REGIONAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE

AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION AND FOOD SECURITY IN CENTRAL ASIA

Capacity for Agricultural Transformation in Central AsiaSuresh BabuIFPRI

Structural transformations facilitate the progression from a low-capacity country to a high-capacity country that is able to withstand shocks and threats to ensure the food security of its citizens

A Framework for understanding the capacity needs

IFPRI Capacity Strengthening Strategy

ObjectivesI. 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

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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

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

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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

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