Mapping Long-term Options for GFRAS:

In July 2010, the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) requested ETC Foundation to undertake the assignment “Mapping Long-term Options for GFRAS”. The purpose of this assignment was to review a number of existing global networks, initiatives and forums in order to provide GFRAS with criteria and options for developing its long-term set-up, including structure, governance and funding mechanisms.

As required by the ToR, ETC compiled an initial list of 17 possible networks1 that could be included in the review. This list was discussed with GFRAS considering aspects such as usefulness as a model for GFRAS, availability of relevant (internet-based) information and accessibility to key resource persons within the short period of the review. Eight networks which provided the diversity required for the review were selected. The list included networks of global and regional orientation, within and outside the agriculture sector, hosted and non-hosted, with a range of stakeholders and diverse funding arrangements.

This report presents the findings of this review. It begins with a brief outline of the study approach and continues to describe in detail the eight networks reviewed. Key considerations, criteria and options for GFRAS are extracted based on the information gathered through the review. The final chapter formulates a number of general conclusions.