Introduction

Community action research platforms (CARPs) are ‘scaling laboratories’ which bring universities together with communities to facilitate multidisciplinary, multi-stakeholder innovation platforms. These are designed to catalyse on-the-ground rural transformation and experiential learning through research and capacity building in targeted agricultural value chains. Through this approach, students are empowered as entrepreneurs and facilitators of development. Their institutions gain new relevance as they revitalise their curricula and promote hands-on engagements in society. This book chronicles the history, lessons and experiences of the CARP initiative which was piloted in 21 projects across 18 different African universities in multiple countries from 2010 onwards. It presents a rich trove of stories and case studies that demonstrate practical, action-oriented ways in which universities can position themselves as fulcrums of development in their societies.