Analyse key elements
Users can examine important aspects of their AKIS, including areas such as actors, cooperation and governance.
AKIS Benchmarking Tool
Strengthening Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems through structured learning, comparison and evidence-based reflection.
What is it?
A practical instrument for AKIS reflection and comparison
This tool is a practical instrument that was developed by the modernAKIS project to allow users to assess, reflect upon and compare key dimensions of their AKIS based on a set of indicators. Users can choose which dimensions they want to assess. For each of the five dimensions there are several indicators that can be used to assess that dimension. The chosen dimensions and indicators were co-adjusted and validated with project partners and representatives of Coordination Bodies at the modernAKIS General Assembly in April 2024, held in Madrid.
It allows users to:
See system performance
The tool turns information into structured results, visual indicators and graphics that make system performance easier to understand.
Identify improvements
Results support reflection, discussion and strategic decisions by highlighting strengths, gaps and improvement opportunities.
The five dimensions the benchmarking tool are:
Actor diversity & constellations of knowledge transfer- Linkages and interactions between actors
- Policy and funds available of advisory services
- Strengths and diversity of advisory services
- Coordination and arrangements for actor collaboration
Benchmarking, not evaluation
Benchmarking is NOT evaluation
The tool is not about judging or ranking countries. It is about helping systems improve over time.
Evaluation
- Required under CAP
- Measures performance against specific objectives
AKIS Benchmarking
- Supports understanding and learning
- Helps identify improvement opportunities
How does the tool work?
The process follows three simple steps
Data input
Users provide information on key aspects of the AKIS, such as actors, cooperation and governance.
Analysis
The tool processes the data and produces graphics, visual indicators and structured results.
Interpretation
Results are used to identify strengths and gaps and to support strategic decisions.
Who should use the tool?
Designed for organisations involved in AKIS coordination, evaluation and policy
AKIS Coordination Bodies & Managing Authorities
CAP Evaluators & National CAP Networks
Advisory Organisations & Policy-makers
Implementation support
How modernAKIS supports implementation
Participants will learn how the tool works in practice, see real examples, work on practical exercises and apply the tool to real AKIS situations.
June2026
Information session
Project partners are introduced to the tool and how to explain it.
Nov2026
Masterclass
Detailed training on how to use the tool.
Jan2027
Follow-up session
Hands-on support and feedback.
Benchmarking timeline
Track progress over time
The first round creates a baseline. Following rounds allow countries to track progress over time.
- First use:April 2027
- Second round:April 2028
- Third round:April 2029
Helpdesk support during each round
Every year, from mid-January to the end of April, users are supported through a dedicated helpdesk during each benchmarking cycle.
- Technical support on using the tool
- Clarification of indicators and methodology
- Guidance on interpreting results
- Support for applying the tool at national level
Access and materials
Tool access and supporting materials
The web-based benchmarking tool will be hosted outside the AKISConnect platform. The modernAKIS project also provides supporting materials to help partners present and explain the tool to their national AKIS.
Excel version of the tool
Web-based versionBenchmarking Tool Supporting MaterialsPowerPoint slidesFlyer
Web-based versionBenchmarking Tool Supporting MaterialsPowerPoint slidesFlyerAdvanced capacity building:
There will also be two advanced capacity building events held online that are designed to explain the tool in detail and teach participants how to use it. The first of these will be held on Friday 13th November 2026. A registration link will be provided soon, please note spaces are limited.
Get in touch
For questions about the AKIS Benchmarking Tool and its implementation, contact the modernAKIS team.