Thematic Studies
This discussion paper was produced in preparation for a joint GDPRD - EIARD meeting in November 2009, and describes the extent to which agricultural research contributes effectively to, and is harmonised with the broader agriculture and rural development agenda.
The impacts of climate change on food security in Africa: A synthesis of policy issues for Europe
The review assessed different components of the context for EIARD member support of ARD for food security and climate change in Africa including: concerns on food security, impacts of climate change across Africa, how food security is and will be affected by climate change, public and private sector investments in African agricultural research and development, the trade-offs and relationships between adaptation and mitigation dimensions of climate change and food security in Africa, and the joint donor guidelines for agriculture and rural development, particularly alignment and harmonisation.
Making ARD more pro-poor: Improving accessibility and relevance of results to the poorest
This study explored good practice to make ARD more pro-poor by reviewing experiences from EIARD members. It identified four elements that shouldd be addressed for pro-poor ARD policies and interventions in the context of an agricultural innovation system: (1) Defining and targeting the poor, (2) addressing gender issues, (3) improving the involvement of the poor in designing ARD, and (4) improving access by the poor to ARD results, using appropriate methods.
Analysis of donor support to CAADP Pillar 4 - Phase 1 report
Analysis of donor support to CAADP Pillar 4 - Phase 1 appendices
The objective of this study was to provide EIARD with the knowledge and processes to better coordinate and harmonise support to CAADP Pillar 4, both between EIARD members and between EIARD members and other major donors. The first phase was an overall mapping of support of EIARD members and other aid donors to CAADP Pillar 4, and a mapping of continental and sub-regional support to ARD in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Analysis of donor support to CAADP Pillar 4 - Phase 2 report
Analysis of donor support to CAADP Pillar 4 - Phase 2 appendices
The second phase of the study includes three case studies (Benin, Zambia and Tanzania), to explore to what extent donor support is aligned with CAADP processes at the national level, and meets Paris Declaration requirements for aid effetiveness.
Impact assessment policies and practices of EIARD members
The overall aim of this study is to ‘review and compare the policies and practices of different EIARD members in impact assessment to increase relevance, uptake and coordination of efforts by and for EIARD members, stakeholders and policy-makers’. This policy brief provides practical recommendations for improvement and greater coordination among EIARD members in impact assessment.
Policy Briefs
IIED Policy Brief "Integrating climate change into agricultural research for development in Africa"
African agriculture is already struggling to keep up with population growth. Climate change will make it even harder to achieve food security. EIARD, which facilitates and coordinates European policy and support for agricultural research for development, must integrate climate change into its activities and ensure that agricultural research for development and climate change adaptation are not disjointed.
IAASTD Policy Brief "Studies and policy briefs to inform European ARD investments and policies"
The objective of this policy brief is to explore the implications of the 2008 International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD) for the policies and investments in Agricultural Research for Development (ARD) of the European Commission and the European countries members of EIARD.
Making ARD more "pro-poor", improving the accessibility and relevance of ARD results to the poorest
This policy brief includes recommendations on how to make ARD initiatives and policies more pro-poor, building on the thematic study on the same topic. Recommendations are targeted at individual EIARD members, and at EIARD as a network of bi-lateral ARD funders who aim to learn from each others' good practices.
Based on an analysis of EIARD members' current practices, this policy brief identifies key messages related to capacity development for ARD, considering human, organisational and institutional capacities.
Impact assessment policies and practices by EIARD members
The overall aim of this study is to ‘review and compare the policies and practices of different EIARD members in impact assessment to increase relevance, uptake and coordination of efforts by and for EIARD members, stakeholders and policy-makers’. This policy brief provides practical recommendations for improvement and greater coordination among EIARD members in impact assessment.
Impact Assessment
EIARD Impact Assessment Paper (2007)
Nature of Research Impact Assessment and Evaluation in Agricultural Research for Development. From the Task Force on Impact Assessment and Evaluation of EIARD.