Institutionalization of innovation platforms, strategic pathways and government incentives for priority commodity value chains in Uganda, Kenya & Rwanda: Workshop report

Abstract

Under AIRTEA Work Package 1, ASARECA, FARA and EAFF convened IP strategic meetings in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda in June 2022. The meetings aimed to sensitize stakeholders on the role of IPs in agricultural research for development, identify strategic pathways for mainstreaming the IP approach in research institutions, and identify policy incentives for adopting it along commodity value chains. Participants included directors general of national research institutes, ministry directors, scientists, universities and NGOs. The report records that agricultural subsidies of 30–70% exist in all three countries, alongside VAT exemptions on inputs, matching grants (Rwanda and Uganda) and crop and livestock insurance. Participants stressed local ownership, funding beyond project cycles, commodity-based IPs, agreed bylaws and governance structures, and capacity building for facilitators. For institutionalization, they called for a regulatory framework, implementation guidelines, integration of IPs into local development plans, and laws that incentivize innovation.