to El Nino can affect the spread of plant diseases and pests. A more favorable environment for some diseases and pests may emerge, which can lead to faster spread and damage to crops and reduced yields.

    • Decrease in Plant Quality

    High temperatures and water shortages due to El Nino can cause a decrease in crop quality. Fruits and vegetables grown in less than ideal conditions tend to be smaller, taste less delicious, and have poor overall quality.

    • Market Instability

    Changes in agricultural production due to El Nino can cause market instability. If harvests are reduced or fail, supply can decrease, which can then lead to price increases and an imbalance between supply and demand.

    Mitigation and climate data are very necessary in the agricultural sector to reduce negative impacts. Therefore, modern agriculture based on data and good risk analysis must be strengthened and its socialization must be intensified.

    Efforts to Anticipate and Adapt to El Nino in the Agricultural Sector

    To face the threat of El Nino, farmers and governments can take the following steps:

    Identification and Mapping of Affected Areas

    Identifying and mapping areas at risk of experiencing drought is an important step to anticipate and overcome the impact of El Nino. Higher risk areas can be categorized into red, yellow and green zones to devise appropriate mitigation strategies.

    • Planting Acceleration

    Farmers can speed up the planting schedule to catch the remaining rain that is still available before the dry period arrives. In this way, they can maximize the potential yield.

    • Increased Availability of Machine Tools

    The government can increase the availability of agricultural tools and machinery (machines) to help farmers in the process of accelerating planting. Modern machinery allows the planting process to be more efficient and faster.

    • Increased Water Availability

    Construction and improvement of water management infrastructure such as reservoirs, ditch dams, infiltration wells, rehabilitation of irrigation networks and pumping are important to increase water availability during the dry season.

    • Provision of Drought and OPT Resistant Seeds

    Providing superior seeds that are drought resistant and optimal pest and disease (OPT) control options need to be prioritized to ensure agriculture continues to produce well even in unfavorable weather conditions.

    • El Nino Impact Adaptation and Mitigation Program

    The government can design special adaptation and mitigation programs to deal with the impacts of El Nino. This program can include education, technical guidance, and assistance for farmers.

    • Centralized and Independent Development of Organic Fertilizer

    Using organic fertilizer can help increase soil fertility and plant resistance to drought. The development of centralized and independent organic fertilizer can support farmers in facing El Nino.

  • PRESS RELEASE “THE THIRD BIENNIAL RASSEA 2023” Webinar in Conjuction With RASSEA Meeting

    RASSEA is an organization part of the GFRAS network, which is a Sub Regional network that enables multi stakeholders in extension education/RAS to engage and support for the betterment of extension education/RAS towards the sustainability of agri-food in South East Asia.

    Since its establishment in 2019, RASSEA has endeavored to provide support and advocacy in the implementation of agricultural extension in Southeast Asia through various meetings and formulation of recommendations for countries as part of country fora as well as recommendations that can be implemented regionally.

    RASSEA has developed a strategic plan for 2021-2030 as an operational plan which will also use as a monitoring system that will support program and action planning, measure changes and developments in extension/RAS. in the RASSEA strategic Plan it is stated that RASSEA provide forum exchange or sharing of knowledge and experiences, processing data and information, promoting innovation and lesson learnt among the member countries in extension/RAS. So this webinar and meeting is important as an effort to share experiences as well as prepare recommendations regarding extension/RAS.

    1. Youth in Agriculture by Laras Salsabila, Sustainable Development Practice/Post Graduate Student at University of Florida

    The role of youth in agriculture is very important as a successor in preparing future food for this reason, it is necessary to have strategies and policies that are conducive so that young people are interested in doing business in the agricultural sector by develop holistic youth development program and Simplify regulatory processes as well as to create a one-stop platform for all agricultural business needs. At the empowerment side, involving youth in agriculture sector should be provide and develop a curriculum that aligns with current agricultural trends and demands for specialized training sessions, webinars, or workshops on agri-tech, sustainable farming, and agri-business management

    • Integration Nutrition in Extension and Advisory Service by Dr. Virginia Cardenas, APIRAS Board Member and GFRAS Focal Point.

