Overview:
This training course provides participants with the knowledge and tools to apply transdisciplinary approaches in agri-food research. Participants will learn how to integrate insights from multiple disciplines, engage stakeholders, and co-create solutions to address complex challenges in agri-food systems. The course emphasizes collaboration, inclusivity, and real-world applications, equipping participants to design and implement impactful research projects.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand the principles and benefits of transdisciplinary approaches in agri-food research.
• Learn methods to integrate knowledge from diverse disciplines and sectors.
• Develop skills to engage stakeholders and foster collaboration in research.
• Explore strategies for co-creating solutions to challenges in agri-food systems.
• Create an actionable research framework using transdisciplinary approaches.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

• Researchers, scientists, and academics in agriculture, food systems, and sustainability.
• Policymakers and NGO representatives working on agri-food system challenges.
• Community leaders and practitioners engaged in agricultural development.
• Educators and students interested in interdisciplinary research methodologies.
• Entrepreneurs and innovators addressing food security and sustainability issues.

Day 1: Introduction to Transdisciplinary Research

Overview:
Participants will explore the concept of transdisciplinary research and its application in addressing agri-food system challenges.

Sessions:

1. What Is Transdisciplinary Research? Principles and Goals
2. The Role of Transdisciplinary Approaches in Solving Agri-Food Challenges
3. Understanding the Complexity of Agri-Food Systems
4. Workshop: Identifying Key Challenges Requiring Transdisciplinary Solutions

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the principles and importance of transdisciplinary research.
• Insights into the complexity and interconnectivity of agri-food systems.
• Ability to identify research areas that benefit from transdisciplinary approaches.

Day 2: Integrating Knowledge Across Disciplines

Overview:
This day focuses on methods for integrating knowledge from diverse disciplines to create comprehensive research frameworks.

Sessions:

1. Breaking Down Silos: Bridging Disciplines in Agri-Food Research
2. Frameworks for Knowledge Integration: Systems Thinking and Holistic Approaches
3. Challenges and Opportunities in Interdisciplinary Collaboration
4. Workshop: Designing a Research Framework That Integrates Multiple Disciplines

Key Takeaways:

• Skills to bridge disciplinary boundaries and integrate diverse knowledge.
• Understanding systems thinking and its application in agri-food research.
• Practical tools for designing interdisciplinary research frameworks.

Day 3: Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

Overview:
Participants will learn techniques for engaging stakeholders and fostering collaboration in transdisciplinary research projects.

Sessions:

1. The Role of Stakeholders in Transdisciplinary Research
2. Methods for Effective Stakeholder Engagement: Participatory Approaches
3. Building Trust and Managing Conflicts in Collaborative Research
4. Workshop: Developing a Stakeholder Engagement Plan for an Agri-Food Project

Key Takeaways:

• Strategies for engaging stakeholders in research processes.
• Skills to build trust and manage conflicts in collaborative settings.
• Practical experience in creating stakeholder engagement plans.

Day 4: Co-Creating Solutions for Agri-Food Challenges

Overview:
This day focuses on co-creation processes that combine scientific insights and local knowledge to develop practical solutions.

Sessions:

1. Co-Creation in Research: Principles and Practices
2. Combining Local Knowledge and Scientific Evidence in Solution Design
3. Innovative Tools for Collaborative Problem-Solving
4. Workshop: Co-Creating Solutions to a Real-World Agri-Food Challenge

Key Takeaways:

• Knowledge of co-creation methodologies and practices.
• Skills to combine scientific and local knowledge in research projects.
• Hands-on experience in developing collaborative solutions.

Day 5: Designing and Implementing Transdisciplinary Research Projects

Overview:
The final day focuses on designing comprehensive transdisciplinary research projects and strategies for implementation.

Sessions:

1. Steps to Develop a Transdisciplinary Research Proposal
2. Monitoring and Evaluating Transdisciplinary Research Projects
3. Case Studies: Successful Transdisciplinary Agri-Food Research Initiatives
4. Final Workshop: Creating a Research Proposal Using Transdisciplinary Approaches

Key Takeaways:

• Skills to design and implement transdisciplinary research proposals.
• Techniques for monitoring and evaluating the impact of research projects.
• A detailed research proposal tailored to specific agri-food challenges.