WAS&DS Group work on integrating the learning into regional flagships
1. DS science implementationmeeting –WAS&DS
Group workon integratingthe learningintoregionalflagships
BLENDED issuesand actions and critical gaps
a) Implementingthe systemsapproach
Includingthe range of variationwithinactionsitesviamultiple interventionssites
The way WAS&DSwork presentedshouldbe changedtoreportperactivityorper IDO
The KKM andWBS sitesare a verymature samplingstrategy
Requestfromcentresthatwe needmore leadership
Expandthe range of partnersto improve capacitybuildingandimplementation
Needtoimprove mode of presentationandhow thoughtsare organized
Needtocreate science thataddressessocial needs
Criticallyexamine howourmindsare trainedtocriticallyexamine –learntostandin
each others’shoes andthinkina ‘new’systemsway
b) Science andnewscience
Systemsscience (inourcontext) isanew science andthatis whywe are strugglingwith
it - stop expectingourselvestoautomaticallyadapt
Recognize the emotional,social,cultural andintellectual journeys –individuallyand
collectively
Quantitative andqualitativedesignsandtradeoffs
Includingmore variablesbutina smart way
Notjust aboutraisingproductivitybyelevatingfrompoverty(broadersystem) –i.e.
fromagricultural systemtolivelihoodsystem
Riskvs productivity –e.g.the same resource (e.g.quantityof water) hasa different
value inthe twosituations
Paymentforecosystemservices
Newscience toconfrontthe “tragedyof the commons”
Reassesssatelliteandothersitesforrepresentativeissues –e.g.watermanagement
options
Train people
c) Synthesisresearch
Define “synthesis”
Synthesisexistingknowledge toaddressthe systemsissues
What productshouldthisbe at the programlevel –e.g.
i. synthesisof extension
ii. agricultural contentmanagement
iii. by technology –e.g.poultry,small scale irrigation
iv. synthesisof institutional approach
v. synthesisof systemsapproach
vi. historical contexts
2. d) Knowledgemanagement
E.g. promotingfarmers’understandingof managingindigenousspecies
Data management
…
e) Communication/visibility
What we want to researchandwhy
i. Drylands
ii. Systems
iii. What/whyisit different
iv. Standup and say “itis a new science”(recall 4stagesof acceptance of a new
idea)
What are the consequencesof excludingDrylandsfromaresearchagenda?
Demonstrate thatitis new
Showwe are “cuttingedge”andwe are movingtowardsa goal
Impression fromoutsidethatcentresdonotmentionthe program – onlywhatisdone
percentre
Put DS onbusinesscards
Aggressive approachtomarketingDS
Elevatormessage
TV,brochures,flyers (billboards?)
f) Partnershipforimpact
Capitalize onthe strongculture of NGOsin WestAfrica
Involve NGOsatthe beginningof projects
Work throughCORAFon selectedprojects/overviewsetc. – opportunitytofollow-up
withinternationaldoors –linkwithall DS to buildsynergies
g) Scalingup/out
It iscomplicated
Centresshouldnotcommittothis(ithas beena 40-year discussion
Needtopresentall availableinformationandinterpretationsandincreasevisibilityfor
developmentinstitutionstotake on
Ensure there are for a for these
Focuson youthprojects
h) Incentives
Scientistswanttopublish –encourage publishinginmulti-disciplinaryjournals
Elevate the statusof successstories – rewardsforthese???
Developincentivesforotherpartnersandactors