Announcement: Innovation System Perspective in Agriculture and Rural Development for smallholder farmers

The eleventh regional conference of the Southern and Eastern African Association of Farming Systems Research-Extension (SEAAFSRE) will be held on 19-21 November 2012 in South Africa. The conference, whose theme is ‘Innovation System Perspective in Agriculture and Rural Development for smallholder farmers’ is intended to share experiences and best practices in moving agriculture from subsistence to commercial among resource-constrained farmers in the region. In particular, the conference will share practical experiences on the role innovation, agricultural training, research and extension can play in enhancing a value chain orientation in smallholder agriculture.

Call for papers
Papers are invited on research and other experiences on the above theme. Those working, or have worked, on these issues are particularly encouraged to submit their papers. While conceptual papers will be considered, preference will be given to papers based on practical experiences. Papers will be considered under the following sub-themes:

1. Innovation systems in smallholder farming
2. Farmer level value chain orientation
3. Value chain oriented policies
4. Capacity building

The deadline for submitting abstracts is 31st March 2012 and the deadline for submitting full papers is 30th June 2012. Details on venue, etcetera, will come with the second announcement end of April 2012.