Actionable learning proving and improving R&I impacts in agrifood systems through project-based approaches

This Synthesis brief presents the overall learning from DeSIRA Pilar 1 The DeSIRA-LIFT Service Area 1 supported the 70 projects of DeSIRA pillar 1 between 2021 and 2025, working across 65 countries in three continents (Africa, Latin America and Asia). Through the DeSIRA Community of Action and Reflection, DeSIRA-LIFT Service Area 1 has brought together a community of like-minded research and innovation actors, to explore how participatory action-research, systems approach and international partnerships can activate and even drive successful transformation in agrifood systems towards more sustainability. From its inception, DeSIRA-LIFT has intended to facilitate cross learning among projects and to also learn from them. Global organizations, national leaders, and community innovators have all been encouraged and supported to reflect on their ways of working and to learn from those working in different contexts. DeSIRA-LIFT actively celebrated and embraced the differences and contextual elements of each project’s approach. After 4 years of joint learning, DeSIRA-LIFT Service Area 1 compiles and critically reflects on the insights gained from several streams of work with DeSIRA projects: the managerial coaching, the learning reviews, the regional conferences and stakeholders’ perspectives, the webinars of the Community of Action and Reflection. The Synthesis Brief builds on all the knowledge products derived from these four work streams. It offers a snapshot of the main lessons learned, insights and recommendations for future action.