UNFSS Independent Dialogue: The Critical Role of Agricultural Extension in Advancing the 2030 Agenda: Lessons from the Field and Empirical Evidence

The objective of this dialogue is to come to a common understanding of how extension can contribute to the SDGs and adapt to future needs.

During this dialogue, questions including what capacities are needed, how is extension performing in these areas, how can it do better and what should countries, funders, managers, implementers do will be answered.

It will include the viewpoints of what the SAA and IFPRI are learning as implementers and researchers respectively, in agricultural extension, with a focus on the future and the SDGs. They will highlight the ongoing IFPRI-Japan collaboration, as well as prepare for a summit side event in September, by bringing recommendations from the dialogue for action.

Welcome and Introductions

• Samuel Benin, Deputy Division Director, Africa Regional Office, CGIAR-IFPRI (video message)
• Teunis van Rheenen, Director of Business Development and External Relations, CGIAR-IFPRI
• Amit Roy, Vice-Chairman, Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA)

Sharing Evidence and Experience

• Kristin Davis, Senior Research Fellow, CGIAR-IFPRI
• Mel Oluoch, Regional Director, Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA)
• Hiroyuki Takeshima, Senior Research Fellow, CGIAR-IFPRI

Panel Discussion: Perspectives from practitioners on extension’s role in sustainability, nutrition, and markets

• Yenenesh Egu Bezabih, Director, Agricultural Extension Directorate, Ministry of Agriculture
• Fentahun Mengistu, Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) Country Director, Ethiopia
• Roseline Nyamutale, Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) Country Director, Uganda
• Catherine Ragasa (Session Facilitator), Senior Research Fellow, CGIAR-IFPRI
• Patience Rwamigisa, Asst. Commissioner Agricultural Extension Coordination, Department of Agricultural Extension and Skills Management, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries

Small Group Discussions Facilitators

• Suresh Babu, Senior Research Fellow / Head of Capacity Strengthening, CGIAR-IFPRI
• Kristin Davis, Senior Research Fellow, CGIAR-IFPRI
• Paul Kibwika, Associate Professor, Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University
• Max Olupot, East Africa Farmer Field School Hub Coordinator
• Catherine Ragasa (Session Facilitator), Senior Research Fellow, CGIAR-IFPRI

Rapporteur

• Festus Amadu, University of Illinois
• Andrea Bohn, Project Coordinator, University of Florida
• Mercy Mburu, Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services – Kenya (KeFAAS)

Concluding remarks

• Suresh Babu, Senior Research Fellow / Head of Capacity Strengthening, CGIAR-IFPRI
• Makoto Kitanaka, President, Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA)

Moderator

• Katarlah Taylor, Events Manager, CGIAR-IFPRI