The document discusses setting up a national-level Solution Exchange in India to connect development practitioners and tap into India's vast knowledge to address development challenges. It would have active communities of practice on topics like water, food security, health, and more. Specifically, it outlines the Food and Nutrition Security Community which has over 1,400 members and focuses on sustainable food production and reducing malnutrition. Solution Exchange would provide online discussions, consultations, and collaboration between members. The long term plan is to sustain 14 communities and expand the model to other countries.

1. Setting up a National-Level Solution Exchange for Agricultural Development Practitioners Steve Glovinsky Adviser, UN Country Team in India WITFOR Commission on Agriculture Parallel Session 1 Addis Ababa 22 August 2007

3. Active Communities of Practice Decentralization Water Food & Nutrition Security Gender Maternal & Child Health AIDS Education Getting organized for launching in the future: Work & Employment Sustainable Environment Public Health Disaster Management Newly Launched: Microfinance ICT for Development

5. Membership Profile Total subscribers as of end-June 2007: 1,441 Food & Nutrition Security Community

7. Solution Exchange Membership

8. Solution Exchange “Services”: e-Discussion Publication 3. “Discuss” Priority topic 2. “Consult” Draft plan/ policy/ programme e-Consultation Feedback for consideration e-Discussion (or Query) “ Action Group” assignment Action research; pilot; strategy; proposal 4. “Collaborate” 1. “Help” Responses Consolidated Reply Member Query

11. Conclusion – Main benefits: 1. Connecting practitioners 2. Enhanced knowledge on development issues 3. Branding for the UN as a source of ideas 4. Team building among the UN Agencies (UN Reform agenda)

12. ™ www.solutionexchange-un.net.in