Browsing by Author "Harwood, R. R."

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  • A framework for enhancing and guarding the relevance and quality of science: The case of the CGIAR
    Kassam, Amir H.; Gregersen, H. M.; Fereres, E.; Javier, E. Q.; Harwood, R. R.; de Janvry, A.; Cernea, M. M. (2004)
    As part of the reform process of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), its Technical Advisory Committee is being transformed into a Science Council. An interim Science Council has been operating since January 2002. The primary role of the Council will be to enhance and guard the relevance and quality of science in the CGIAR System. Relevance is viewed as researching the "right things" to address the System's goals, and deals with the relevance of identified research priorities and strategies and the nature of the planning and consultation process. Ex-ante analyses of need and potential impact to formulate the priorities and strategies are important elements in defining relevance. Quality is viewed as researching the "right things well" and deals with the efficient use of state-of-the-art knowledge, research methods and protocols. The paper outlines the interim Council's suggestions for an operational framework of the Science Council. It serves as a starting point for the development of specific criteria, procedures and guidelines for carrying out the envisioned responsibilities. The Science Council must act in a strategic advisory role, basing its advice on: (i) planning and strategy development in the context of CGIAR goals; (ii) internal self-assessments by CGIAR Centres and Programmes and independent external monitoring and evaluation; and (iii) impact assessments. The paper discusses these three complementary functions. Each depends on the other in a dynamic feedback process that is essential if the CGIAR is to remain at the frontiers of science and development, maintain its science relevance and quality, and contribute in the most effective and efficient manner to the mission and goal of the Group.
  • International public goods through integrated natural resources management research
    Harwood, R. R.; Place, Frank; Kassam, Amir H.; Gregersen, H. M. (This publication is a draft. Corresponding author: kassamamir@aol.com, 2005)
    This analysis focuses on the generation of international public goods (IPG) through agricultural research in the International Centers of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and in their partnerships. It focuses on the international nature and applicability of research toward effective management of agricultural systems and of the natural, economic and human capital bases upon which they depend and influence. It has long been shown that much natural resources management research, as well as that on agricultural systems that have high interaction with local environments, is often very location-specific. This, if true, runs counter to the need for CGIAR research to have international applicability to achieve cost-effectiveness and broad impact. This analysis looks at ways that modern approaches to integrated natural resources management research (INRM) can have broad international applicability and serve as a highly useful foundation for development of locally-adapted technologies.
  • Research Towards Integrated Natural Resources Management - Examples of Research Problems, Approaches and Partnerships in Action in the CGIAR
    Harwood, R. R.; Kassam, Amir H. (Rome: FAO, 2003)
    The CGIAR goal "To reduce poverty, hunger and malnutrition by sustainably increasing the productivity of resources in agriculture, forestry and fisheries" conveys the mandate to provide scientific understanding, technologies and services which can be used as international public goods to preserve and favourably impact both the environment and its natural resource base, while improving human well-being. It requires an emphasis on improving resource use for biological production across a continuum of ecosystems and land types where many poor people live and work, including those of high productive potential as well as those of poor, degraded or fragile landscapes. While sustainable productivity depends heavily on genetic improvements for enhanced yield potentials and for relieving biotic and abiotic stresses, the cases and concepts shown here deal primarily with the interactions of productivity and natural resources.