Presented by Beliyou Haile, Carlo Azzarri and Apurba Shee at the Africa RISING East and Southern Africa Phase II Planning Meeting, Lilongwe, Malawi, 5-8 October 2016
Summary of monitoring and evaluation data requirements for Africa RISING phas...africa-rising
Presented by Beliyou Haile, Carlo Azzarri and Apurba Shee at the Africa RISING East and Southern Africa Phase II Planning Meeting, Lilongwe, Malawi, 5-8 October 2016
Mapping Maternal and Newborn Health in Ghana and Ethiopia using EMONC data w...ICS_Integrare
This presentation was given at the technical mash-up meeting on "Mapping for Maternal and Newborn Health", hosted by ICS Integrare and the University of Southampton, with the support of the Norwegian Agency for International Development (NORAD) in Southampton (UK), 11-12th March 2013. Further details are available here http://integrare.es/?cat=33
This presentation explores how Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) Surveys can provide excellent data for mapping health facilities, in particular when combined with AfriPop data.
By Zoe Matthews, University of Southampton
The document summarizes efforts to strengthen health management information systems (HMIS) in Cote d'Ivoire by integrating HIV/AIDS data. An evaluation found inadequate equipment, insufficiently trained staff, and a lack of standardized collection tools and data quality. In response, strategies were developed to build technical capacity through new data collection tools and software, and to build organizational capacity through equipment, training, and resource mobilization. Standardized paper-based and computerized databases were implemented. Over 300 people were trained, and partnerships and funding were improved. Lessons indicated organizational strengthening and training on data quality and use are important for sustainability.
Research Data Management at International Food Policy Research Institute-IFPRICIARD Movement
Luz Marina Alvaré, Head, Knowledge Management at IFPRI, at RDA 5th Plenary Meeting, IG Agriculture Data Interoperability Session in San Diego (CA, US) on the 9th of March 2015
Using typologies for technology targetingafrica-rising
This document discusses using farm typologies and statistical techniques to target technologies to specific farms. It presents a method for assigning farms to existing typology groups based on a small set of farm characteristics. An analysis of farm data from Tanzania, Malawi and Ghana found a high percentage (over 80%) of farms were correctly assigned to typology groups. The next steps discussed are using these typology databases combined with spatial socioeconomic and biophysical data to generate ranked lists of suitable technologies for individual farms based on their features, socioeconomic environment and biophysical conditions. The goal is to move from recommending technologies for broad farm types to targeting technologies tailored to individual farms.
Summary of monitoring and evaluation data requirements for Africa RISING phas...africa-rising
Presented by Beliyou Haile, Carlo Azzarri and Apurba Shee at the Africa RISING East and Southern Africa Phase II Planning Meeting, Lilongwe, Malawi, 5-8 October 2016
Mapping Maternal and Newborn Health in Ghana and Ethiopia using EMONC data w...ICS_Integrare
This presentation was given at the technical mash-up meeting on "Mapping for Maternal and Newborn Health", hosted by ICS Integrare and the University of Southampton, with the support of the Norwegian Agency for International Development (NORAD) in Southampton (UK), 11-12th March 2013. Further details are available here http://integrare.es/?cat=33
This presentation explores how Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) Surveys can provide excellent data for mapping health facilities, in particular when combined with AfriPop data.
By Zoe Matthews, University of Southampton
The document summarizes efforts to strengthen health management information systems (HMIS) in Cote d'Ivoire by integrating HIV/AIDS data. An evaluation found inadequate equipment, insufficiently trained staff, and a lack of standardized collection tools and data quality. In response, strategies were developed to build technical capacity through new data collection tools and software, and to build organizational capacity through equipment, training, and resource mobilization. Standardized paper-based and computerized databases were implemented. Over 300 people were trained, and partnerships and funding were improved. Lessons indicated organizational strengthening and training on data quality and use are important for sustainability.
Research Data Management at International Food Policy Research Institute-IFPRICIARD Movement
Luz Marina Alvaré, Head, Knowledge Management at IFPRI, at RDA 5th Plenary Meeting, IG Agriculture Data Interoperability Session in San Diego (CA, US) on the 9th of March 2015
Using typologies for technology targetingafrica-rising
This document discusses using farm typologies and statistical techniques to target technologies to specific farms. It presents a method for assigning farms to existing typology groups based on a small set of farm characteristics. An analysis of farm data from Tanzania, Malawi and Ghana found a high percentage (over 80%) of farms were correctly assigned to typology groups. The next steps discussed are using these typology databases combined with spatial socioeconomic and biophysical data to generate ranked lists of suitable technologies for individual farms based on their features, socioeconomic environment and biophysical conditions. The goal is to move from recommending technologies for broad farm types to targeting technologies tailored to individual farms.
