1. How does the network benefit your organisation?
The network is very valuable for getting in touch with experts, even those that can play a role in Asia or Latin America, as the network is not limited to activities in Africa. Accessing the Agri-ProFocus network is this very practical to find experts quickly and even to set-up whole panels of networks. In the future it may be interesting to jointly submit tenders with other APF members.

2. Please give an example of a joint action, in which the APF network played a visible role.
There are not many examples yet, HAS Den Bosch just recently joined the network. However, when HAS Den Bosch needs specific expertises the intermediation or broker position of APF has appeared to be very useful.

3. If you were in charge, what should the APF network look like in 5 years’ time?
As HAS is still developing its own internationalisation focus, it is hard to have a clear view on what APF should look like. At the moment the brokering role is important, including access to knowledge and information. In 5 years’ time, when HAS has started with a new international programme International Agribusiness & Global Development (as of 2012) a multi-disciplinary approach on value chains, exchange & learning will be highly supported.

4. How will your organisation contribute to the APF network in the next 2 years?
HAS will focus on a combined collaboration between private sector, NGOs and educational institutes, integrating animal, plants and food in value chains. Potential collaborations will be (re)viewed in this multi-disciplinary approach. Currently HAS is operating at a general level in emerging markets, but there is no specific country focus yet. Criteria are based upon type of projects, rather than on countries. Topics of interest are:

• Curriculum development of other educational institutions
• Train-the-trainer training programmes in agricultural topics
• Involving a wide work field and other stakeholders, such as local parties, following the inside-out and outside-in approach, thus including real life cases in education, and implementing the idea of practicals and practical working experience.

Contact: Toon Keijsers. Have a look at the powerpoint presentation of HAS Den Bosch.

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