LocationsKnowledge and Innovation – Pillars of Hope
Could UNDP's Innovation Groups Set a New Standard for Speeding Up Climate Change Response?
July 19, 2024
Source: UNDP
The projected temperature rise, increase in drought frequency, and water shortages in Uzbekistan are expected to reduce the yields of the country’s major crops by 25%–63% by the 2050s, (World Bank, 2021). To address these and other dire challenges in achieving food security, our primary tool of choice is undoubtedly the expansion of knowledge and innovative technologies. Agricultural production is inherently a complex and risky endeavour, requiring extensive knowledge, skills, and advanced tools. Farmers must navigate numerous variables, from weather patterns and soil conditions to pest management and market fluctuations. Sustainable production methods, such as climate-smart agriculture, elevate these demands even further.
However, a significant portion of our food is produced by small and medium farmers, who often face barriers in accessing the necessary knowledge and innovation. The solution is seen in embracing the concept of Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) - a framework that long aimed to define and enhance the flow of knowledge in agriculture by improving the roles and interactions of research, advisory services, academia, NGOs, and the businesses. Yet, the complexity of relationships among these stakeholders and the duration of improvement processes often delays tangible and immediate results for farmers.
This is where the Innovation Partnership concept, and its key feature - Innovation Groups, comes in - as a straightforward, practical mechanism enabling the rapid testing and dissemination of new technologies, breeds, or innovative solutions directly on farms.
Innovation Groups - Facilitating the Knowledge Streams
An Innovation Group is a collaborative team composed of different stakeholders as farmers, advisors, researchers, NGOs and other (depending on the topic) that meets for a limited time to address specific production challenge. These groups swiftly implement and test new breeds, innovative approaches or latest technologies directly on farms. They are supported by a dedicated fund and work under set rules and guidance, ensuring the resources and backing needed to implement and disseminate innovative solutions within the farming community. Originally, the concept was proposed in the EU in the 2010s as the European Innovation Partnership (EIP).
Graphics about Operational Groups by EIP-AGRI
UNDP, with funding from the European Union, adapted and tested this mechanism in Uzbekistan, marking its first implementation outside Europe. This was particularly interesting for a country where traditional farming practices dominate, and access to advanced agricultural knowledge and technologies is limited. Moreover, in Uzbekistan farmers face unique challenges, such as water
scarcity, soil salinity, and evident impact of climate change, which threaten their productivity and livelihoods.
Photo by Otabek Eshmatov, UNDP
The introduction of the Innovation Partnership and its Innovation Groups aimed to address these specific issues by fostering collaboration among local farmers, researchers, advisors and other key stakeholders. In 2022a public call for applications was announced to establish Innovation Groups. Out of over 200 applications, 18 were selected, each tasked with testing specific solutions and innovations on 18 different farms.
Photo by Otabek Eshmatov, UNDP
Each Innovation Group had to meet certain minimum criteria, such as obligatory involvement of a farmer and a research entity, minimum of 3 diverse partners (no limits here), and a focus on already defined climate change and sustainability issues - currently affecting Uzbek farmers. The selection process required a comprehensive work plan emphasizing dissemination and demonstration activities, with all activities to be completed within a maximum of two years.
The proposals from these groups were incredibly diverse and exciting. They ranged from testing new resistant hybrids of cotton, wheat, mung bean, okra, and artichoke, to introducing new breeds of sheep, pasture management, artificial insemination, exploring new fish farming models, bacterial soil remediation, collective dairy production and other. The simplified, tailored model and lower budget compared to the EU version, ensured a more approachable, manageable, and effective implementation.
Cultivating Diversity and Empowering Women
One of the most notable features of the Innovation Groups was their ability to engage rural women actively. UNDP proved that these groups are a functional platform for involving rural women, with even one group led by a women's association. So far 1277 rural women were engaged in work of the Innovation Groups or trainings and seminars. This initiative not only tested innovative solutions but also empowered women in the farming community, demonstrating the inclusivity and gender-responsive nature of the program.
Photo by Otabek Eshmatov, UNDP
Now, more than a year and a half after start, the established Innovation Groups are finalizing their outputs and actively sharing their findings with the wider community. The reception so far has been very positive, surpassing initial expectations. Farmers are embracing new, practical solutions and approaches, researchers have gained a new platform for their development and work. Agricultural advisors have engaged in dissemination events and acquired the knowledge important for their work, and participating women got new opportunity to lead. It has been a win-win for everyone involved. This is how the Innovation Partnership differs—it is based on practical solutions and everyone’s benefit.
Photo by Otabek Eshmatov, UNDP
Lessons Learned So Far
As we follow the final steps of Uzbekistan’s first Innovation Groups, we can already draw several valuable lessons:
- Farmers Embrace Innovation: Contrary to the myth of passivity and resistance to change, farmers are actively seeking innovative methods to improve their practices and adapt to new challenges. They just need clear guidance and support.
- Collaboration Fuels Success: A diverse range of stakeholders—farmers, researchers, advisors, educators, and businesses—are passionately collaborating, especially when supported by practical, streamlined, and clear-cut programs with clear common interests and benefits.
- Grassroots Knowledge Exchange: The most effective knowledge exchange and innovation adoption occur directly on farms, emanating from the grassroots level. This hands-on approach facilitates immediate feedback and rapid adoption among farmers.
- Tailored Solutions Work Best: The tailored model adapted for Uzbekistan proved more manageable and effective. By focusing on specific local challenges, the Innovation Groups developed more relevant and impactful solutions.
- Empowering Women Enhances Impact: Actively engaging rural women and supporting women-led groups has not only tested innovative solutions but also empowered women in the farming community.
- Effective Dissemination is Crucial: Ensuring that findings and innovations are effectively shared with the wider community has been vital. Dissemination activities, such as demonstration events and advisory sessions, are at the heart of the Innovation Partnership concept.
Photo by Otabek Eshmatov, UNDP
Turning Lessons into Action: Scaling -up for Climate Response?
In the face of immediate threats and challenges, could the UNDP Innovation Partnership become a way to accelerate climate change response by farming communities? Can it serve as a global model? While there are certain risks as in any new initiative—such as government commitment, lack of funding, and variety of local differences —there is obvious potential to explore the lessons learned in Uzbekistan and develop a replicable, and recognizable approach.
Photo by Hrvoje Ivan Horvat, UNDP
The gravity of global situation leaves us with limited options, and the Innovation Partnership and Innovation Groups could certainly become one of them. It offers a pathway for rapid innovation, practical application, and community engagement, which brings even more positive, synergistic effects. With dedicated efforts, proper funding, and a collaborative spirit, we can turn this concept into a beacon of hope, driving forward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and particularly Zero hunger, Climate action, and Gender equality.