Research in sustainable intensification in the sub-humid maize-based cropping...africa-rising
This document summarizes research being conducted in Babati, Tanzania on sustainable intensification of maize-based cropping systems. The research is led by various institutions (IITA, ILRI, CIMMYT, etc.) and has the following objectives: 1) Identify biophysical and socioeconomic constraints to crop and livestock production; 2) Introduce and evaluate improved crop varieties; and 3) Develop postharvest technologies to reduce losses. The status of research deliverables is provided, showing preliminary results on crop yields, variety selection, fertilizer response, and mycotoxin contamination. Lessons learned are discussed, along with proposed research opportunities for 2013/14, such as addressing low yields, maize lethal
Africa RISING seeks partnership with development institutions for scaling of ...africa-rising
Presented by Mateete Bekunda, Haroon Sseguya and Irmgard Hoeschle-Zeledon at the Africa RISING–CRS (Catholic Relief Services) Tanzania Meeting, Dar es Salaam, 6 March 2017
Introducing the sustainable intensification assessment frameworkafrica-rising
Presented by Mark Musumba, Philip Grabowski, Cheryl Palm and Sieglinde Snapp at the Africa RISING West Africa Review and Planning Meeting, Accra, 1-2 February 2017
Characterizing adopters of sustainable intensification innovations: Evidence ...africa-rising
Poster prepared by Beliyou Haile (IFPRI) Carlo Azzarri, Cleo Roberts, Zhe Guo and Maria Comanescu for the International Conference on Integrated Systems Research, Ibadan, Nigeria, 3-6 March 2015
Introducing the Africa RISING research framework africa-rising
Presented by Joseph Rusike (IITA) at the Africa RISING East and Southern Africa Research Review and Planning Meeting, Arusha, Tanzania, 1-5 October 2012
Photo trip report from the initiation meeting of the Basona Worena woreda Inn...africa-rising
This document summarizes a photo trip report from a meeting to initiate an Innovation Platform in the Basona Worena woreda of Ethiopia. The meeting aimed to brief agricultural stakeholders about the Africa RISING project and establish Innovation Platforms. By the end of the visit, 4 strategic platforms and 8 operational platforms had been established along with technical committees at the woreda and kebele levels. Presentations were given on Africa RISING interventions and a cost-benefit analysis, and discussions were held with model farmers, on preferred varieties and management practices.
Africa RISING in East and Southern Africa: Year 1 Overview africa-rising
This document provides an overview of the first year of Africa RISING in East and Southern Africa. It describes the inception of the program from initial planning meetings through the approval and start of 10 initial projects. It outlines lessons learned around entry points, opportunities, partnerships, and logistics. It then discusses the research framework, site selection process, communication and management structures, and an upcoming visit from USAID.
Site selection for Africa RISING in northern Ghana africa-rising
This document summarizes the site selection process for Africa RISING projects in Northern Ghana. It involved three main stages: 1) Defining program areas based on farming systems and geography. 2) Selecting districts within these areas to represent a range of biophysical and human factors. 3) Randomly selecting communities within districts while avoiding poor market access and ensuring separation between project and control sites. Several districts in Northern and Upper West regions were selected. Within districts, potential sites were mapped and some eliminated based on field visits. The final sites were said to represent the environmental and socioeconomic diversity of Northern Ghana and provide opportunities for multidisciplinary research.
Africa RISING Mali report on Year 1 (2012)africa-rising
Presented by Eva Weltzien, Tom van Mourik, A. Rouamba, Vera Lugutuah, Yah Diakite, Bougouna Sogoba, Abdoulaye Diakite, Mamourou Sidibe, Joachim Binam, Augustine Ayantunde and Abdou Fall at the Africa RISING West Africa Stakeholder Meeting, Accra, Ghana, 23 January 2013
Proposals for Africa RISING Ethiopian Highlands Research Component 2—Communit...africa-rising
This document discusses proposals for the Ethiopia component of the Africa RISING project. It outlines major development challenges in Ethiopia like land degradation and deforestation. Sustainable intensification of mixed agricultural systems is proposed to address these challenges. The objectives of Research Component 2 are to strengthen knowledge exchange groups, establish benchmarks, and identify opportunities to scale innovations. A participatory approach is outlined to characterize farmer knowledge, identify strengths and weaknesses, and design interventions tailored to specific locations. The goal is to build capacity and learn from testing promising options across different farming systems.
Africa RISING in Mali: Concept note and work plans for 2013africa-rising
This document provides an overview of the proposed work plans and activities for the AfricaRISING project in southern Mali in 2013. The objectives are to develop sustainable intensification approaches for cereal-cotton-legume systems through integrated innovations that are productive, profitable, and disseminated through farmer networks. Activities are outlined for six system components: cereals-cotton-legumes, vegetables, agroforestry, livestock and land management, post-harvest technologies, and markets. The work will be implemented through research-extension platforms involving testing of technologies by farmer volunteers and evaluations to develop integrated recommendations tailored to different farm and household types.
