This document summarizes the 7th Capitalization Meeting of the EU Land Governance Programme held from June 26-29, 2018 in Rome, Italy. It outlines the background of the Transversal Programme which has focused on capitalization meetings and capacity development. The meeting proposed activities and target groups at the transversal and country levels from September 2018 to June 2019 focusing on good governance of land tenure, gender, sustainable development goals, land investments, pastoral tenure and more. Feedback on feasibility and modifications were discussed.
Africa RISING West Africa Project—The history and where we are todayafrica-rising
The Africa RISING West Africa Project began in 2011 with brainstorming meetings to plan farming systems intensification projects in Ghana and Mali. An inception workshop in 2012 established the research framework and approach. Africa RISING was launched as a 5-year research program with 3 regional projects in West Africa, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Ethiopian Highlands. The goal is to create pathways for smallholders to move out of poverty through sustainable intensification. Field activities began in 2012 in Ghana and Mali, with research focusing on crop-livestock systems. Challenges implementing the first years included delays establishing baselines and integrating partner organizations.
The APMCHUD7 Bureau Meeting confirmed that the Seventh Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development will be held in Islamic Republic of Iran in 2018. Find further information on the preparatory activities for the organization of this event on this presentation.
Pillar 3: Presentation of the Implementation Plan | Liesl Wiese, GSP SecretariatFAO
This document outlines Pillar 3 of the Global Soil Partnership Implementation Plan, which focuses on soil research and development. The plan includes 5 activities with estimated budgets totaling $16.72 million: 1) Developing a global research internet platform, 2) Identifying priorities from existing R&D, 3) Encouraging interdisciplinary R&D, 4) Highlighting return on investment in soil R&D, and 5) Active collaboration between researchers and stakeholders. The activities aim to generate knowledge through research, develop new technologies, and support development agendas globally and regionally.
This document summarizes the 7th Capitalization Meeting of the EU Land Governance Programme held from June 26-29, 2018 in Rome, Italy. It outlines the background of the Transversal Programme which has focused on capitalization meetings and capacity development. The meeting proposed activities and target groups at the transversal and country levels from September 2018 to June 2019 focusing on good governance of land tenure, gender, sustainable development goals, land investments, pastoral tenure and more. Feedback on feasibility and modifications were discussed.
Africa RISING West Africa Project—The history and where we are todayafrica-rising
The Africa RISING West Africa Project began in 2011 with brainstorming meetings to plan farming systems intensification projects in Ghana and Mali. An inception workshop in 2012 established the research framework and approach. Africa RISING was launched as a 5-year research program with 3 regional projects in West Africa, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Ethiopian Highlands. The goal is to create pathways for smallholders to move out of poverty through sustainable intensification. Field activities began in 2012 in Ghana and Mali, with research focusing on crop-livestock systems. Challenges implementing the first years included delays establishing baselines and integrating partner organizations.
The APMCHUD7 Bureau Meeting confirmed that the Seventh Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development will be held in Islamic Republic of Iran in 2018. Find further information on the preparatory activities for the organization of this event on this presentation.
Pillar 3: Presentation of the Implementation Plan | Liesl Wiese, GSP SecretariatFAO
This document outlines Pillar 3 of the Global Soil Partnership Implementation Plan, which focuses on soil research and development. The plan includes 5 activities with estimated budgets totaling $16.72 million: 1) Developing a global research internet platform, 2) Identifying priorities from existing R&D, 3) Encouraging interdisciplinary R&D, 4) Highlighting return on investment in soil R&D, and 5) Active collaboration between researchers and stakeholders. The activities aim to generate knowledge through research, develop new technologies, and support development agendas globally and regionally.
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.
Agro-ecological intensification of smallholder agriculture through action res...africa-rising
Presented by Regis Chikowo and Sieglinde Snapp (Michigan State University) at the Africa RISING East and Southern Africa Research Review and Planning Meeting, Arusha, Tanzania, 1-5 October 2012
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 update on Ghana in 2012 and plans for 2013africa-rising
This document provides an update on the Africa RISING program in Ghana in 2012 and plans for 2013. In 2012, Africa RISING conducted situation analysis in 60 communities to identify quick-win sites. Major crops grown included maize, rice, and legumes. Production constraints identified included limited access to credit, inadequate land preparation equipment, low soil fertility, poor quality seed, erratic rainfall and drought, Striga weed, and pest and disease problems. Plans for 2013 include continuing work with partners in integrated systems research and development activities to address these constraints and improve productivity, natural resource management, and market access for smallholder farmers.
