The 2014 Africa Rising program learning event focused on updating the program framework, refining typologies, and discussing innovation systems theory across projects. Key resolutions included revising the program framework, enhancing the documentation of innovation platforms, and establishing a common framework for platform operations. Plans for future events include field visits and a scientific symposium on sustainable intensification in Africa.

1. Highlights from the 2014 Africa RISING Program-wide
Learning Event
Jonathan Odhong, IITA
Africa RISING West Africa Project Annual Review and Planning
Meeting, Accra, Ghana, 24-25 March 2015

2. Participants at the Annual Africa RISING Program Learning Event, Arusha – 11 November, 2014

3. LEARNING EVENT OBJECTIVES 2014
1. Review and discuss how to update the
program framework in the light of
recent experiences
2. Focus on how Africa RISING teams have
been elaborating their typologies and
dealing with diversity so far, to draw
lessons across the program
3. Discuss and clarify innovation systems
theory and practice across Africa RISING
projects (with emphasis on innovation
& R4D platforms)
4. (light) Plan program-level events and
discuss how we can improve (social)
learning across Africa RISING

4. KEY RESOLUTIONS
On program framework…
Need to revise the program framework
document (esp. the hypotheses based on
the experience gained over the past 3 years,
this decision to be further discussed at the
PCT)

5. KEY RESOLUTIONS
On typologies…
1. Functional issues like the farmers
aspirations were neglected when coming
up with the typologies
2. There were 3 typologies
presented….world bank, Wageningen
and IFPRI. A team (Peter Thorne, Jens,
Per, Jeroen, Carlo, Katrien) was
suggested to review and agree on the
most appropriate typologies for the
Africa RISING context

6. KEY RESOLUTIONS
On Innovation/R4D Platforms….
1. A common framework needed across the sites for setting up the platforms
2. The process of the innovations platforms need to be documented
better…especially for West Africa
3. Innovation Platforms have to mobilize their resources
4. Share the experiences in setting up and maintaining platforms across the
regions through different program events (learning event, exchange visits etc.)
5. Clarify the role of IS/IPs in Africa RISING and link with existing systems...
6. Make use of existing structures e.g. Government and existing structures (think
of an exit strategy).
7. Be aware of the fact that the role of the platforms is likely to change overtime
8. Need to test effectiveness and efficiency of IPs as out-scaling and technology
adoption mechanisms (need to develop M&E tools for this). Develop a
sustainability plan for this

7. KEY RESOLUTIONS
on program-level events and learning across Africa RISING…
1. In future the learning event should be complemented by a field visit
2. A scientific symposium to be held sometime later in the year (sometime
around October/Nov)

8. “Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for Next Generation”.
www.africa-rising.net