Course programmeFor exploring how farmers can become partners in agribusiness, the course will discuss many complementary topics such as farmer entrepreneurship, governance of farmers’ organisations, economic services that these organisations can deliver to their members, stakeholder collaboration, policy environment, promoting farmer-inclusive value chain development. Much attention is given to the introduction and sharing of practical tools. The course is highly interactive and action-oriented. Participants have the opportunity to learn from the broad international experience of the trainers and from other course participants. They will relate course topics to their work situation and work on their ‘farmer business cases’.

Course objectives

Upon completion of the course you will:

• be familiar with state-of-the-art thinking about farmer entrepreneurship, famers' organisations and inclusive value chain development;
• perceive 'problems' as 'opportunities to opprove';
• consider alternative intervention strategies to support farmers and their organisations;
• be capable of using operational approaches and practical tools for facilitating collective action and market engagement of farmers' organisations in your professional work context;

Target audience

This two-week course is aimed at professionals interested in the promotion of farmer-inclusive agribusiness. We welcome professionals from farmers’ organisations, governmental organisations, private sector, civil society organisations, universities, research and extension. Proficiency in English is required.

For more information and online application: http://www.wur.nl/en/Expertise-Services/Research-Institutes/centre-for-development-innovation/short-courses/Short-courses-2017/CDIcourse_OPPO_2017.htm

How to apply: http://www.wur.nl/en/Expertise-Services/Research-Institutes/centre-for-development-innovation/short-courses/how-to-apply.htm

More on fellowships: http://www.wur.nl/en/Expertise-Services/Research-Institutes/centre-for-development-innovation/short-courses/scholarships.htm