Local conventions governing natural resource management in southern region of...africa-rising
This document summarizes a study on local conventions governing natural resource management in southern Mali. The study aimed to document existing local conventions around crop-livestock systems and examine community participation in developing these conventions. Key findings include: local conventions mainly exist informally through oral traditions; men had greater knowledge than women of conventions; and participation in convention development was low, influenced by factors like age, gender, ethnicity. The results show conventions are weak due to low community participation and lack of formalization. Formalizing and increasing participation could enhance sustainable natural resource management.
Rising to the challenge of sustainable intensification of agricultural produc...africa-rising
Presented by Jeroen Groot, Charlotte Klapwijk, Carl Timler, Mateete Bekunda, Tom van Mourik, Katrien Descheemaeker, Pablo Tittonell, Ken Giller, Sieglinde Snapp and Bernard Vanlauwe at the 4th International Symposium for Farming Systems Design, Lanzhou, China, 19-22 August 2013
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.
Proposals for Africa RISING Ethiopian Highlands Research Component 1—Characte...africa-rising
Presented by Alan Duncan, Beth Cullen, Aster Gebrekristos and Stefan Shultz at the Africa RISING Ethiopia Project Implementation Meeting, Addis Ababa, 13-14 February 2013
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.
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
From Arusha to Lilongwe: Africa RISING East and Southern Africa year 2 overviewafrica-rising
Presented by I. Hoeschle-Zeledon at the Africa RISING East and Southern Africa annual review and planning meeting, Lilongwe, Malawi, 3-5 September 2013
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
Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for Africa RISINGafrica-rising
The document provides a monitoring and evaluation plan for the Africa RISING program. It outlines the program's objectives to sustainably intensify agricultural systems in Africa. Key activities include on-farm trials, scaling of technologies, and value chain improvements. The M&E plan aims to support project management, learning, and reporting. It details indicators, methods, roles, and commitments such as providing open-access data. The plan outlines approaches for monitoring multiple scales, evaluating impacts, and ensuring compliance with Feed the Future standards.
Africa RISING Monitoring and Evaluation: Work in progress and 2012/2013 achie...africa-rising
Presented by B. Haile and A. Charles (IFPRI) at the Africa RISING East and Southern Africa annual review and planning meeting, Lilongwe, Malawi, 3-5 September 2013
Rolling out the Science Agenda for Agriculture in Africa (S3A) at country levelHillary Hanson
Scientific and Technical Partnerships in Africa: Technologies, Platforms, and Partnerships in support of the African agricultural science agenda, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, April 4&5, 2017
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.
Agro-ecological intensification of smallholder agriculture through action res...africa-rising
Presented by Regis Chikowo and Sieglinde Snapp (Michigan State University) at the Africa RISING East and Southern Africa Research Review and Planning Meeting, Arusha, Tanzania, 1-5 October 2012
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 update on Ghana in 2012 and plans for 2013africa-rising
This document provides an update on the Africa RISING program in Ghana in 2012 and plans for 2013. In 2012, Africa RISING conducted situation analysis in 60 communities to identify quick-win sites. Major crops grown included maize, rice, and legumes. Production constraints identified included limited access to credit, inadequate land preparation equipment, low soil fertility, poor quality seed, erratic rainfall and drought, Striga weed, and pest and disease problems. Plans for 2013 include continuing work with partners in integrated systems research and development activities to address these constraints and improve productivity, natural resource management, and market access for smallholder farmers.
Local conventions governing natural resource management in southern region of...africa-rising
This document summarizes a study on local conventions governing natural resource management in southern Mali. The study aimed to document existing local conventions around crop-livestock systems and examine community participation in developing these conventions. Key findings include: local conventions mainly exist informally through oral traditions; men had greater knowledge than women of conventions; and participation in convention development was low, influenced by factors like age, gender, ethnicity. The results show conventions are weak due to low community participation and lack of formalization. Formalizing and increasing participation could enhance sustainable natural resource management.
