How do you collaborate with other stakeholders and partners in sustainable agriculture grant projects?

Ensuring that all partners share the same vision is of primary importance. Each stakeholder can then clearly see how they can contribute to the final goal within the boundaries of their respective parameters. Often, each partner has their own internal goals they are trying to accomplish and, when well coordinated, can help to achieve a broader, more impactful vision while also maintaining local targets.

Collaborating with stakeholders and partners in sustainable agriculture grant projects involves fostering equitable and inclusive relationships. Begin by organising joint meetings to understand each partner's perspectives, needs, and values. Use facilitated discussions and workshops to identify common goals, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected. Establish a shared vision that aligns with just and regenerative agriculture principles, emphasising mutual benefits and long-term sustainability. Encourage transparent communication and regular feedback to build trust and adapt goals as needed, reimagining the grantor-grantee relationship as a collaborative partnership focused on shared success and systemic change.

Collaboration is the cornerstone of sustainable agriculture. Building bridges with farmers, NGOs, researchers, and policymakers fosters a vibrant ecosystem. Active listening, transparent communication, and shared decision-making are key. Celebrate successes together, learn from setbacks, and prioritize long-term impact. Weaving a tapestry of trust and mutual respect, we empower communities, protect our planet, and nourish a thriving future for all.

Yes. If you ramble for too long, confuse people by using jargon they don’t understand, or don’t follow up in a concise manner people lose interest because they don’t feel valued. There’s a sweet spot of just enough short pieces of concise and relevant communication directly to folks that has links to and references more complex documents so that people won’t TLDR you and your projects but can easily find the info if they are inclined.

Couldn’t agree more. If you show up with a “this is how it’s gonna be plan” everyone shuts down and even if they stay on board, they won’t bring their valuable insights and experiences to help make the project better or happen at all by avoiding pitfalls they knew about and you didn’t.

Another way of saying that if within the team, someone thinks she/he is always right that signals a red flags. Remember that the team acts like a hand and, if you think about it, the fingers on a hand are different but achieve the same hand's mission.

I agree with this. I also think that the team has to reach a clear and concise agreement on how to monitor and evaluate collaboration. The rules of the game have to be known and accepted by all in order to avoid misunderstanding and handle expectations.

Personal thank-you notes or messages from project leaders can make a big difference in acknowledging individual efforts. In my experience, taking the time to personally express gratitude to team members and partners has been a simple yet powerful way to recognise and appreciate their hard work and dedication. Hosting collaborative reflection sessions at the end of key project phases allows for collective celebration of achievements. These sessions, which I've facilitated in various projects, provided a platform for stakeholders to share their experiences, celebrate successes, and reflect on their contributions to the project’s progress.