On the first day, June 26, 2024, Dr. Jonas Meier and Dr. Frank Thonfeld from DLR, the COINS project coordinators, opened the meeting with welcoming notes, expressing gratitude for the participants’ dedication and setting the stage for the upcoming sessions. Dr. Tina Beuchelt from ZEF, the INTERFACES project coordinator, also welcomed everyone on behalf of ZEF and the INTERFACES project, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts between COINS and INTERFACES in achieving sustainable project outcomes. Following the welcoming notes, participants introduced themselves and their roles within the project, which helped to facilitate a collaborative environment and foster connections among team members.
Dr. Sidy Tounkara then delivered an insightful presentation on the progress of the innovation labs in Senegal and Ghana. He emphasized the success of the farmer field schools in the Senegal River Valley, the positive impacts of the innovation labs on local agricultural practices and community development.
The tier leads Dr. Madina Diancoumba, Dr. Javier Miranda, and Dr. Valerie Graw provided comprehensive updates on the current status of their respective project components. They covered milestones achieved to date, progress on deliverables, and emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum to meet future milestones and ensure continued project success.
The second day, June 27, 2024, was dedicated to in-depth discussions and presentations on the project’s subtasks. The day began with a series of detailed presentations from various team members, each focusing on specific subtasks within the COINS project. These presentations provided comprehensive insights into the progress, achievements, and challenges encountered in each area. Time was allocated for open discussions, allowing participants to address questions and resolve challenges collaboratively.
On the third day, June 28, 2024, the focus shifted to defining the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) practices. Key points included defining the practices implemented by the innovation labs and establishing the indicators to measure the effectiveness and impact of these practices. The meeting concluded with a review of action points addressed and new ones identified for further analysis. Participants expressed satisfaction with the hybrid format, noting the benefits of face-to-face interactions for those who could attend in person.
Overall, the COINS project meeting in Bonn was a significant success, marked by productive discussions, detailed presentations, and effective problem-solving sessions. The University of Bonn and ZEF were acknowledged for their support in hosting the meeting and providing necessary resources, including workshop materials, food, snacks, and drinks. The participants are looking forward to the next meetings, building on the progress and momentum achieved during these three days.
