Challenge Programmes- The Process High Value Crops – Fruits and Vegetables Pre-proposal Development Workshop ICRAF, Nairobi, 7-8 June 2007

Background Challenge Programs (CPs) are time-bound, independently-governed programs of high- impact research that target CGIAR research goals and priorities and require partnerships with a wide range of organizations. First Cycle CPs commissioned in 2003/04 –Water and Food (W&F); –HarvestPlus (HP+); –Generation (GCP). –Sub-Saharan Africa Challenge Program (SSA CP)

2 nd Cycle Challenge Programs The CGIAR SC made a call for ideas for 2 nd cycle Challenge Programs in Nov 2006 –Address an issue of overwhelming significance. –Research challenge to unlock barriers to development Five phase implementation plan

Phases of CP Development Process Phase 1: Idea Generation Idea Generation is through an open book progress, with free competition among all stakeholders. The output would be a short (two-four pages) description of the concept for a Challenge Program. Phase 2: Development of Pre-proposals Development of pre-proposals would be de-linked from idea generation, in that, once the CP theme is identified, pre-proposal development would be an open, competitive process. Phase 3: Development of Full Proposals On decision by the Executive Council, the Science Council would ask the parties involved for the further development of the pre- proposals into a full research program proposal (30-50 pages in length up to US$200,000). Phase IV: Program Implementation Phase V: Program Evaluation

CGIAR Alliance of Centres Alliance of 15 Centres Coordinated approach among CGIAR Alliance of Centres for development of CPs. 2 centres selected to drive process for each CP –Bioversity International and AVRDC identified as Focal Points on the HVC-FV

Ideas and Winners 41 Ideas generated in total 5 selected by Science Council and submitted to ExCo 3 selected by ExCo for pre-proposal development –High Value Crops- Fruits and Vegetables –Oasis: Combating desertification –Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security

Phase II Criteria: The CP Time bound and clearly defined in terms of research outputs as well as the Potential impacts on CG clients; Clearly defined mechanisms for the delivery and dissemination of research outputs; Based on science that is both excellent and relevant, often requiring logical integration of multiple disciplines to address issues of great complexity; Partnerships: Involves both CGIAR centers and their partners, and is based on the core competence and comparative advantage of collaborating partners;

The SC criteria for assessment of pre-proposals: 1.Quality of Science: –Clear definition of research objectives –Appropriateness and scientific rigor of research methodology/approach –Clearly defined research outputs 2.Stakeholder Involvement and CGIAR Partnerships: –Kinds and number of collaborative arrangements among Centers and with partner organisations (NARS, NGOs, CSOs, ARIs, private sector, development institutions) –Partners involvement and participation in problem identification, research planning and implementation is clear –Coordination mechanisms are appropriate and likely to capture greater synergies and cost effectiveness

The SC criteria for assessment of pre-proposals: 3.Relevance to MDGs in general and specifically to CGIAR Goals and Impact 4.Alignment with CGIAR System Priority 5.Clearly defined mechanisms for coordination, delivery and dissemination of research outputs 6.Strongly international public goods-oriented 7.Evidence of Financial and Resource Support: –Evidence of donor interest and commitment –Potential for attracting new funding

Our Challenge: Produce a Winning Pre-proposal!!! –Clear problem statement –Definition of boundaries and elements –The research questions, “science” elements –Mechanisms and methodologies – Impact expected and pathways –Stakeholder involvement, Partnerships and Synergies –Funding options and opportunities Timeline: Pre-proposals to be submitted to the Science Council by September 8, 2007.