    Improving nutrition is at the core of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda 2: Zero Hunger. It meant that food security, nutrition and agriculture are part of the same global agenda. SDG 2 encourages the world to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. In line with the purpose of extension/RAS which encompasses all activities aimed to providing information and services needed by farmers and other actors in rural settings, which assist them in developing their own technical, organizational, and management skills and practices so as to improve their livelihoods and well-being.  The integration of nutrition in RAS is important because it is necessary to raise awareness for all parties, both for farmers as producers of quality food to women who will process nutritious food. For that sake it will be requires a strong and comprehensive policy because it is not only from the agricultural side but also from the health side and also law enforcement especially to get fair food for the people.

    The RASSEA 3rd Biennial Meeting discussed follow-ups that would be carried out by both the country fora and RASSEA as regional networking. As an introduction to the discussion, start with the presentation delivered by:

    1. Dr. Siti Amanah as chairperson of RASSEA
    2. Dr. Arlene Flores as the Philipines Country fora chairperson
    3. Prof. Dr. Noorsida Man as country Fora chairperson of Malaysia
    4. Dr. Johan David Wetik as country fora chairperson for Indonesia

    The discussion at the RASSEA 3rd  Biennial Meeting conducted by each presenter conveyed the potentials and constraints in developing the organization both in each country and regionally. 

    In general, the problems faced by country fora concern to governance and organizations that are still not sustainable, support from stakeholders that needs to be increased, as well as adequate financial support for the implementation of activities in accordance with plans that have been develop. However, all country forums agree that the activities carried out have very positive impact in developing extensions/RAS in each respective country for strengthening the food and nutrition system through an approach that prioritizes community empowerment.

    The meeting resulted in several points of following agreement was obtained:

    1. Maintaining program and activities include RASSEA website as information and communication virtual platform
    2. Strengthening country fora in providing support or recommendations for implementing extensions/RAS in each respective country
    3. Conduct join program of RAS in South East Asia on matters of capacity building, poverty alleviation, gender mainstreaming to improve the quality of extension/RAS for developing better food and nutrition policy.
    4. Identify champion figures who can pushed  organizations to the next level that have leadership and integrity
    5. Strengthening network with potential partner in developing extension/RAS
    6. Identify opportunities to obtain sustainable funding sources by fund raising and resources mobilization

    The next 4th RASSEA meeting in 2025 will be proposed hosted by the Phillipines/Phileasnet.

  • GLOBAL WEBINAR “Contemporary Digital Innovations & Solution for Agricultural Extension”

    Dear Digital RAS Community,

    We are happy to announce that, after discussions with our GIZ colleagues, we have set a date for the Global Webinar on the Digital RAS project.

    We propose it for Tuesday, 29 August, between 13:00 and 15:00 CEST.

    A full programme will follow in the next weeks, but attached is already a flyer we ask you to share with your networks. It has the registration link, which you can also find here.

    We’re looking forward to seeing you all there!

    The registration link, which you can also find here.

  • VIRTUAL MEETING Topic: Country Fora Enhancement

    Friday, 9 June 2023. Dr. Siti Amanah (Chair, APIRAS, and RASSEA), Prof Dr Norsida Man (Chairperson for Malaysia Forum for RAS Network), Dr. Johan David Wetik (Chairperson, IFRAS), Dr. Epsi Euriga (Program Officer, RASSEA), Dr. Ranny Mutiara C., Lanny Eugenia, and Feriadi were involved in the virtual meeting. The topic is Country Fora Enhancement especially in southeast asia. The results of the meeting agreed that The Third Annual Meeting of RASSEA Would be held in September. The even will be hosted by Malaysia Forum for RAS Network Cooperated with IFRAS UPM, FEMA IPB University, University Community Transformation Centre (UCTC).

    
    
  • @RASSEA INFORMATION

    Dear Digital RAS Group,

    Below is the invitation for tomorrow’s webinar, hosted by Anglophone Africa:
    Their presentation will focus on:
    Uganda: DIGITAL EXTENSION SERVICES PROVIDERS IN UGANDA: A CASE STUDY OF FAMUNERA AGRIBUSINESS MARKETPLACE
    Nigeria: CONTEMPORARY DIGITAL INNOVATIONS & SOLUTIONS FOR AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION ADVISORY SERVICS: THE CASE OF NIGERIA FARMERS HELPLINE

  • PRESS RELEASE REGIONAL WEBINAR ON DIGITAL RAS IN ASIA (March 9th, 2023)

    The Webinar discussed about the current potentials and challenges of digitalization and Rural Advisory Services in Asia, conducted in collaboration with RASSEA, GFRAS, GIZ and supported by APIRAS and IPB University. Attend in the webinar are Representative of Gov’t of Indonesia, Gov’t of Philippines, Global & Regional RAS Stakeholders and Networks, Indonesia and the Philippines Study Team, and Resource Persons in RAS Technology & Communication Services.

