Course Overview

Welcome to our 3-month blended-learning programme. ‘Making Research Work’ shows you how to take an action-research approach, allowing you to become well-versed in involving and getting the commitment of stakeholders, and to jointly define and solve  problems in your community. At the same time, you will get recognition for your impact on agricultural development.

The ‘Making Research Work’ course allows you to solve agri-food problems through action-research

This course helps you to achieve great and sustainable impact by teaching you….

• To identify your role as a researcher in agricultural innovation processes
• to deal and navigate the complexity and unpredictability that are inherent to innovation processes.
• To get actors to be motivated and committed to engage with your research
• To formulate and implement demand-driven research that serves the development needs of the community
• To apply different research approaches in line with the goals
• To write proposals that attract funding for action research
• To explain complex ideas in an accessible way
• To negotiate and understand different viewpoints
• to understand yourself and your role as researcher in multi-stakeholder processes

Two-week group training in the Netherlands (residential/in-person)

You will learn about the building blocks of an action-research process and how to implement research projects in complex settings. You will learn how to involve the relevant stakeholders and motivate them to commit. You will visit and talk to stakeholders that are part of action-research processes in the Netherlands and learn about the dynamics of such a process and the roles of the various actors.

You will learn how to translate research into tangible interventions and identify relevant actors to involve and guide research processes towards successful outcomes – while keeping everybody on board.

Digital modules (online)

The digital modules consist of audio and video files, transcripts, ready-made templates, background reading and practical assignments.

Individual coaching (online)

You will get personal feedback from the iCRA trainers and fellow trainees on your practical assignments as well as coaching – as you apply your learnings in your own context. We help you achieve your personal learning objectives and beyond

Online mastermind sessions (online)

During online group mastermind sessions, you can ask all the questions you like and discuss and reflect upon common challenges with your fellow trainees and iCRA trainer.

Who can attend this course?

The course is specially designed for professionals who:

• Are researchers from universities or research institutes working in agri- and food sector
• Are ambitious and want to make a change
• Are ready to invest 2-4 hours per week in the month before and after the two-week group training 
• Are proficient in English

Course Outcomes

The course will provide you with concrete skills that you may immediately apply in your work:

• You will learn how to build trust to establish sustainable business relationships among farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, lenders, and input and service providers;
• You will improve your negotiation skills and this will make you more confident in helping farmers, agri-entrepreneurs etc.. to draft contracts, and pave the way for better business deals;
• You will get practical tips on how to secure a stable flow of income for your support services.

Course Cost

Tuition fee: 4479 euros

Note: Price is excluding 21% VAT. Please contact iCRA to verify whether VAT applies. In some cases, VAT can be reclaimed by the employer.

Click here to download cost overview.  

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