Innovation histories: A method from learning from experience

Preparing an ‘innovation history’ is a method for recording and reflecting on an innovation process. People who have been involved in the innovation jointly construct a detailed written account (sometimes referred to as a ‘learning history’) based on their recollections and on available documents. The process of preparing this history stimulates discussion, reflection and learning amongst stakeholders. Subsequent planning can build on the lessons learned, formulate a shared vision and act as a catalyst for change. Based on the initial detailed account of the innovation process, more concise informational products can be prepared that summarize the innovation process for wider dissemination of findings. These may include public awareness materials, policy briefs or articles in professional journals

Definitions of gender research for CRP gender budget

This document is created to provide guidance for CGIAR Science Leaders and Gender Researchers on planning and integrating gender into CRP budgeting and reporting. The definitions provided and referred to comes from CGIAR Gender Scoping Study (2010), which used the following definitions that have also been incorporated into each CRP Gender Strategy.This document is created to provide guidance for CGIAR Science Leaders and Gender Researchers on planning and integrating gender into CRP budgeting and reporting. The definitions provided and referred to comes from CGIAR Gender Scoping Study (2010), which used the following definitions that have also been incorporated into each CRP Gender Strategy

Learning alliances: An approach for building multistakeholder innovation systems

Millions of dollars are spent each year on research and development (R&D) initiatives in an attempt to improve rural livelihoods in the developing world, but rural poverty remains an intractable problem in many places. There are many reasons for this; one being the limited collective learning that occurs between researchers, development workers, donors, policymakers and private enterprise. As a result, useful research results do not reach the poor, lessons learned do not influence research, and donor and policy agendas are less relevant than they could be. This Brief describes how the Rural Agroenterprise Development Project of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) is addressing the problem. Through building learning alliances that engage multiple stakeholders in processes of innovation, the initiative is enhancing learning and improving effectiveness in rural enterprise development

Gender Differentiation of Farmer Preferences for Varietal Traits in Crop Improvement: Evidence and Issues

Changes in agro-ecological as well as socio-economic conditions lead to transformations of food and farming systems worldwide. Using plant varieties with new or different sets of traits can be one option for farmers to adapt to these changes; however, coping strategies and related varietal traits may vary for different groups of farmers, depending for example on their access to resources and assets, and their production goals. Gender is one major social category for which differences in this regard can be expected.Changes in agro-ecological as well as socio-economic conditions lead to transformations of food and farming systems worldwide. Using plant varieties with new or different sets of traits can be one option for farmers to adapt to these changes; however, coping strategies and related varietal traits may vary for different groups of farmers, depending for example on their access to resources and assets, and their production goals. Gender is one major social category for which differences in this regard can be expected.