Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation

Consult  for questions on enabling food system transformations that contribute to social equity and planetary health

Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation (WCDI) is part of Wageningen University & Research and plays a crucial role in fostering sustainable and inclusive development, particularly in the agricultural and food sectors. We do that in various ways:

  • Capacity Building: WCDI offers a range of training programs, workshops, and courses designed to build the capacity of start-ups. These programs cover topics such as sustainable agriculture, value chain development, food security, and rural innovation, providing start-ups with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in these areas.

  • Expertise in Sustainable Development: WCDI has deep expertise in sustainable development, which includes agricultural innovations, natural resource management, and climate-smart practices. Start-ups can leverage this expertise to develop products and services that are not only marketable but also environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive.

  • Networking and Partnerships: WCDI facilitates connections between start-ups and a broad network of stakeholders, including NGOs, governments, research institutions, and the private sector. These connections can lead to valuable partnerships, funding opportunities, and collaborative projects that can propel start-ups forward.

  • Advisory Services: WCDI provides tailored advisory services to start-ups, helping them navigate challenges in areas like business development, market access, and policy engagement. Their advisory services are grounded in practical experience and a deep understanding of global development issues.

  • Research and Innovation Support: By engaging with WCDI, start-ups can access cutting-edge research and innovative solutions tailored to the challenges they face. This support can help start-ups develop more effective, scalable, and impactful solutions.

WCDI can answer questions related to:

  • How to implement sustainable agricultural practices.

  • Strategies for developing inclusive value chains.

  • Methods for enhancing food security in various contexts.

  • Best practices for managing natural resources sustainably.

  • Approaches for integrating climate-smart solutions into business models.

For more information, visit the WCDI website or explore their published research and training resources.

If you have any questions related to food system transformations, then get in touch with Yeray Saavedra Gonzalez, Judith Jacobs or Frank van Weert!


Yeray Saavedra Gonzalez

Yeray Saavedra Gonzalez is an advisor on Horticulture and sustainable markets and has expertise in agricultural economics, land development, value chain analysis and regional food chains among others.

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Judith Jacobs

Judith Jacobs is an advisor on inclusive sector development, with experience in public-private partnerships for international development, integrated sector transformation and food system governance.

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Frank van Weert

Frank van Weert is a climate change advisor and an expert on agroecosystems, integrated water management, climate adaptation, water-energy-material nexus and more.

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