An Agricultural Research with and for Farmers Symposium was organized by the Minimal Irrigation Project from September 24 to 25, 2025, at the CNEAGR, Antananarivo, Madagascar.Following three years of field surveys, experimental research, and direct collaboration with more than 500 farming households, Farming & Technology for Africa (FTA), through the Minimal Irrigation Project, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the ABC Program of the School of Agronomic Sciences (ESSA), University of Antananarivo, as well as other stakeholders in the rural development sector, organized a symposium under the theme: “Agricultural Research with and for Farmers.”This event served both as a platform for scientific exchange, the recognition and promotion of farmers’ experiences, and the strengthening of synergies among all stakeholders involved in agricultural development.
A new dynamic is emerging: agricultural research conducted with and for farmers. Several key topics within our research scope were addressed, including minimal irrigation (irrigation effectiveness and efficiency), site-specific fertilization (identifying the most suitable fertilizer type for each crop according to its nutritional requirements), seed selection (locally adapted, resilient, and high-yielding seed varieties), and agricultural policy strategies to ensure food security.
The participants in this event gather development stakeholders at different levels: lead farmers, agricultural extension workers and advisors, development agents, teachers and researchers, policymakers, technical and financial partners, media representatives, and influencers.
The program agenda and presentations from the event are available at:
https://sites.google.com/view/symposium2025/partage/pr%C3%A9sentations?authuser=0
A new dynamic is emerging: agricultural research conducted with and for farmers. Several key topics within our research scope were addressed, including minimal irrigation (irrigation effectiveness and efficiency), site-specific fertilization (identifying the most suitable fertilizer type for each crop according to its nutritional requirements), seed selection (locally adapted, resilient, and high-yielding seed varieties), and agricultural policy strategies to ensure food security.
The participants in this event gather development stakeholders at different levels: lead farmers, agricultural extension workers and advisors, development agents, teachers and researchers, policymakers, technical and financial partners, media representatives, and influencers.
The program agenda and presentations from the event are available at:
https://sites.google.com/view/symposium2025/partage/pr%C3%A9sentations?authuser=0