Photo report from a field day and field visit in Endamehoni site of the Afric...africa-rising
The Africa RISING project organized field days in October 2015 in two research sites in the Ethiopian Highlands to demonstrate crop, livestock, tree and natural resource management interventions to partners. A range of improved varieties including sweet lupine, oat-vetch mixtures, faba beans, wheat and lentils were displayed, as well as livestock feeding techniques using improved troughs. Women farmers showed their potato and field pea crops and participated in seed selection. The field days engaged farmers, universities, research institutes and other organizations to support the project's work improving agricultural sustainability and incomes.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Data Managementafrica-rising
Presented by Beliyou Haile and Carlo Azzarri, IFPRI, at the Africa RISING Ethiopian Highlands Project Review and Planning Meeting, Addis Ababa, 21–22 May 2019. Nairobi, Kenya: ILRI.
Research in sustainable intensification in the sub-humid maize-based cropping...africa-rising
This document summarizes research being conducted in Babati, Tanzania on sustainable intensification of maize-based cropping systems. The research is led by various institutions (IITA, ILRI, CIMMYT, etc.) and has the following objectives: 1) Identify biophysical and socioeconomic constraints to crop and livestock production; 2) Introduce and evaluate improved crop varieties; and 3) Develop postharvest technologies to reduce losses. The status of research deliverables is provided, showing preliminary results on crop yields, variety selection, fertilizer response, and mycotoxin contamination. Lessons learned are discussed, along with proposed research opportunities for 2013/14, such as addressing low yields, maize lethal
Africa RISING seeks partnership with development institutions for scaling of ...africa-rising
Presented by Mateete Bekunda, Haroon Sseguya and Irmgard Hoeschle-Zeledon at the Africa RISING–CRS (Catholic Relief Services) Tanzania Meeting, Dar es Salaam, 6 March 2017
Introducing the sustainable intensification assessment frameworkafrica-rising
Presented by Mark Musumba, Philip Grabowski, Cheryl Palm and Sieglinde Snapp at the Africa RISING West Africa Review and Planning Meeting, Accra, 1-2 February 2017
Characterizing adopters of sustainable intensification innovations: Evidence ...africa-rising
Poster prepared by Beliyou Haile (IFPRI) Carlo Azzarri, Cleo Roberts, Zhe Guo and Maria Comanescu for the International Conference on Integrated Systems Research, Ibadan, Nigeria, 3-6 March 2015
Introducing the Africa RISING research framework africa-rising
Presented by Joseph Rusike (IITA) at the Africa RISING East and Southern Africa Research Review and Planning Meeting, Arusha, Tanzania, 1-5 October 2012
Photo trip report from the initiation meeting of the Basona Worena woreda Inn...africa-rising
This document summarizes a photo trip report from a meeting to initiate an Innovation Platform in the Basona Worena woreda of Ethiopia. The meeting aimed to brief agricultural stakeholders about the Africa RISING project and establish Innovation Platforms. By the end of the visit, 4 strategic platforms and 8 operational platforms had been established along with technical committees at the woreda and kebele levels. Presentations were given on Africa RISING interventions and a cost-benefit analysis, and discussions were held with model farmers, on preferred varieties and management practices.
Africa RISING in East and Southern Africa: Year 1 Overview africa-rising
This document provides an overview of the first year of Africa RISING in East and Southern Africa. It describes the inception of the program from initial planning meetings through the approval and start of 10 initial projects. It outlines lessons learned around entry points, opportunities, partnerships, and logistics. It then discusses the research framework, site selection process, communication and management structures, and an upcoming visit from USAID.
Site selection for Africa RISING in northern Ghana africa-rising
This document summarizes the site selection process for Africa RISING projects in Northern Ghana. It involved three main stages: 1) Defining program areas based on farming systems and geography. 2) Selecting districts within these areas to represent a range of biophysical and human factors. 3) Randomly selecting communities within districts while avoiding poor market access and ensuring separation between project and control sites. Several districts in Northern and Upper West regions were selected. Within districts, potential sites were mapped and some eliminated based on field visits. The final sites were said to represent the environmental and socioeconomic diversity of Northern Ghana and provide opportunities for multidisciplinary research.
Africa RISING Mali report on Year 1 (2012)africa-rising
Presented by Eva Weltzien, Tom van Mourik, A. Rouamba, Vera Lugutuah, Yah Diakite, Bougouna Sogoba, Abdoulaye Diakite, Mamourou Sidibe, Joachim Binam, Augustine Ayantunde and Abdou Fall at the Africa RISING West Africa Stakeholder Meeting, Accra, Ghana, 23 January 2013
Proposals for Africa RISING Ethiopian Highlands Research Component 2—Communit...africa-rising
This document discusses proposals for the Ethiopia component of the Africa RISING project. It outlines major development challenges in Ethiopia like land degradation and deforestation. Sustainable intensification of mixed agricultural systems is proposed to address these challenges. The objectives of Research Component 2 are to strengthen knowledge exchange groups, establish benchmarks, and identify opportunities to scale innovations. A participatory approach is outlined to characterize farmer knowledge, identify strengths and weaknesses, and design interventions tailored to specific locations. The goal is to build capacity and learn from testing promising options across different farming systems.
