ARmini-workshop Nov2020
Mini-workshop: The future of Africa RISING, SI and systems research in One CGIAR
3 - 5 November 2020
Virtual via Zoom
Logistics
- Dates/times: 3, 4 November & 5 November (if needed); each time 15:00 – 18:00 East Africa Time
- Zoom access links sent to all participants privately via Email
Introduction
The future of Africa RISING beyond Sept 2021 came up during a number of recent Program Coordination Team meetings. Major points raised include:
- How will Africa RISING fit within the changes in the CGIAR coming into effect in 2021? Are we considering another phase? AR phase II finishes on paper in September 2021, but there may be a no cost extension considering the time frames for the release of funds.
- The question about whether there is a next phase in the horizon for Africa RISING has also come up during the Internally Commissioned External Review (ICER).
- There is a need to work out some of the larger issues about the program, its medium-longer term future. For example, with the Excellence in Agronomy initiative, which is moving along rapidly. Do we need to somehow place Africa RISING within it or on one side of it conceptually?
- There is a need to further clarify and be more specific on the work going forward (in AR) and what the deliverables are. In part because it is necessary to see this taken up more through a common research & development agenda with other donors.
- Other additional topics that would be useful to discuss include: (i) Systems research within the ONE CGIAR reform process – Excellence in Agronomy? (is it a big enough “Big Lift” for “systems research”) – What is the AR perspective/definition of systems research; (ii) Livelihood analysis of AR communities (IFPRI working on this); (iii) Advancement of SIAF—how to improve and advance its use; (iv) Re-direction of AR strategy?; (v) Refocus on USAID mission communication & needs; (vi) Increased support for regional agriculture innovation systems (e.g., CORAF iREACH); (vii) Much greater focus on synthesizing, evaluating, and communicating findings; (viii) Capturing impact of innovations; and (ix) “Exit” strategy for Africa RISING?
Meeting Objectives
- To review and agree on existing and yet-to-be-produced legacy products of Africa RISING.
- To reflect on the future of Africa RISING beyond September 2021
- To reflect on lessons and principles to help guide future programs on SI & systems research
TENTATIVE AGENDA
Day ONE [3 November 2020]
Time | Activity | Lead/Facilitated by |
Focus: AR legacy (Presentations to feature highlights on program/project impact, Return on Investments (RoI), achievements See guide shared by JG) | ||
---|---|---|
15.00 - 15.05 | Welcome to the meeting & logistical information | J.Odhong & M. Victor |
15.05 - 15.10 | Introduction to objectives and background of the meeting | S. Moyo |
15.10 – 15.15 | Opening remarks | J. Glover |
15.15 – 15.35 | Progress against program-level outcomes & research questions for AR Phase II proposal | P. Thorne, I. Zeledon & C Azzarri |
15.35 – 16.00 | Collective critique of progress against program-level outcomes and research questions | Facilitated discussion by M. Victor/J. Odhong |
16.05 - 17.00
|
Keynote presentations by projects – impact, RoI and achievements
|
|
17.05 - 18.00 | Actionable conversation around the following points:
|
Facilitated discussion by M. Victor & J. Odhong |
Day TWO [4 November 2020]
Time | Activity | Lead/Facilitated by |
FOCUS: (i) Present and future outlook for SI & Systems research and (ii) possible pathways for AR after September 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
15.00 – 15.30 | Wrap up any pending discussions from day 1 | Facilitated discussion by M. Victor & J. Odhong |
15.30 - 15.40
|
Presentation: Status of the discussion around the research agenda of the ‘One CGIAR’ | I. Wright |
15.45 - 15.55
|
Presentation: Status of conceptualization of systems research in AR | P. Thorne |
16.00 - 16.10
|
Presentation: Topline action points for SI & systems research and other donor-led efforts | J. Glover |
New pathways within one CGIAR | ||
16.15 – 16.25
|
Presentation: Excellence in Agronomy 2030 | B. Vanlauwe |
16.30 – 16.40
|
Presentation: Transforming Livestock food systems – focus on SI of integrated crops - livestock production | S. Moyo and P. Thorne |
16.45 – 17.45 | Actionable conversation:
|
Facilitated discussion by M. Victor & J. Odhong |
17.45 – 18.00 | Closing remarks | J. Glover & S.Moyo |
NOTES