Rising to the challenge of sustainable intensification of agricultural produc...africa-rising
Presented by Jeroen Groot, Charlotte Klapwijk, Carl Timler, Mateete Bekunda, Tom van Mourik, Katrien Descheemaeker, Pablo Tittonell, Ken Giller, Sieglinde Snapp and Bernard Vanlauwe at the 4th International Symposium for Farming Systems Design, Lanzhou, China, 19-22 August 2013
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.
Proposals for Africa RISING Ethiopian Highlands Research Component 1—Characte...africa-rising
Presented by Alan Duncan, Beth Cullen, Aster Gebrekristos and Stefan Shultz at the Africa RISING Ethiopia Project Implementation Meeting, Addis Ababa, 13-14 February 2013
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.
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
From Arusha to Lilongwe: Africa RISING East and Southern Africa year 2 overviewafrica-rising
Presented by I. Hoeschle-Zeledon at the Africa RISING East and Southern Africa annual review and planning meeting, Lilongwe, Malawi, 3-5 September 2013
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
Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for Africa RISINGafrica-rising
The document provides a monitoring and evaluation plan for the Africa RISING program. It outlines the program's objectives to sustainably intensify agricultural systems in Africa. Key activities include on-farm trials, scaling of technologies, and value chain improvements. The M&E plan aims to support project management, learning, and reporting. It details indicators, methods, roles, and commitments such as providing open-access data. The plan outlines approaches for monitoring multiple scales, evaluating impacts, and ensuring compliance with Feed the Future standards.
Africa RISING Monitoring and Evaluation: Work in progress and 2012/2013 achie...africa-rising
Presented by B. Haile and A. Charles (IFPRI) at the Africa RISING East and Southern Africa annual review and planning meeting, Lilongwe, Malawi, 3-5 September 2013
Rolling out the Science Agenda for Agriculture in Africa (S3A) at country levelHillary Hanson
Scientific and Technical Partnerships in Africa: Technologies, Platforms, and Partnerships in support of the African agricultural science agenda, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, April 4&5, 2017
Regional Engagement:Towards the Establishment of a Data-Science Platform for ...Fatima Parker-Allie
Presentation conducted at the GBIF Governing Board 19 Meeting in Norway. Presentation focused on the GBIF Africa Network and the establishment of a Data-Science Platform for Africa
The Science Agenda for Agriculture in Africa (S3A)Francois Stepman
11 May 2018. Cotonou, Benin. In order to ensure that the Science Agenda is taken into account in the development of the projects to implement the PNIASAN (the National Agricultural Investment and Food Security and Nutrition Plan (PNIASAN 2017-2021), Benin has asked to join the Science Agenda.
S&T Partnerships in Africa - Program OverviewHillary Hanson
Science and Technical Partnership in Africa: Technologies, Platforms and Partnerships in support of the African agricultural science agenda, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, April 4&5, 2017
Photo report on the Africa RISING Program Learning Eventafrica-rising
The Africa RISING Program held its annual learning event in Malawi from February 5-8, 2019. Over 60 participants from six African countries attended to share experiences implementing the Sustainable Intensification Assessment Framework, systems research, and program terminology. This year's event included field visits to project sites, allowing participants to learn practically in addition to theoretical discussions. Key discussions focused on defining systems research and mainstreaming the assessment framework across Africa RISING projects.
The Technical Consortium (TC) for ending drought emergencies and building res...ILRI
Presented by Jimmy Smith, Shirley Tarawali, Polly Ericksen and Katie Downie at the 2nd Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD), 28 October 2012
The Accelerating Impact of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project works to deliver a climate-smart African future driven by science and innovation in agriculture.
AICCRA does this by enhancing access to climate information services and climate-smart agricultural technology to millions of smallholder farmers in Africa.
With better access to climate technology and advisory services—linked to information about effective response measures—farmers can better anticipate climate-related events and take preventative action that help communities better safeguard their livelihoods and the environment.