Africa RISING in Mali: Concept note and work plans for 2013africa-rising
This document provides an overview of the proposed work plans and activities for the AfricaRISING project in southern Mali in 2013. The objectives are to develop sustainable intensification approaches for cereal-cotton-legume systems through integrated innovations that are productive, profitable, and disseminated through farmer networks. Activities are outlined for six system components: cereals-cotton-legumes, vegetables, agroforestry, livestock and land management, post-harvest technologies, and markets. The work will be implemented through research-extension platforms involving testing of technologies by farmer volunteers and evaluations to develop integrated recommendations tailored to different farm and household types.
Photo report from a field day and field visit in Endamehoni site of the Afric...africa-rising
The Africa RISING project organized field days in October 2015 in two research sites in the Ethiopian Highlands to demonstrate crop, livestock, tree and natural resource management interventions to partners. A range of improved varieties including sweet lupine, oat-vetch mixtures, faba beans, wheat and lentils were displayed, as well as livestock feeding techniques using improved troughs. Women farmers showed their potato and field pea crops and participated in seed selection. The field days engaged farmers, universities, research institutes and other organizations to support the project's work improving agricultural sustainability and incomes.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Data Managementafrica-rising
Presented by Beliyou Haile and Carlo Azzarri, IFPRI, at the Africa RISING Ethiopian Highlands Project Review and Planning Meeting, Addis Ababa, 21–22 May 2019. Nairobi, Kenya: ILRI.
The Standing Panel on Impact Assessment (SPIA) oversees impact assessment activities in the CGIAR. It has a small staff and budget, conducting most work through competitive calls and engaging external experts. Current activities include collecting adoption data for new crop varieties, testing innovative methods like drones and phone surveys, validating claims of policy impact, and funding studies of impacts from widely-adopted technologies. Several activities aim to fill data gaps or strengthen methods. Interim reports in 2016 will inform the CRP proposals, with a full synthesis in late 2017.
Origins of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, Communities of Practice (...CGIAR
The Task Force on Indicators was commissioned in April 2016 to develop a harmonized approach for selecting and monitoring system-level indicators for the CGIAR. Between July and September 2016, the Task Force developed impact pathways linking CRP research to SLO targets and identified draft indicators. They tested the approach on SLO1 (Poverty Reduction) and mapped indicators to spheres of control, influence and interest. Moving forward, the Task Force will refine indicators for the remaining SLOs, validate the indicators with CRPs, and socialize the indicators framework.
Presentation by Philippe Ellul, Senior Science Officer, Consortium/System Office on the monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment framework in CGIAR and the role of monitoring and reporting
Dissemination of new agricultural technologies in africa making extension workWorld Agroforestry (ICRAF)
This document summarizes a research project that aims to evaluate the impacts of a farmer trainer program providing agricultural extension services to dairy farmers in Uganda. The project will use a randomized controlled trial to compare outcomes for farmers receiving the extension services to a control group. It will also test variations of the original program, such as providing incentives to farmer trainers or customizing the content, to understand what improves effectiveness. The results are intended to provide evidence on the impacts of different extension approaches and inform extension policies more broadly.
The Africa RISING project in Ethiopia's highlands had the goals of improving food security, gender equality, nutrition, income, and capacity building through sustainable intensification research from 2012-2022. It worked in four regions, implementing tested interventions like improved crops, fertilizers, and mechanization. Over 360,000 households directly benefited from validated technologies in phase two, while over 30,000 people participated in training. The project supported graduate students, published research, and faced challenges like COVID-19 and funding issues before planning its exit strategies.
This document discusses developing and strengthening monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems for national tuberculosis (TB) programs. It identifies key elements of an effective M&E system and outlines five steps to strengthen implementation: 1) assessing current M&E practices, 2) developing an M&E plan, 3) establishing an M&E unit, 4) implementing the M&E plan, and 5) managing quality control. The document provides guidance on conducting a situation analysis, developing indicators and data collection methods, building M&E capacity, and ensuring quality monitoring and use of data.
The Technical Analytical Network (TAN) in Mozambique was established in 2017 to provide technical and analytical support for Mozambique's agriculture sector plans and goals. From 2017-2019, the TAN conducted several studies on topics like the impacts of climate change, seed systems, mechanization programs, and fertilizer value chains. The TAN also helped strengthen capacities for Mozambique's agriculture sector monitoring and evaluation. Moving forward, the TAN aims to establish regional branches, conduct more studies aligned with sector goals, and improve coordination to avoid duplication of efforts. Key challenges include building partnerships, resource mobilization, and setting up analytical networks in each development corridor.
This document provides an update on the Africa RISING program. It discusses several collaborations and projects that Africa RISING is engaged in to scale up agricultural technologies in multiple countries in Africa. These include partnerships in Tanzania, work with various innovation labs, potential partnerships with other programs, an evaluation of the East and Southern Africa projects, lessons learned from a visit to the CSISA program in India, and next steps for the Africa RISING program including preparing for the next phase.
