Agricultural Research for Impact: Partnering with Feed the Future Innovation Labs

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Behind every great agricultural innovation, there are researchers dedicated to helping the world achieve food security. One of the pillars of the Feed the Future Initiative is a robust research community to develop new and innovative approaches to food security. The Feed the Future Research Strategy presents a global research portfolio to create more productive crops presents a global research portfolio to create more productive crops and animals, sustainably intensify agricultural production systems, ensure food security, and enhance access to nutritionally improved diets. A central component of this strategy is the creation of the Feed the Future Innovation Labs, based at numerous universities throughout the United States. These universities work with local researchers in USAID's partner countries, and with USAID Missions and implementing partners, to conduct targeted research that will have a direct impact on local, national and regional food security. These partnerships ensure that the latest agricultural innovations successfully move from research to practice.

In this seminar, USAID’s Saharah Moon Chapotin, discussed the various ways that Missions and implementing partners can collaborate with Innovation Labs to bring research to scale. Representatives from two of the Innovation Labs also discussed the mechanisms through which their research is being implemented in the field. R. Muniappan of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Innovation Lab discussed the successful partnership in Nepal behind the Knowledge-based Integrated Sustainable Agriculture and Nutrition (KISAN) project. Irvin Widders, from the Legume Innovation Lab, discussed the Bean Technology Dissemination Award in Central America.