"Capacity for Agricultural Transformation in Central Asia" presented by Suresh Babu, at Regional Research Conference “Agricultural Transformation and Food Security in Central Asia”, April 8-9, 2014, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

1. REGIONAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE
AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION
AND FOOD SECURITY IN CENTRAL ASIA
Capacity for Agricultural
Transformation in Central
Asia
Suresh Babu
IFPRI

2. Structuraltransformationsfacilitatetheprogressionfromalow-capacity
countrytoahigh-capacitycountrythatisabletowithstandshocksandthreatsto
ensurethefoodsecurityofitscitizens

3. A Frameworkfor understandingthecapacityneeds

4. IFPRI Capacity Strengthening
Strategy
Objectives
I. Capacity Strengthening through IFPRI’s
global research programs
II. Generate research-based knowledge in the
form of International Public Good
III. Develop capacity through national, regional
and global collaborations

5. Page5
Methods
• Collaborative research: Malawi, Mozambique
• Group training: Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia
• Training of trainers: University lecturers
• Research Cycle – South Asia and East Africa Network
• 1-on-1 hands on training
• E-learning
• Institutional Strengthening
• Food and Agricultural System

6. Capacity Strengthening
Research – Key Needs
• Capacity Needs Assessments
• Institutional Capacity Reviews and Assessments
• Capacity Measurements – Capacity Development
Indicators
• Capacity Strengthening Methods – What works
and why?
• Capacity Monitoring and Evaluation
• Impact Assessment of Capacity Strengthening
projects

7. Net-Map showing information
flows and critical actors

8. Page8
Lessons Learned
• Sustainability of capacity depends on leadership
• Bridge the gap between theory and practice
• share the experiences in capacity strengthening
• understand the institutional, resource and
human capital constraints
• Curriculum should be reviewed and revised
• Establish enabling environment and institutions
• Continuous dialogue between the researchers,
trainers, and policymakers

9. Concluding Remarks
• Capacity development is a long term
continuous process
• Individual, institutional and policy environment
go hand in hand
• Training alone is not enough
• Knowledge management, participation,
transparency are important to make impact
• Strategic approach needed to capacity
development, management, utilization and
maintenance