The devastating effects of climate change provide university researchers with challenges as the drought leaves farmers with no groundnuts to harvest and no income. The project deadlines and student graduation are delayed as the proposed research must be adapted and focus on resilience to climate change and mitigation strategies.
Proactive and closely mentored farm attachment programmes have the potential to help farmers innovate and at the same time develop student skills and social commitment. This example particularly focuses on assisting women farmers with innovations.
RUFORUM and universities working closely with small farmers along the entire banana value chain to improve income and strengthen farmer institutions.
Addressing the challenge of short day length and disease, this RUFORUM grantee worked closely with farmers to develop export quality runner bean lines suitable for cultivation under tropical conditions. These efforts were then extended in projects to add value and market the beans.
The video shows the NEPAD Regional Fish Node at LUANAR in Malawi empowering rural farmers in the country to embrace inland fish farming as a viable business. This Community Action Research Program (CARP) Fish project that enhances fish production and marketing for food security and the income of small scale producers, shows students working with farmers and is funded by RUFORUM