Since its start in 1981, ICRA has played a pioneering role in building capacity in agricultural research for development (ARD). We have focused on a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, implemented through teams and partnerships. Our 'hands-on' style and 'real world' team assignments have provided a unique mode of learning, while the analyses and action plans formulated during these field assignments have provided a valuable service to our partners.

Over the years, our programmes and services have been adapted to reflect emerging needs. ICRA’s strategy has evolved from providing courses for individuals, to engaging more continuously with institutions, helping to build partnerships and inter-institutional teams that can influence institutional change and development in the longer term. They have also evolved from mainly core programmes in Wageningen and Montpellier to more tailor-made in-country programmes, in collaboration with (inter)national partner education and R&D organizations and short programmes targeted at specific actors involved in innovation in rural development and change. The latter vary from programmes designed for professionals working in rural innovation, to programmes designed for lecturers and researchers working in higher agricultural and rural education organisations, and programmes for Senior Managers of ICRA Partner Organisations in Agricultural Research and Higher Education.
The programmes ICRA offers can thus be categorized:

1. Capacity Strengthening in ARD

The present, in-depth ICRA Capacity Strengthening in ARD programmes in Wageningen and Montpellier are primarily aimed at building national-level core teams. The national core teams represent, and are mandated by, a cross section of the national key stakeholders involved in building ARD capacities and implementing ARD. As no two partnerships are alike, these programmes are tailor-made to suit each team.