Contact/s:
Christine Berger
Christine.berger@idele.fr
Pauline Gay
pauline.gay@acta.asso.fr
Pierre Andong
pierre.andong@acta.asso.fr
How to Structure an Effective European Project with a Wide Range of Agricultural Actors in Several Countries
Europe
All Zones
- European project running efficiently
- National ecosystems are connected, locally and with the European level
- Advisors are trained with the best practices across Europe to support farmers in their climate transition.
Thematic Areas
Production System/s
Summary for Practicioners on the Main Finding(s)/Innovative solution(s)
If you’re leading a project that involves diverse actors (i.e. farmers, advisors, cooperatives, researchers, and agro-industries) across multiple countries, like the European “Climate Farm Demo” (CFD), structuring your project effectively is key to success. Here are some insights from over two years of CFD experience:
⦁ Clear Role Definition
In large-scale projects such as CFD which involves over 80 partners, 1,500 farmers, 250 advisors, and National Coordinators across 26 countries, defining roles is crucial. Clearly identify the levels of responsibility and differentiate between those who carry out tasks (field actors) and decision-makers who provide resources. The goal is to keep the organization simple, flexible, and efficient, with dedicated channels to address each actor type.
2. Linking European and National/Local Levels
To ensure the network functions well across countries, the following steps are key:
⦁ Leverage Existing Networks: Build on national or regional demo-farm networks, advisory groups, or cooperatives. If none exist, help partners create one.
⦁ National Coordinators: Appoint someone to lead local efforts, connect with national stakeholders and act as an interface with the European level (see dedicated Practice Abstract).
⦁ Common Operating Framework: Create a flexible, cohesive framework for national networks to follow.
⦁ Regular Engagement: Organize recurring missions like annual national meetings to keep stakeholders engaged.
⦁ Quarterly Coordination: Connect all National Coordinators regularly through a dedicated management group and online meetings to share updates, challenges, and solutions.
⦁ Involving Advisors and Experts: Advisors are crucial for guiding farmers through climate-smart practices. Ensure that National Coordinators facilitate these networks, connect with advisors’ managers for support, and involve experts to train advisors on new practices and facilitation skills.
Longer Description
If you’re leading a project that involves diverse actors (i.e. farmers, advisors, cooperatives, researchers, and agro-industries) across multiple countries, like the European “Climate Farm Demo” (CFD), structuring your project effectively is key to success. Here are some insights from over two years of CFD experience:
⦁ Clear Role Definition
In large-scale projects such as CFD which involves over 80 partners, 1,500 farmers, 250 advisors, and National Coordinators across 26 countries, defining roles is crucial. Clearly identify the levels of responsibility and differentiate between those who carry out tasks (field actors) and decision-makers who provide resources. The goal is to keep the organization simple, flexible, and efficient, with dedicated channels to address each actor type.
2. Linking European and National/Local Levels
To ensure the network functions well across countries, the following steps are key:
⦁ Leverage Existing Networks: Build on national or regional demo-farm networks, advisory groups, or cooperatives. If none exist, help partners create one.
⦁ National Coordinators: Appoint someone to lead local efforts, connect with national stakeholders and act as an interface with the European level (see dedicated Practice Abstract).
⦁ Common Operating Framework: Create a flexible, cohesive framework for national networks to follow.
⦁ Regular Engagement: Organize recurring missions like annual national meetings to keep stakeholders engaged.
⦁ Quarterly Coordination: Connect all National Coordinators regularly through a dedicated management group and online meetings to share updates, challenges, and solutions.
⦁ Involving Advisors and Experts: Advisors are crucial for guiding farmers through climate-smart practices. Ensure that National Coordinators facilitate these networks, connect with advisors’ managers for support, and involve experts to train advisors on new practices and facilitation skills.