This document outlines the objectives, outcomes and outputs of the ASDSP (Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme) in Kenya. The overall goal is to transform Kenya's agricultural sector. The programme purpose is to increase incomes, employment and food security through improved production and productivity. Component 1 focuses on sector coordination, institutions and linkages. Component 2 strengthens environmental resilience and social inclusion in value chains. Component 3 promotes equitable commercialization of the agricultural sector. The document includes indicators and means of verification for objectives. It also lists potential risks and assumptions.
The document discusses several issues related to agriculture and food security in Thailand and the role of information and communication technologies (ICT). It notes that Thailand's agriculture sector contributes approximately 8.9% to GDP and employs 39% of the labor force. The average age of Thai farmers is also increasing. The document outlines Thailand's national strategies to develop ICT infrastructure and applications to address issues including increasing food demand, climate change impacts, and supporting the agriculture sector. It proposes several pilot projects and areas of focus for ICT-based research related to areas like production standards, traceability, and knowledge management to enhance food security, food safety, and the agriculture economy in Thailand.
Towards Operationalizing the SRF with a Suite of Indicators within a Monitori...CGIAR
Update from the Indicator Task Force: Towards Operationalizing the SRF with a Suite of Indicators within a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework
Africa RISING Research Output 1 in East and Southern Africa: Update from IFPRIafrica-rising
Presented by Carlo Azzarri, Beliyou Haile, Sara Signorelli, Cleo Roberts, Apurba Shee at the Africa RISING East and Southern Africa Review and Planning Meeting, Malawi, 14-16 July 2015
This document provides an update on the Standing Panel on Impact Assessment (SPIA) and its plans going forward. It summarizes the results of the first phase of the Strengthening Impact Assessment in the CGIAR program, which included 40 projects across various institutions. It outlines SPIA's conference in July 2017 and priorities for the second phase, which will focus on filling data gaps, conducting impact evaluations, and strengthening capacity for impact assessment within the CGIAR.
1. The document discusses strategies for expanding monitoring of routine immunization (RI) programs in India, including monitoring high priority areas, sessions, and households.
2. Key findings from RI monitoring in various states show both availability of vaccines and safe injection practices need improvement, while mobilization of children has increased.
3. Feedback on monitoring data is provided to local levels, but expanded monitoring is still needed in many states, and tools and oversight may need strengthening to ensure quality as programs and priorities evolve over time.
This document provides an update on Workstream 1 of the Technology Platform, which aims to strengthen self-assessment capacity in partner organizations to support technology adoption. It discusses several ongoing activities in 2016, including desktop studies of crop yields and technology feasibility in partner countries, and providing self-assessment support. It outlines pilot studies conducted with ASARECA, CORAF, and CCARDESA focusing on improved maize and rice varieties and small ruminant technologies in Uganda, Senegal, and Namibia. These involve analyzing yield gaps and trends, identifying intervention areas, profiling technologies, and ex-ante impact analyses. The timeline for completing these pilot studies is provided. Background information on how the Technology Platform originated from initiatives calling for
Similar to Africa RISING phase 2 monitoring and evaluation framework (20)
Africa RISING project implementation and contribution in Ethiopia. Presented at Africa RISING close-out event.
24-25 January 2023
ILRI campus- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The document summarizes a field visit by Africa RISING CGIAR partners to sites in Ethiopia where they are implementing their new SI-MFS initiative. It describes some innovative farmers in the Lemo and Doyogena districts who have adopted integrated crop-livestock-NRM practices promoted by Africa RISING, including using protein-rich legume fodder trees, energy-rich grasses, and soil and water conservation practices. It also highlights the challenges of water shortage and disease, and the potential for the new SI-MFS initiative to build on the success stories and learning from Africa RISING farmers.
This document summarizes planned and ongoing agricultural research activities and studies in the Ethiopian highlands for 2022. It discusses field activities related to livestock feed and forage development as well as crop varietal selection. It also outlines planned, ongoing, and completed studies on topics like gender and scaling assessments. The document notes legacy products to be developed and capacity building efforts. It describes plans to broadcast livestock innovations through local radio and concludes with noting the planned closure of the Africa Research project in Ethiopia in early 2023.
Haimanot Seifu provided a communications update on the Africa RISING program in the Ethiopian Highlands. Key activities before the program ends this year include producing extension manuals, policy briefs, a special journal issue, and a photo book. Surveys are also ongoing regarding gender, monitoring impacts, spillover effects, and scaling. Africa RISING is partnering with AICCRA on workshops, surveys, training modules, and broadcasting feed and forage technologies on local radio stations. A new initiative called SI-MFS involving mixed farming systems in 6 countries was also launched in May to run initially for 3 years from 2022-2024. Support is needed from CKM for legacy products, facilitating
Technique de compostage des tiges de cotonnier au Mali-Sudafrica-rising
Poster prepared by Moumini Guindo, Bouba Traoré, Birhanu Zemadim Birhanu, and Alou Coulibaly for the 13th Symposium of the Malian Society of Applied Sciences (MSAS), 01 July – 05 August 2022.
