1. How does the network benefit your organisation?
APF’s support has been crucial in the organisation of a seminar on scaling up dairy initiatives, which was held at Heifer Nederland’s tenth anniversary in 2009. Both the dairy Ning that was set up and the event itself were a great success. We also hear from our partners that the Agri-Hubs in their countries are useful to them, as they provide new information and opportunities for partnerships.

2. Please give an example of a joint action, in which the APF network played a visible role.
The dairy seminar was a good example in which APF played a facilitating role. More recently, the organisation of a side-event on livestock and climate during the International conference ‘Down 2 Earth’, was a nice example of the way APF is capable of supporting member organisation’s goals, and getting issues that are crucial to them on the agenda.

3. If you were in charge, what should the APF network look like in 5 years’ time?
The network will be a lively platform with a strong advocacy pillar, relations with the Dutch government which allow professional criticism and strong relations with relevant international institutions such as FAO, IFAD, World Bank. The network is flexible and agile in its priorities. The Agri-Hub processes would be bottom-up, and might therefore involve more southern organisations. APF is also a platform for linking and learning between the country groups. The network gives the opportunity to set up ad-hoc alliances that invest in joint programme development and fund raising.

4. How will your organisation contribute to the APF network in the next 2 years?
In 3 years time we hope to be strong enough to play a considerable role in agenda setting and contribute to advocacy activities. In 2 or 3 countries our partners will be actively participating in the Agri-Hubs.

Contact: Rian Fokker

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