From the Field Driving Agri-food Innovation in Honduras: AgriLAC Resiliente Results and Strategies
By Daniela Arce Gómez
Strengthening innovation networks, analyzing results, scaling plans, sustainable technologies and agricultural technologies were the topics addressed to ensure the sustainability of the initiative's achievements.
On August 6, 2024, Santa Rosa de Copán became the epicenter of sustainable agri-food innovation in Western Honduras with the Annual Meeting of the AgriLAC Resiliente Initiative. This event not only celebrated advancements in sustainable practices and technologies but also focused on building a scaling strategy alongside key actors in the region's innovation network.
The central purpose of the meeting was to facilitate the creation of a strategy to scale the practical innovations and sustainable technologies promoted by AgriLAC Resiliente. This joint effort included the active participation of key actors in Western Honduras' innovation networks, strengthening the initiative's pillars and ensuring its long-term growth and sustainability.
One of the highlights was the photo exhibition of the Innova Hub: Through a guided tour of images, attendees were able to relive the field journey and appreciate the work done by each partner. This exhibition not only allowed participants to view the Honduran landscape from the perspective of the Innova Hub partners, it also highlighted the efforts and achievements in agri-food innovation.
The Innova Hub: Achievements, Challenges, and Next Steps
Participants addressed crucial topics in the development of the Innova Hub, including:
- Agricultural Research and Innovation: Exploring new techniques and advances in research to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability
- Agroclimatic Services: Discussing services aimed at enhancing farmers' adaptation and resilience to climate change
- Gender and Social Inclusion: Emphasizing the importance of integrating gender perspectives and promoting social inclusion in all initiatives
- Digital Solutions: Presenting technological innovations and digital solutions to optimize agricultural practices
- Public Policy Recommendations: Developing suggestions to influence public policies and promote a favorable environment for innovation and sustainability
Additionally, the presentation of projects and progress through posters open to all event participants allowed for an exchange of ideas and experiences, fostering collaboration and mutual learning. This generated a reflection on participation in the AgriLAC Resiliente initiative as partners and allies. Furthermore, a mapping exercise was conducted to identify other actors who should be integrated into the innovation network and how to establish effective relationships with them.
To close the event, participants outlined the next steps in the development of the Innova Hub. Discussion tables focused on Agricultural Research and Innovation, Agroclimatic Services, Gender and Social Inclusion, Digital Solutions, and Public Policy Recommendations.
The Annual Meeting of AgriLAC Resiliente in Santa Rosa de Copán was an important event that not only celebrated its achievements but also established a roadmap for the future of sustainable agricultural innovation in Honduras. With the active participation of all key actors, the foundations were laid for a scaling strategy that promises to transform agriculture in the region and beyond.
These results build on the long history of collaboration between national and local strategic actors and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, which has been strengthening innovation and research processes in the country for decades. Through the AgriLAC Resiliente Initiative, other CGIAR centers - such as CIMMYT - complement these agricultural research and innovation efforts, contributing to established innovation processes such as the Local Technical Agroclimatic Committees, which began in Honduras nearly a decade ago.
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