AICCRA is supported by a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank, which is used to enhance research and capacity-building activities by the CGIAR centers and initiatives as well as their partners in Africa.
About IDA: IDA helps the world’s poorest countries by providing grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects and programmes that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people’s lives.
IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for the world’s 76 poorest countries, 39 of which are in Africa.
Annual IDA commitments have averaged about $21 billion over circa 2017-2020, with approximately 61 percent going to Africa.
The document introduces GBIF and discusses its origins, operations, and activities in Africa. It can be summarized as follows:
1) GBIF was established in 2001 to make biodiversity data accessible worldwide and now connects over 1,000 data publishers through its online portal.
2) The GBIF network includes data publishing institutions, national nodes coordinating activity, and a governing board that oversees secretariat operations in Copenhagen.
3) In Africa, GBIF aims to increase available biodiversity data through projects that strengthen national networks and mobilize data to support policy needs like protected areas and invasive species.
Introducing the Technical Consortium: Building resilience in the Horn of AfricaILRI
The Technical Consortium aims to provide technical support to IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) member states in the Horn of Africa to enhance resilience to hazards like drought. It supports the development of national investment programs and informs sustainable development in the region using CGIAR research. It has supported development of strategic plans for member countries and produced briefs on effective interventions. Currently, it is working to develop tools and data to help member states better target, monitor, and evaluate investments to improve resilience and development outcomes in arid areas.
Assessing Impact of Investments in Agricultural Water Management in African C...FAO
The document discusses a project by the African Development Bank (AfDB) to assess investments in agricultural water management (AWM) in Africa. The project will:
1) Assess past AfDB-funded AWM projects between 1990-2005 to evaluate their performance and impact.
2) Make recommendations for future AWM investments, including prospective projects, to optimize water and land use for agriculture and food security.
3) Establish strategic partnerships in AWM to increase investment. The project will select 4-5 regional member countries using criteria like poverty levels and the importance of AfDB's past AWM portfolio. It will use an ex-post impact assessment methodology to evaluate past projects in the selected countries.
Assessing Impact of Investments in Agricultural Water Management in African C...NENAwaterscarcity
Assessing Impact of Investments in Agricultural Water Management in African Countries
Exploring Challenges and Opportunities in Building Partnerships to Enhance Investment in Agricultural Water Management in Africa and to
Achieve Green and Inclusive Growth Objectives set under the Ten Year Strategy of the African Development Bank (AfDB) “GCP/INT/029/AFB"
This document provides an appraisal report for a project to support agricultural research and development of strategic crops in Africa through partnerships with CGIAR centers. The project aims to enhance food and nutrition security and reduce poverty. It will pursue this by increasing productivity, income, and market access around four key crops: cassava, maize, rice, and wheat. The project will be implemented over 5 years with $39.9 million from the African Development Fund and $13.9 million of in-kind contributions from participating countries. It is expected to achieve high economic and financial returns while minimizing social and environmental risks.
This document provides an appraisal report for a project to support agricultural research and development of strategic crops in Africa through partnerships with CGIAR centers. The project aims to enhance food and nutrition security and reduce poverty. It will pursue this by increasing productivity, income, and market access around four key crops: cassava, maize, rice, and wheat. The project will be implemented over 5 years with $39.9 million from the African Development Fund and $13.9 million of in-kind contributions from participating countries. It is expected to achieve high economic and financial returns while minimizing social and environmental risks.
Similar to Africa RISING West Africa: Year 1 overview (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.
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.
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
In the realm of cybersecurity, offensive security practices act as a critical shield. By simulating real-world attacks in a controlled environment, these techniques expose vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. This proactive approach allows manufacturers to identify and fix weaknesses, significantly enhancing system security.
This presentation delves into the development of a system designed to mimic Galileo's Open Service signal using software-defined radio (SDR) technology. We'll begin with a foundational overview of both Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and the intricacies of digital signal processing.
The presentation culminates in a live demonstration. We'll showcase the manipulation of Galileo's Open Service pilot signal, simulating an attack on various software and hardware systems. This practical demonstration serves to highlight the potential consequences of unaddressed vulnerabilities, emphasizing the importance of offensive security practices in safeguarding critical infrastructure.