Flux des nutriments (N, P, K) des resources organiques dans les exploitations...africa-rising
Poster prepared by Moumini Guindo, Bouba Traoré, Birhanu Zemadim Birhanu, and Alou Coulibaly for the 13th Symposium of the Malian Society of Applied Sciences (MSAS), 01 July 1 – 05 August 2022.
Eliciting willingness to pay for quality maize and beans: Evidence from exper...africa-rising
Poster prepared by Julius Manda, Adane Tufa, Christopher Mutungi, Arega Alene, Victor Manyong and Tahirou Abdoulaye for the IITA Social Science Group Virtual Meeting, 7 December 2021.
The woman has no right to sell livestock: The role of gender norms in Norther...africa-rising
Presented by Kipo Jimah and Gundula Fischer (IITA) at the virtual conference on Cultivating Equality: Advancing Gender Research in Agriculture and Food Systems, 12-15 October 2021
This document summarizes two assessments conducted by Africa RISING on sustainable intensification and return on investment from 2011-2020. It finds that:
1) The total value of direct benefits to farmers was $74.6 million, while the total project cost was $15.9 million, resulting in a return on investment of 469%.
2) An assessment of progress towards sustainable intensification analyzed households by total production per hectare and compared indicators across five domains. It found that more intensified households showed improved scores in agricultural production, economics, environment, human welfare, and social indicators.
3) A focus on assessments at the woreda (district) level provided insights into differences between communities and guidance for
The document summarizes the results of a nutrition assessment study and lessons learned from it. The study aimed to identify how Africa RISING interventions contributed to household nutrition. It used a qualitative research approach with key informant interviews and focus group discussions in Ethiopia. The results showed that the interventions helped to produce and consume a more diverse and nutritious diet, generate income, and improve knowledge of food production and preparation. However, diet diversity remained low and certain nutrient-rich foods were still limited. Key lessons were that technical nutrition support needs frequent follow-ups, and engaging community leaders and husbands is important for influencing mothers' nutrition practices.
The document discusses plans for scaling assessment of Africa RISING interventions. It notes that Africa RISING's second phase focused on scaling approaches through recruiting scaling partners, training of trainers, multi-stakeholder meetings, and research backstopping. The assessment aims to document scaling practices, identify areas for increased support, and develop an exit strategy as the program period concludes. It will use ILRI's scaling framework over six months to provide a technical report and scientific paper.
This document summarizes a presentation on conducting on-farm trials at scale using crowdsourcing. It discusses the benefits and challenges of traditional on-farm trials, and proposes a solution using digital platforms and farmer participation. Farmers would receive random combinations of varieties to test on their own farms and provide rankings. Data would be collected and analyzed to provide feedback to farmers. The approach aims to increase representation while reducing costs compared to traditional on-farm trials. It outlines 10 steps for implementation, including defining varieties, designing projects, recruiting farmers, preparing packages, data collection, analysis and discussion.
Contribution of Africa RISING validated technologies, nutrition-education interventions to household nutrition and participatory nutrition-education need assessment with seasonal food availability in Amhara, Oromia and SNNP regions of Ethiopia
The Africa RISING Project in Ethiopia introduced climate-smart agricultural technologies to smallholder farmers vulnerable to climate change. Over 0.33 million households adopted improved crop varieties, livestock feed, land restoration, water management, and mechanization. Crop yields increased significantly, reaching up to 9.4 tons/hectare for wheat. Postharvest practices reduced feed waste by over 30%. The project built the capacity of over 23,000 farmers and empowered cooperatives to disseminate seeds and technologies. An economic impact assessment projected benefits from technology adoption from 2013 to 2025.
EWOCS-I: The catalog of X-ray sources in Westerlund 1 from the Extended Weste...Sérgio Sacani
Context. With a mass exceeding several 104 M⊙ and a rich and dense population of massive stars, supermassive young star clusters
represent the most massive star-forming environment that is dominated by the feedback from massive stars and gravitational interactions
among stars.
Aims. In this paper we present the Extended Westerlund 1 and 2 Open Clusters Survey (EWOCS) project, which aims to investigate
the influence of the starburst environment on the formation of stars and planets, and on the evolution of both low and high mass stars.
The primary targets of this project are Westerlund 1 and 2, the closest supermassive star clusters to the Sun.
Methods. The project is based primarily on recent observations conducted with the Chandra and JWST observatories. Specifically,
the Chandra survey of Westerlund 1 consists of 36 new ACIS-I observations, nearly co-pointed, for a total exposure time of 1 Msec.
Additionally, we included 8 archival Chandra/ACIS-S observations. This paper presents the resulting catalog of X-ray sources within
and around Westerlund 1. Sources were detected by combining various existing methods, and photon extraction and source validation
were carried out using the ACIS-Extract software.
