Looking to the Future
- To determine what the CGIAR's current strategy and research agenda require from social
research—that is, the key challenges (e.g., increased productivity, poverty
reduction, and policy impact) for which social research is indispensable, the types of
social research capacities needed, and alternative ways to acquire these capacities.
- To identify "entry points" for social research in ongoing programs as well as
the new Challenge Programs (with a view to influencing their orientation, content,
structure, and management) and the users of outputs from social research.
- To determine the researchable social variables and issues that are particularly relevant
to integrated natural resource management (INRM); to examine methodologies for farmer
participation in plant breeding, farmer-managed experimentation, and monitoring and
evaluation; and to recommend ways to promote synergy between social, cultural, and
economics research.
- To define the scope of social research within the evolving CGIAR research agenda and
recommend ways to increase the numbers and output of social researchers.
- To promote close ties between social researchers working within the Future Harvest
centers and prominent social researchers outside the CGIAR.
Learning from the Past
- To examine the record of social research in the centers. What kinds of social research
have they carried out, and with what results? What has this research contributed? How has
it influenced the way research is conducted as well as the questions asked and the methods
used to address them? What is the centers´ current level of investment in social science,
and what capacities have the centers drawn upon so far? What are the gaps in
problem-solving research where social science could have contributed but was not involved?
- To assess the centers´ current capacity for social research (in terms of numbers,
distribution, and major projects undertaken), based on survey data and other information.
- To analyze cases of success and failure associated with various patterns of integration
between social and biological scientists (such as interdisciplinary teams, impact
evaluation studies, and systemwide programs). What are some new forms of collaboration
that could link the centers with advanced research organizations, universities, and other
partners. What have been the career paths of social researchers entering and leaving the
centers.
- To make recommendations for improving social research in the CGIAR.
|
