Assessment of relevance of research initiatives planned within CGIAR – I

Compilation of an assessment document for Sida regarding relevance from a stakeholder perspective of 19 research initiatives that have been planned within CGIAR. 

The research collaboration unit is responsible for SIDA’s support for the agricultural research organisation CGIAR (www.cgiar.org). Sida’s contributions to CGIAR mean that Sida is represented in CGIAR’s System Council, the governing body in CGIAR in which all major donors participate. In order to be able to actively contribute within CGIAR, within set timeframes, and to take the initiative with regards to relevant decision making and strategic issues from time to time, as well as to strengthen SIDA’s follow-up of CGIAR, Sida needs specific expertise in the field of agricultural research and development.

By participating in the meetings held in the steering group for CGIAR (CGIAR System Council, held 2-4 times a year), Sida contributes to the details of the business being decided, influencing donors’ decisions on annual work plans and budgets and more details about which research programmes should receive grants.

Scientific quality is ensured through an advisory committee ISDC (Independent Science and Development Council), which reviews the research proposals and advises the CGIAR System Council. The approval of the selected research programmes is formally done at the System Council where donors are represented in relation to the size of the grants and the degree of earmarking. On November 25, CGIAR will publish all 19 initiatives, including comments from the ISDC.

Objectives: 

1.       to compile a base assessment and documentation for Sida of the 19 research initiatives that have been planned within CGIAR and are pending decision at the System Council on the 14-15 December 2021, regarding their relevance from a stakeholder perspective, while also weighing in the scientific assessment made by CGIAR’s scientific council and views from Sida

2.       to be an advisor to Sida before the System Council and to attend a workshop with Sida in week 49 to go through the analysis of the 19 initiatives.