August 2017
The SPC EU funded PAPP project in partnership with Pacific Islands Rural Advisory Services Network (PIRAS) through funding support from the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) held a forum bringing together representatives from PICTs to dialogue on the challenges and explore ways to collaboratively mobilise resources and share knowledge and experiences to build capacities of stakeholders. The underlying philosophy was to empower smallholder farmers in the Pacific by strengthening the capacity of agricultural extension and advisory services (EAS).
The objectives of the forum were as follows:
- To identify capacity building needs for extension services in the region
- To showcase and document best practices in research and extension across the Pacific
- To strengthen advocacy needs and policy gaps for research and extension services
- To strengthen knowledge management processes to support research and services in countries
PIFON was represented at this forum via its members from PNG Women in Agriculture Development Foundation, Farm Support Association of Vanuatu, Tutu Rural Training Centre and Fiji Crops & Livestock Council of Fiji who showcased their Good Practices in: Youth Empowerment and Training in rural advisory services (RAS), and Empowering Farmers Role in RAS.
The event was co-organized with the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) and the South East Agricultural Research Centre (SEARCA). Approximately 50 participants attended the event which was held over a span of three days from 29 – 31 August 2017 at the Novotel Hotel in Nadi, Fiji.
