A workshop on improving the dissemination of research results opened in Mfou on Thursday April 26, 2012.

A three-day workshop to seek ways of intensifying innovations, diversification and the processing of family agriculture in the Central African Sub-region through research-related efforts began in Mfou, near Yaounde on April 26, 2012. Organised by the National Consultation Forum of Farmers’ Organisations of Cameroon (CNOP-CAM), it came from the workshop that for the agricultural sector to be transformed, a review of the institutional framework and political landscape are inevitable. It also emerged that the technological pattern that was employed in the past needs to be reviewed and a system that blends indigenous knowledge with research results should be embraced.

The Regional Director of the International Centre for Agricultural Research for Development (CIRAD) for Central Africa, Dr. Patrice Grimaud at the opening, revealed their intention to assist in the implementation of research activities for development and also assist farmers through development projects to improve their livelihoods. The First Vice President of CNOP-CAM, Alangeh Romanus Che, said to transform the agricultural sector, key practitioners should be involved in decision-making to ensure that research addresses both practical and strategic needs for better quality seeds and improved breeds of livestock. Improved capacity profiles of extension workers and those involved in technology transfer was also underscored at the workshop.

Against this backdrop, CNOP-CAM has been working closely with the Sub-regional Platform of Farmers Organisations in Central Africa (PROPAC), and research institutions like the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), West and Central Africa Council for Agricultural Research for Development, and recently with the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD).

The workshop also seeks to consolidate partnership amongst members of a consortium that was recently created by CNOP-CAM, IRAD, the University of Yaounde II and CIRAD with a call for the promotion of agricultural innovations. At the end of the workshop, participants are expected to have defined the roles and responsibilities of the different parties, brainstormed and developed new inputs as well as drew up a calendar of activities.