ScyllaDB is making a major architecture shift. We’re moving from vNode replication to tablets – fragments of tables that are distributed independently, enabling dynamic data distribution and extreme elasticity. In this keynote, ScyllaDB co-founder and CTO Avi Kivity explains the reason for this shift, provides a look at the implementation and roadmap, and shares how this shift benefits ScyllaDB users.
What is an RPA CoE? Session 1 – CoE VisionDianaGray10
In the first session, we will review the organization's vision and how this has an impact on the COE Structure.
Topics covered:
• The role of a steering committee
• How do the organization’s priorities determine CoE Structure?
Speaker:
Chris Bolin, Senior Intelligent Automation Architect Anika Systems
Northern Engraving | Nameplate Manufacturing Process - 2024Northern Engraving
Manufacturing custom quality metal nameplates and badges involves several standard operations. Processes include sheet prep, lithography, screening, coating, punch press and inspection. All decoration is completed in the flat sheet with adhesive and tooling operations following. The possibilities for creating unique durable nameplates are endless. How will you create your brand identity? We can help!
Lee Barnes - Path to Becoming an Effective Test Automation Engineer.pdfleebarnesutopia
So… you want to become a Test Automation Engineer (or hire and develop one)? While there’s quite a bit of information available about important technical and tool skills to master, there’s not enough discussion around the path to becoming an effective Test Automation Engineer that knows how to add VALUE. In my experience this had led to a proliferation of engineers who are proficient with tools and building frameworks but have skill and knowledge gaps, especially in software testing, that reduce the value they deliver with test automation.
In this talk, Lee will share his lessons learned from over 30 years of working with, and mentoring, hundreds of Test Automation Engineers. Whether you’re looking to get started in test automation or just want to improve your trade, this talk will give you a solid foundation and roadmap for ensuring your test automation efforts continuously add value. This talk is equally valuable for both aspiring Test Automation Engineers and those managing them! All attendees will take away a set of key foundational knowledge and a high-level learning path for leveling up test automation skills and ensuring they add value to their organizations.
"$10 thousand per minute of downtime: architecture, queues, streaming and fin...Fwdays
Direct losses from downtime in 1 minute = $5-$10 thousand dollars. Reputation is priceless.
As part of the talk, we will consider the architectural strategies necessary for the development of highly loaded fintech solutions. We will focus on using queues and streaming to efficiently work and manage large amounts of data in real-time and to minimize latency.
We will focus special attention on the architectural patterns used in the design of the fintech system, microservices and event-driven architecture, which ensure scalability, fault tolerance, and consistency of the entire system.
Session 1 - Intro to Robotic Process Automation.pdfUiPathCommunity
👉 Check out our full 'Africa Series - Automation Student Developers (EN)' page to register for the full program:
https://bit.ly/Automation_Student_Kickstart
In this session, we shall introduce you to the world of automation, the UiPath Platform, and guide you on how to install and setup UiPath Studio on your Windows PC.
📕 Detailed agenda:
What is RPA? Benefits of RPA?
RPA Applications
The UiPath End-to-End Automation Platform
UiPath Studio CE Installation and Setup
💻 Extra training through UiPath Academy:
Introduction to Automation
UiPath Business Automation Platform
Explore automation development with UiPath Studio
👉 Register here for our upcoming Session 2 on June 20: Introduction to UiPath Studio Fundamentals: https://community.uipath.com/events/details/uipath-lagos-presents-session-2-introduction-to-uipath-studio-fundamentals/
In our second session, we shall learn all about the main features and fundamentals of UiPath Studio that enable us to use the building blocks for any automation project.
📕 Detailed agenda:
Variables and Datatypes
Workflow Layouts
Arguments
Control Flows and Loops
Conditional Statements
💻 Extra training through UiPath Academy:
Variables, Constants, and Arguments in Studio
Control Flow in Studio
Conversational agents, or chatbots, are increasingly used to access all sorts of services using natural language. While open-domain chatbots - like ChatGPT - can converse on any topic, task-oriented chatbots - the focus of this paper - are designed for specific tasks, like booking a flight, obtaining customer support, or setting an appointment. Like any other software, task-oriented chatbots need to be properly tested, usually by defining and executing test scenarios (i.e., sequences of user-chatbot interactions). However, there is currently a lack of methods to quantify the completeness and strength of such test scenarios, which can lead to low-quality tests, and hence to buggy chatbots.
