Acerca
The purpose of this three-year Knowledge Programme, a partnership between IIED and Hivos is to integrate knowledge, raise debate, and empower a new generation of opinion leaders. The KP will be implemented by IIED and Hivos in close collaboration with a knowledge network consisting of academics, policy makers and practitioners active in this field. The KP will link up with existing networks and like-minded actors/activities to ensure strong policy impact.
The programme has two main thrusts:
1. Knowledge Development
Responding to statements of demands, a series of high quality review papers and associated policy briefs will be prepared by leaders in their field, tackling the central themes and dilemmas of smallholder organisation and links to markets in time of rapid change. Associated communications products and processes, using radio and webwill be developed.
2. Advancing knowledge-based strategies
Transforming knowledge into effective strategies, targeting smallholder groups and federations, along with the non-state actors that support and trade with smallholders. The programme will be built around a knowledge network of the next generation opinion leaders, linking Latin America, Africa, S/SE The network will study the modalities that can and are being used by the rural poor to take advantage of current market opportunities while circumventing the risks.
This programme will start as of January 2009.Further details will be uploaded in due course.
Antecedentes
Three-quarters of the world’s 1.2 billion poor people live in rural areas. Many are small-scale producers who depend on agriculture and natural resources for their livelihoods. International markets have been seen as a way out of poverty and food insecurity for small-scale producers. These markets comprise traditional food and fibre commodities, but also new markets for quality products, biodiversity conservation and mitigation of climate change.