    Dr.Hlami Ngwenya from GFRAS Secretariat open the webinar and expressed enthusiasm in following the sharing exchange, expected lesson learn inspire from the recent Digital RAS study that can be share within GFRAS networks, while Chairperson of RASSEA, Dr.Siti Amanah extended welcome speech to all the participants  

    Sharing Session By Mr. Erlangga and Mr. Ronny Adhikarya

    –  an opportunity towards new concept of knowledge/communication brokering, where in this case ( GFRAS has been developing a concept of knowledge brokering called new extensionist, Inclusive RAS Participation by Formulate involvement RAS actor within AIS,  opportunities towards ICT, and created New Extensionist learning KIT), alternative channels to generated Online Service through Social Media, and other online platform.

    Opportunity and challenge to explore A demand driven RAS orientation

    – Challenge remaining in RAS tech Infrastructure and Digital Litercy, and measuring Digital RAS effectively use by farmer and extensionist, a need towards Ethic communication, a need smart tool in validating data and Generating financial scheme such as paid digital extension

    • Closure and way forward

    In a fast changing world, Digital RAS plays as effective tool to closing the gap towards some existing RAS demand. Yet issues towards access, technical, management, and funding are those that become great homework for all, the RAS stakeholders.

  • PRESS RELEASE – The 12th GFRAS Annual Meeting Side Event
  • “The Tropical Agriculture Platform towards the Future Advisory Services and Agroecology”

    Agriculture in tropical region has a unique agro-ecology and socio-economic of the community. Unprecedented changes related to nature and human activities have affected the agri-food value chains. Considering the challenges of agriculture in the tropics, Rural Advisory Services for Southeast Asia (RAS-SEA) wishes to organize a side event entitled “The Tropical Agriculture Platform (TAP) towards the future advisory services and agro-ecology.” The side event aims to share the idea and social innovation on transformation of agriculture/rural advisory services in the new normal era and fast development of digital technology. All stakeholders should have a clear vision for the future agriculture/rural advisory services. The question is how TAP as a platform can assist farmers, female farmers, and youth meet the need? How could extension and advisory services become more professional, sustainable, and agro-ecology oriented? Interested to join? Join us on 30 November 2021 at the designed time.09:30-11:30 Serbia Time15:30-17:30 Jakarta/Bangkok Time 16:30-18:30 KL/Sin/Manila Time

    Please fill the link below :Thank you!

  • 12th GFRAS Annual Meeting 2021

    OVERCOMING COVID-19: HOW AGROECOLOGY AND RURAL ADVISORY SERVICES CAN SUPPORT RECOVERY AND STRONGER VALUE CHAINS

    The 12th GFRAS Annual Meeting will take place virtually and be organized in Belgrade, Serbia between 1 and 3 December, 2021. Side events are planned to take place on November 30th.

    Join us to discuss how agroecology is acquiring new relevance and a path to reconstruct a post-COVID-19 agriculture. The Annual meeting is co-organized by the Institute for Science Application in Agriculture, Serbia (IPN/ ISAA) and the South Eastern Europe Advisory Service Network (SEASN).

    Apply now here

  • GrowHer Launching in Indonesia!

    The #GrowHer launch in #Indonesia (Wednesday, 15 September) is an opportunity for #agriculture stakeholders to explore how digital platforms and technology play a critical role in empowering #women agripreneurs. Register here to learn more about the systemic issues that women in the industry face and how we can address them 👉 bit.ly/GrowHer-ID

    GrowHer.org is a community-based platform that connects women to learning events, essential resources and best-practice sharing from other women agripreneurs. While we recognize that there is no ‘silver bullet’ to closing the gender gap, GrowHer will help inform, inspire and empower women, providing them with resources to sustainability increase their yields and income.

    https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z6eowadzT3eXC-X2EnoKNw