Results. The EWOCS X-ray catalog comprises 5963 validated sources out of the 9420 initially provided to ACIS-Extract, reaching a
photon flux threshold of approximately 2 × 10−8 photons cm−2
s
−1
. The X-ray sources exhibit a highly concentrated spatial distribution,
with 1075 sources located within the central 1 arcmin. We have successfully detected X-ray emissions from 126 out of the 166 known
massive stars of the cluster, and we have collected over 71 000 photons from the magnetar CXO J164710.20-455217.
Describing and Interpreting an Immersive Learning Case with the Immersion Cub...Leonel Morgado
Current descriptions of immersive learning cases are often difficult or impossible to compare. This is due to a myriad of different options on what details to include, which aspects are relevant, and on the descriptive approaches employed. Also, these aspects often combine very specific details with more general guidelines or indicate intents and rationales without clarifying their implementation. In this paper we provide a method to describe immersive learning cases that is structured to enable comparisons, yet flexible enough to allow researchers and practitioners to decide which aspects to include. This method leverages a taxonomy that classifies educational aspects at three levels (uses, practices, and strategies) and then utilizes two frameworks, the Immersive Learning Brain and the Immersion Cube, to enable a structured description and interpretation of immersive learning cases. The method is then demonstrated on a published immersive learning case on training for wind turbine maintenance using virtual reality. Applying the method results in a structured artifact, the Immersive Learning Case Sheet, that tags the case with its proximal uses, practices, and strategies, and refines the free text case description to ensure that matching details are included. This contribution is thus a case description method in support of future comparative research of immersive learning cases. We then discuss how the resulting description and interpretation can be leveraged to change immersion learning cases, by enriching them (considering low-effort changes or additions) or innovating (exploring more challenging avenues of transformation). The method holds significant promise to support better-grounded research in immersive learning.
When I was asked to give a companion lecture in support of ‘The Philosophy of Science’ (https://shorturl.at/4pUXz) I decided not to walk through the detail of the many methodologies in order of use. Instead, I chose to employ a long standing, and ongoing, scientific development as an exemplar. And so, I chose the ever evolving story of Thermodynamics as a scientific investigation at its best.
Conducted over a period of >200 years, Thermodynamics R&D, and application, benefitted from the highest levels of professionalism, collaboration, and technical thoroughness. New layers of application, methodology, and practice were made possible by the progressive advance of technology. In turn, this has seen measurement and modelling accuracy continually improved at a micro and macro level.
Perhaps most importantly, Thermodynamics rapidly became a primary tool in the advance of applied science/engineering/technology, spanning micro-tech, to aerospace and cosmology. I can think of no better a story to illustrate the breadth of scientific methodologies and applications at their best.
The cost of acquiring information by natural selectionCarl Bergstrom
This is a short talk that I gave at the Banff International Research Station workshop on Modeling and Theory in Population Biology. The idea is to try to understand how the burden of natural selection relates to the amount of information that selection puts into the genome.
It's based on the first part of this research paper:
The cost of information acquisition by natural selection
Ryan Seamus McGee, Olivia Kosterlitz, Artem Kaznatcheev, Benjamin Kerr, Carl T. Bergstrom
bioRxiv 2022.07.02.498577; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.07.02.498577
Immersive Learning That Works: Research Grounding and Paths ForwardLeonel Morgado
We will metaverse into the essence of immersive learning, into its three dimensions and conceptual models. This approach encompasses elements from teaching methodologies to social involvement, through organizational concerns and technologies. Challenging the perception of learning as knowledge transfer, we introduce a 'Uses, Practices & Strategies' model operationalized by the 'Immersive Learning Brain' and ‘Immersion Cube’ frameworks. This approach offers a comprehensive guide through the intricacies of immersive educational experiences and spotlighting research frontiers, along the immersion dimensions of system, narrative, and agency. Our discourse extends to stakeholders beyond the academic sphere, addressing the interests of technologists, instructional designers, and policymakers. We span various contexts, from formal education to organizational transformation to the new horizon of an AI-pervasive society. This keynote aims to unite the iLRN community in a collaborative journey towards a future where immersive learning research and practice coalesce, paving the way for innovative educational research and practice landscapes.
Or: Beyond linear.
Abstract: Equivariant neural networks are neural networks that incorporate symmetries. The nonlinear activation functions in these networks result in interesting nonlinear equivariant maps between simple representations, and motivate the key player of this talk: piecewise linear representation theory.
Disclaimer: No one is perfect, so please mind that there might be mistakes and typos.