To fill this gap, we propose adapting mutation testing (MuT) for task-oriented chatbots. To this end, we introduce a set of mutation operators that emulate faults in chatbot designs, an architecture that enables MuT on chatbots built using heterogeneous technologies, and a practical realisation as an Eclipse plugin. Moreover, we evaluate the applicability, effectiveness and efficiency of our approach on open-source chatbots, with promising results.
"Choosing proper type of scaling", Olena SyrotaFwdays
Imagine an IoT processing system that is already quite mature and production-ready and for which client coverage is growing and scaling and performance aspects are life and death questions. The system has Redis, MongoDB, and stream processing based on ksqldb. In this talk, firstly, we will analyze scaling approaches and then select the proper ones for our system.
[OReilly Superstream] Occupy the Space: A grassroots guide to engineering (an...Jason Yip
The typical problem in product engineering is not bad strategy, so much as “no strategy”. This leads to confusion, lack of motivation, and incoherent action. The next time you look for a strategy and find an empty space, instead of waiting for it to be filled, I will show you how to fill it in yourself. If you’re wrong, it forces a correction. If you’re right, it helps create focus. I’ll share how I’ve approached this in the past, both what works and lessons for what didn’t work so well.
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) invited Taylor Paschal, Knowledge & Information Management Consultant at Enterprise Knowledge, to speak at a Knowledge Management Lunch and Learn hosted on June 12, 2024. All Office of Administration staff were invited to attend and received professional development credit for participating in the voluntary event.
The objectives of the Lunch and Learn presentation were to:
- Review what KM ‘is’ and ‘isn’t’
- Understand the value of KM and the benefits of engaging
- Define and reflect on your “what’s in it for me?”
- Share actionable ways you can participate in Knowledge - - Capture & Transfer
"What does it really mean for your system to be available, or how to define w...Fwdays
We will talk about system monitoring from a few different angles. We will start by covering the basics, then discuss SLOs, how to define them, and why understanding the business well is crucial for success in this exercise.
LF Energy Webinar: Carbon Data Specifications: Mechanisms to Improve Data Acc...DanBrown980551
This LF Energy webinar took place June 20, 2024. It featured:
-Alex Thornton, LF Energy
-Hallie Cramer, Google
-Daniel Roesler, UtilityAPI
-Henry Richardson, WattTime
In response to the urgency and scale required to effectively address climate change, open source solutions offer significant potential for driving innovation and progress. Currently, there is a growing demand for standardization and interoperability in energy data and modeling. Open source standards and specifications within the energy sector can also alleviate challenges associated with data fragmentation, transparency, and accessibility. At the same time, it is crucial to consider privacy and security concerns throughout the development of open source platforms.
This webinar will delve into the motivations behind establishing LF Energy’s Carbon Data Specification Consortium. It will provide an overview of the draft specifications and the ongoing progress made by the respective working groups.
Three primary specifications will be discussed:
-Discovery and client registration, emphasizing transparent processes and secure and private access
-Customer data, centering around customer tariffs, bills, energy usage, and full consumption disclosure
-Power systems data, focusing on grid data, inclusive of transmission and distribution networks, generation, intergrid power flows, and market settlement data
Essentials of Automations: Exploring Attributes & Automation ParametersSafe Software
Building automations in FME Flow can save time, money, and help businesses scale by eliminating data silos and providing data to stakeholders in real-time. One essential component to orchestrating complex automations is the use of attributes & automation parameters (both formerly known as “keys”). In fact, it’s unlikely you’ll ever build an Automation without using these components, but what exactly are they?
Attributes & automation parameters enable the automation author to pass data values from one automation component to the next. During this webinar, our FME Flow Specialists will cover leveraging the three types of these output attributes & parameters in FME Flow: Event, Custom, and Automation. As a bonus, they’ll also be making use of the Split-Merge Block functionality.
