Collective Action in CGIAR Capacity Development
Purvi Mehta -Bhatt, Julius Nyangaga and Jan Beniest
A Project Implemented by the Capacity Development Unit of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
International Conference on Innovations in Extension and Advisory Services, Nairobi, 15-18 November 2011
Introduction Outcomes, Findings
ILRI with other CGIAR Centers, partners
in eastern and southern Africa and the From Desk Study From Stakeholder Meetings and
Regional Plan for Collective Action in
Eastern and Southern Africa conducted and e-Consultations Consultations
a study on collective action in capacity
development. Forum discussed past, Successful inter-Centre collaboration occurs when: Advantages of collaborating with CGIAR Centers
present and future collaboration within in capacity development
the CGIAR, strengths, weaknesses, Process is integrated in research and linked to an
Links to network of excellence and donor
opportunities, limitations. The overall results framework
community
outcome aimed to contribute to the Process is driven by partner demands
on-going CGIAR reform and Process provides a clear and quantifiable benefit for Great contribution to individual trainings:
implementation of Consortium participating Centers fellowships, attachments and thesis research
Regional Projects (CRPs). There is sustained funding for longer term efforts
The project activity involved Efforts are demonstrated and documented to Limitations to collaborating with CGIAR Centers
enable championing at high levels of the CGIAR in capacity development
ILRI, 11 other CGIAR Centers,
Accessibility
international, regional and
Factors inhibiting inter-Centre collaboration Demand exceeds what Centers can provide
national institutions with
interest in capacity development Centers focus on own agenda and not on
Personalities interest and needs of partners and rural
in agricultural research for Inter-personal relationships and conflicts communities
development Involving too many centers when not necessary
Expensive to work with
Inadequate commitment/championing
Methodology Centers prefer to work with stronger national
partners at expense of weaker ones who need
1. Desk Study On the CGIAR Research Programs: capacity development even more
2. E-Consultation with CG Centers
3. Stakeholder meetings in Kenya and Confusion and questions how CRPs will deal with
Mozambique Capacity Development at individual and
collaborative levels
Limited strategy on inter-Centre collaborative plans
Centers critical of proposed ‘dedicated network’ approach and in
favor of more formal mechanism for a specialized unit as think tank
for CGIAR on capacity development and related collaboration
Suggestions
Use of emerging innovative trends Learning alliances and strategies:
Linking capacity development to innovation systems and value Joint research and capacity development projects that
chain functioning address learning needs and inequalities among partners
Forming regional alliances on thematic subjects
Long term perspectives that allow development of critical
Participatory learning mass of national partners
Strengthening learning institutions
Mobilizing resources for partners
Using advances in ICT/KM and e-learning