Innovation platform and governance of local rice value chains in Benin: Between game of power and internal democracy?

In Benin, rice plays a major role in the food security of the poorest rural and urban populations. However, the rice value chains have failed to achieve their potential because of some systemic constraints. In recent years, innovation platforms (IPs) have received increasing focus as mechanisms for strengthening the interaction between the stakeholders in the rice value chains. Nevertheless, the issues of information asymmetry and power between stakeholders with often divergent interests suppress the expected effects of the implementation of IP approach. This article used thematic content analysis to assess the influence of IPs on the governance of the parboiled rice value chain. The findings reveal that local rice value chains are characterized by unequal access to resources and asymmetry of power, which generates inequalities within groups. Although their influence is less discernible, IPs have contributed to greater visibility for some emerging stakeholders and rebalanced stakeholders in terms of influence in value chains. Moreover, the perverse effects of financial and human resources management limit the impact of improvement actions in various value chains. Therefore, the development model of value chains may be oriented toward the “business idea approach” instead of the “project approach”

An apparently aggressive craniofacial osteo-dysplastic lesion precipitating debilitating symptoms and signs: Case report

This is a case report of an 18 year old man with craniofacial fibro-osteo-dysplastic lesion which exhibited both exophytic and endophytic growth patterns. We discuss the extent of tumour growth and its associated secondary changes

The “efficient boundaries” of international agricultural research: A conceptual framework with empirical illustrations

The international agricultural research centers known as CGIAR have played an important role with regard to global food security. Yet, their mandate remains debated: Should they concentrate on producing global public goods, for which they arguably have a comparative advantage, or should they engage in “downstream” activities of the research-development continuum and promote technology adoption on the ground, so as to increase their impact? This paper contributes to resolving this debate by developing a new conceptual framework, which is based on transaction costs economics and makes it possible to identify a range of factors that determine the comparative advantage of international versus national organizations. The different transactions involved in the development and uptake of products from international agricultural research are illustrated by an empirical case study of the legume improvement program of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). Data collection involved a participatory mapping technique (Net-Map) as well as key informant interviews. The paper draws attention to the governance problems involved in downstream activities, which influence the comparative advantage of international versus national organizations in the research-development continuum. Policy implications are derived for the ongoing reform of the CGIAR and for future research on this topic

The "Efficient Boundaries" of International Agricultural Research: A Conceptual Framework with Empirical Illustrations

The role of international agricultural research centers (IARCs) has long been a subject of discussion, often with emphasis that they should conduct research that produces international public goods (IPGs). However, centers still face a dilemma on how to balance between IPGs and location-specific work. This paper contributes to the development of principles by which they should position themselves. Transaction cost economics was applied to develop a framework, which is then illustrated with an empirical case study of legume research at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics. A participatory mapping technique (Net-Map) was combined with key informant interviews in India, Malawi and Ethiopia. We find that IARCS play an important role in germplasm improvement, the field in which they have a comparative advantage. However, due to insufficient capacity of national systems, they also engage in downstream activities. This reduces incentives for governments and donors to overcome governance challenges

The Strategic Potential of Applied Research: Developing International Public Goods from Development-oriented Projects

International Agricultural Research Centres (IARCs), like the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), are expected to conduct research that produces International Public Goods (IPGs) having wide applicability and accessibility across many countries. However, unless agricultural IPG technologies are developed in consultation with other stakeholders and adapted to suit varying local conditions, the research outputs will either not be adopted or remain underutilized. With the broader mandate of the CGIAR, increasing focus on poverty alleviation and insufficient capacity of national agricultural research systems (NARS) in most developing countries, international institutions engage in research for development to address the range of issues facing the poor in different localities. Increased attention has been placed on issues like participatory downstream research, which has been criticized for placing emphasis on local development agendas at the expense of IPG delivery. This paper addresses the need to embrace a culture of carrying out local level technology development, adaptation and adoption studies within an IPG framework. Using a review of literature as background and impact pathways analysis, it complements discussions on the concept of IPGs and spillovers. A synthesis of past ICRISAT studies reveals that lessons can be drawn to guide the framing of testable hypotheses for development-oriented work that will lead to development of IPGs. Downstream projects will thus serve as laboratories for development of solutions to increase the relevance of research and the effectiveness of diffusion strategies for ultimate achievement of impact and agricultural development

Promoting low carbon behaviours through personalised information? Long-term evaluation of a carbon calculator interview

The UK needs to accelerate action to achieve its 80 per cent carbon reduction target by 2050 as it is otherwise in danger of lagging behind. A much discussed question in this context is whether voluntary behaviour change initiatives can make a significant contribution to reaching this target. While providing individuals with general information on climate change or low carbon action is increasingly seen as ineffective, some studies argue that personalised information has greater potential to encourage behaviour change. This mixed methods study examines this claim through a longitudinal field experiment which tested the effectiveness of a carbon calculator interview. It finds that the intervention significantly raised awareness of ways in which participants could reduce their carbon footprint. However, this increased awareness did not translate into measurable behaviour changes in relation to home energy and travel. Qualitative analysis shows that participants refer to infrastructural, social and psychological barriers to change. This indicates that more ambitious government and corporate action is required to speed up carbon reductio

Adapting ethical guidelines for adolescent health research to street-connected children and youth in low- and middle-income countries: a case study from western Kenya

BACKGROUND: Street-connected children and youth (SCCY) in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) have multiple vulnerabilities in relation to participation in research. These require additional considerations that are responsive to their needs and the social, cultural, and economic context, while upholding core ethical principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. The objective of this paper is to describe processes and outcomes of adapting ethical guidelines for SCCY's specific vulnerabilities in LMIC. METHODS: As part of three interrelated research projects in western Kenya, we created procedures to address SCCY's vulnerabilities related to research participation within the local context. These consisted of identifying ethical considerations and solutions in relation to community engagement, equitable recruitment, informed consent, vulnerability to coercion, and responsibility to report. RESULTS: Substantial community engagement provided input on SCCY's participation in research, recruitment, and consent processes. We designed an assent process to support SCCY to make an informed decision regarding their participation in the research that respected their autonomy and their right to dissent, while safeguarding them in situations where their capacity to make an informed decision was diminished. To address issues related to coercion and access to care, we worked to reduce the unequal power dynamic through street outreach, and provided access to care regardless of research participation. CONCLUSIONS: Although a vulnerable population, the specific vulnerabilities of SCCY can to some extent be managed using innovative procedures. Engaging SCCY in ethical research is a matter of justice and will assist in reducing inequities and advancing their health and human dignity

ICRISAT Research Program on Markets, Institutions and Policies

The management of international agricultural research faces many challenges especially with regard to priority setting. Research managers have to provide clear direction in pursuing long-term strategic goals, and at the same time be responsive to change and demonstrate accomplishment of short-term objectives. They also need to address international development concerns and respond sensitively to wishes of a broad array of beneficiary and stakeholder groups..