Agricultural Research for Development (AR4D) is a long-term endeavor, where only a small fraction of innovations will have a large impact and get adopted at scale to make a substantial difference. CGIAR reports different types of data to show progress against System targets over time. The reporting system aims to show progress towards outcomes at all stages, using different types of data (see Figure 3).
2018 saw the first reporting from CGIAR Research Programs (CRPs) and Platforms under the CGIAR Strategy and Results Framework introduced in late 2017. Achievements included:
- The first annual CGIAR System Performance Report based on data from the new reporting systems was published in October 2018. This was the first annual report to be underpinned by supporting evidence, in the form of linked databases.
- The first demonstration of a new results dashboard was presented to CGIAR System governance bodies in November 2018. One feature was a database of OICRs documenting concrete achievements that are attributable to CGIAR innovations, searchable by geographic location or by their contribution to CGIAR’s IDOs (examples drawn from OICRs can be found throughout this report). The demonstration dashboard also contained databases on CGIAR innovations, publications and partners.
- Management Information Systems (MISs) were officially adopted by all CRPs and Platforms and initial steps were taken to link these “interoperably” to a central data warehouse that will feed an online results dashboard which will be launched in late 2019.
Results based management (RBM) is an essential part of CGIAR’s work. Each of the CRPs and Platforms has defined practical outcomes that it is working to achieve. Each year, the CRPs and Platforms develop an annual Plan of Work and Budget (POWB) against a standard template that sets out key research and development milestones for the year along impact pathways. A milestone can be, for example, the completion of a significant activity, such as completion of a set of trials, or a major survey; the release of a particular technology onto the market; or the production of significant new evidence about the effects of a policy or variety.
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