Agrisud and IRD sign a partnership agreement to strengthen their cooperation

Under the kind supervision of Clare Hart, Vice-Chairwoman of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, Delegate for International Outreach and European Cooperation, Agrisud International and IRD (French public research institution for sustainable development) signed a partnership agreement on Tuesday, October 7, formalizing their cooperation in the field of sustainable development.

This signing marks a new chapter in a collaboration that began in 2010, focusing on common projects such as measuring the carbon footprint of family farms in Madagascar, adapting to climate change in Haiti, and evaluating agroecology in Morocco.

A structured framework for smoother cooperation

Beyond pursuing collaborative initiatives, this agreement introduces a major innovation: the establishment of a structured framework for dialogue, designed to overcome the difficulties often encountered in collaborations between field-based NGOs and research organizations.

The pace, professional cultures, and objectives differ, but the ambitions converge. Thanks to this agreement, Agrisud and IRD will be able to better coordinate their actions, co-develop action research projects, share their expertise, and jointly promote the results obtained.

Shared governance and ambitious prospects

The agreement includes setting up a steering committee with the management and operational teams from both organizations. This committee will define the main directions for cooperation, the countries and the priority actions, and will regularly monitor the work being done.

Country committees will also be set up to adapt partnerships to local realities and promote synergies between research and civil society.

An alliance promoting sustainable territories

By signing this agreement, Agrisud and IRD reaffirm their shared commitment to territories that are socially equitable, economically viable, and environmentally responsible.This alliance between science and field action illustrates a strong conviction: when research is open, collaborative, and rooted in local realities, it is a powerful lever for transformation.