Capacity for Agricultural Policy: Suresh Babu.

Capacity for Agricultural Transformation- Issues, Challenges, and Lessons

Suresh Babu

ReSAKSS- Asia Conference,

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Capacity Strengthening

Cutting povertyEnding hunger

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Research Communications

Capacity Strengthening Strategy

Objectives

I. Capacity Strengthening through global research programs

II. Generate research-based knowledge in the form of International Public Good

III. Develop capacity through national, regional and global collaborations

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

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Capacity Building with CSA: Population Census Atlas

• Collaboration between ESSP and CSA • Atlas launched in Addis November 2010• In-depth training on GIS and data base management

Ethiopia Strategy Support Program Capacity Building

GIS Training 2009

CGE Course Ceremony 2009

CGE Paper Authors EEA Conference 2010

Ethiopia Strategy Support ProgramCapacity Building

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

People Person Days

Workshops/Conferences

Seminars

Hands-On Training

Short Courses

Training Courses

Does Training Strengthen Capacity?Developing a Framework for Capacity Development in Ghana

• Human Resources Department• MOFA/ IFPRI• Research Based Evidence• Collaborate policy makers and analysts• Address current and emerging issues• Monitor and Evaluate the effects of policy• Knowledge management• Capacity development

• Fragmented – piecemeal

What does AGRODEP want to achieve?Why AGRODEP:• African countries have experienced a remarkable economic

recovery since the start of the century• Africa is simultaneously undergoing an important policy

renewal process• This process fuels a growing demand for locally based, policy-

relevant research Therefore there is a need for:• a mechanism that helps to mobilize a critical mass of modeling

experts within Africa’s policy research and analysis community, • broaden access to innovative research methodologies, and • facilitate partnership with the global research community.

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Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System (ReSAKSS) is a knowledge management platform

Strategic analysis to inform policymakers

Knowledge management systems to ensure that the strategic analysis and other relevant knowledge products are translated into public goodsCapacity strengthening through support for the country CAADP Roundtables, establishment of country SAKSS programs/nodes

Architecture of country SAKSS• A structured network of

policy-making, research and implementation partners

• made up of 3 distinct but interrelated components: Node, Network, and Oversight Body

• institutionalised within relevant country structures (ministries, planning units, research institutions, knowledge management organs, etc.)

CREATING A PATHWAY FOR TECHNOLOGY ACCESS!

Empowers partner countries to build and implement functional regulatory systems by providing:

1. Independent expertise – science and policy2. Capacity building3. Credible information to policy makers,

stakeholders, end users and key opinion leaders for informed decision making

4. Experts are regulators from govt. and industry, scientists, lawyers and economists

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

Net-Map showing information flows and critical actors

Central Asia

South Asia

E-Learning-Asia

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

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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

Thank You