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PPT on Direct Seeded Rice presented at the three-day 'Training and Validation Workshop on Modules of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Technologies in South Asia' workshop on April 22, 2024.
hematic appreciation test is a psychological assessment tool used to measure an individual's appreciation and understanding of specific themes or topics. This test helps to evaluate an individual's ability to connect different ideas and concepts within a given theme, as well as their overall comprehension and interpretation skills. The results of the test can provide valuable insights into an individual's cognitive abilities, creativity, and critical thinking skills
Africa RISING phase 2 monitoring and evaluation framework
1. Africa RISING phase 2 M&E
framework
Beliyou Haile, Carlo Azzarri, Apurba Shee
M&E team, IFPRI
Africa RISING Phase II planning meeting
5 - 8 October, 2016
Lilongwe, Malawi
2. Overview
1. Summary of Phase I achievements
2. Phase I challenges and lessons learned
3. M&E for Phase II: monitoring
4. M&E for Phase II: evaluation
5. Conclusions
3. 1. Summary of Phase I achievements/1
Project Mapping and Monitoring Tool (PMMT): two rounds of in-
country trainings (70+ researchers and 3 rounds of FtF data
reporting)
AR data management and accompanying tools in CKAN (with ILRI)
(65 uploads so far)
Africa RISING Baseline Evaluation Surveys (ARBES):
Quasi-experimental design; 5 countries; 4,510 hhs; 81 program
and 76 control villages
30+ program beneficiaries/requestors of ARBES data (+
hundreds downloads)
4. ARBES survey reports (comparable snapshots of farming
systems/livelihoods in 5 countries)
ARBES-based household typologies
ARBES-based research studies
MWI and TZA: Targeting, bias, and expected impact
MWI and GHA: Nexus between production diversity and dietary
diversity
MWI: Economic, risk, and labor effects of different legume and
fertilizer practices
TZA: Determinants of technology “adoption”, willingness to pay
for improved technologies
Phase II targeting exercise
1. Summary of Phase I achievements/2
5. Staffing → local M&E coordinator/s
→ data managers to be hired locally
Timing and scale of ARBES → reduced scope of mid-line
surveys and better coordination with AR researchers (through
the local coordinator/s)
Communication of research findings and main M&E activities
→ better coordination with comm. team
Need of monitoring SI indicators → template
Need of data interoperability → BTS/BTTT
Need of a beneficiary tracking tool → BTTT
2. Phase I challenges and lessonslearned
6. 3. M&E for Phase II: monitoring/1
FtF indicators: Continuous updates/supervision to the PMMT
for uploading onto the FtFMS
Beneficiary and Technology Tracking Tool (BTTT): cataloguing
of AR innovations and beneficiaries
Offline excel-based tool with unique household ID!
Tracking beneficiary households and technologies
Audio tutorial here:
M&E data guide and tools: guideline for monitoring data
needs (type, frequency, responsibilities, etc.)
Inputs, outputs, outcomes, and contextual factors (e.g.,
prices)
7. 3. M&E for Phase II: monitoring/2
AR data supervision (jointly with ILRI-managed CKAN):
Confidential data
Embargo period monitoring system
(Refresher) trainings: PMMT, CKAN, BTTT, etc.
Cataloguing of AR technologies and practices
Data monitoring (through data managers)
SI indicators: identification of relevant SIIF indicators and data
collection tools (jointly with AR researchers)
8. 3. M&E for PhaseII: monitoring/3
SI indicators: to be guided by MSU/Columbia U’s sustainable
intensification indicators framework (SIIF)
Provides guidelines on how data may be collected to
construct SI indicators and monitor progress (productivity,
economic, environment, social and human domains at
farm-, hh-, landscape-, or admin-level)
Use of SIIF is the responsibility of AR researchers (including
indicator selection, data collection, etc.)
SI data to be reported to Chief Scientists
9. Characterization: AR households, farming systems, typologies,
livelihoods
Ex-ante evaluation:
Integrated crop and bio-economic modelling
APSIM (with ICRISAT), DSSAT, DAHBSIM (with IAMM)
Ex-post evaluation: agro-economic effects
Quasi-experimental evaluation design
Correlates of AR technology adoption and agro-economic
evaluation
Cross-sectional and panel data analysis
Comparative analysis: returns and risks with AR technologies
(TZA and MWI)
4. M&E for Phase II: evaluation/1
10. Targeted case studies: willingness to pay, risk rationing, access
to credit and risk-contingent credit, adoption (TZA)
AR technology diffusion and scale-up: effects of technologies
upon scaling up within the FTF ZoI?
AR Midline Evaluation Surveys (ARMES):
4. M&E for Phase II: evaluation/2
Country Scope IFPRI baseline IFPRI midline
Malawi 450 AR hh, 26 AR
villages + more
Aug - Oct, 2013 Aug - Oct, 2017
Tanzania 126 AR hh, 11 AR
villages + more
Feb - Mar, 2014 Feb - Mar, 2018
Zambia None TBD
11. Decentralized monitoring
Stronger presence in the field
BTS/BTTT set-up and monitoring
Continued supervision of PMMT, CKAN
M&E data guide and tools
(Refresher) training for PMMT, CKAN, BTTT
Cataloguing of AR innovations
ARMES
Ex-ante and ex-post evaluation
Targeted case studies and research activities
5. Conclusions
13. Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation
africa-rising.net
The presentation has a Creative Commons licence. You are free to re-use or distribute this work, provided credit is given to ILRI.
Thank You