You’ll leave this webinar with a better understanding of how to maximize the potential of automations by making use of attributes & automation parameters, with the ultimate goal of setting your enterprise integration workflows up on autopilot.
Northern Engraving | Modern Metal Trim, Nameplates and Appliance PanelsNorthern Engraving
What began over 115 years ago as a supplier of precision gauges to the automotive industry has evolved into being an industry leader in the manufacture of product branding, automotive cockpit trim and decorative appliance trim. Value-added services include in-house Design, Engineering, Program Management, Test Lab and Tool Shops.
1. Africa RISING West
Africa: Year 1 overview
Irmgard Hoeschle-Zeledon (IITA)
Africa RISING West Africa Review and
Planning Meeting Tamale, Ghana, 23-25
October 2012
2. The Start
Oct. 2011: Brain storming meeting; agreement on
countries and regions: UER, UWR, NR [Ghana], Sikasso
[Mali]; agreement on key farming systems
Nov./Dec. 2011: Development of Concept Note
3 farming systems: sorghum-, maize-, rice-based
Jan. 2012: Inception workshop Tamale:
+/- agreement on objectives, outcomes, outputs;
confirmation of regions and farming systems;
need for a thorough research framework;
fast track workplan building on existing work to produce results by
September 2012
3. Next steps
Feb. 2012: First disbursement of funds to AfricaRice and
ICRISAT; recruitment of systems agronomist; in ESA
decision on program approach
March: Stakeholder workshop for site selection in Ghana
4 districts/region,
5 communities/district
April 2012: set up of Project office in Tamale; recruitment
of admin staff;
4. May: Community analysis in Ghana; Community Action
Plan
District stratification and characterization
(rainfall, elevation, population, market access) by IFPRI
June 2012: development and summission of joint
workplan; sub-agreements with partners; disbursement of
funds
Continuously: Strategic Program documents developed
6. Research framework
Generic to be applicable across all three Africa RISING
regions
flexible to allow site specific adaptation
Program Research Framework Task Force initiated by Jerry
Glover, USAID, and coordinated CIMMYT
Workshop in July in Ibadan, Nigeria, to advance draft
Completed, presented later
7. M&E Plan
Led by IFPRI
Workshop in Addis Ababa in September
Requires finalization of site selection process and
research plan
Status presented later
9. WA Steering Committee ToR
Provides advice and oversight on Project activities
Provides science guidance to Project implementers to ensure conformity
with Program Research Framework and Program Objectives
Guides Project planning and activities
Approves annual Project workplan and budget
Oversees coordination between project components and partners
Liaises with MET to oversee M&E; cc PCT on all reporting
Keeps PCT informed of activities via the Project Coordinator
Reviews and makes suggestions to Project Coordinator on semiannual
technical progress reports to USAID
Plans yearly stakeholder meetings with support from Program
Communications Team.
Decisions made by consensus.
Meets annually in personal and virtually as called by the Chair.
10. Membership
Chair: IITA (R. Asiedu, Regional Director West Africa)
Project Coordinator, serves as Secretary (I. Hoeschle-
Zeledon)
Project Chief Scientist (A. Larbi, IITA)
Project M&E Lead (IFPRI)
Project Communications Lead (K. Lopez, IITA)
Research partners: CGIAR (1 rotational [ICRISAT]),
CORAF (E. Asiedu), CSIR (A. Salifu), AGRA (K. Makinde)
USAID Activity Manager (J. Glover)
11. Other strategic documents
Communication Strategy and Tools
wiki page, website , image and document repository
Program Logframe
Program Document: assembly of all strategic documents
program context
purpose, objectives, outcomes
guiding principles and conceptual framework
research design
logframe
M&E plan
communication strategy
management structure
12. 17 August: Visit US Congressional Staff
to inspect bilateral and multilateral food security programs in
northern Ghana
met by SARI Director and Africa RISING chief scientist
visit of demonstration trails of drought and Striga tolerant
maize; rice seed multiplication and varietal trials
interactions with farmers
13. Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation
africa-rising.net