Policy briefs

 

Assessing the impact of CGIAR research

 

Donors supporting agricultural research need to know the impact of their investments. That’s the purpose of the briefs series published by the Independent Science and Partnerships Council (ISPC) of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Besides covering conventional research on new crop varieties, the series looks at areas such as natural resource management and policy-oriented research, where assessing impact is more difficult.

Green Ink has been involved since the launch of the series in 2005 – either writing the briefs ourselves or editing drafts compiled by others. We’ve worked hard to sharpen up messages and pack them into the short, 4-page format. The results have, we’re told, been instrumental in convincing the donor community that the CGIAR is serious about assessing its impact and that past investments have paid off.
 

“We consistently hear positive reports from donors about the tremendous value of [these] short, easy-to-read impact briefs.”

Peter Gardiner, Executive Director, ISPC

 

 

Deforestation: dispelling the myths

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The policy environment critically affects the outcome of efforts to reduce poverty and deforestation in the world’s humid tropics. This briefs series, published by the Alternatives to Slash and Burn (ASB) consortium of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), takes the lessons learned from experiences at the local or national level and distils them for a broader, international audience. The series has been instrumental in dispelling myths about tropical deforestation, particularly the part played by smallholders.

Green Ink’s Simon Chater worked with former ASB coordinator Tom Tomich to write the text of the first seven issues, which subsequently formed the basis for the concluding chapter of a book published by Columbia University: Slash-and-burn Agriculture: The Search for Alternatives.
 

“I think our collaboration has been wonderful and I wouldn’t change it a bit.”

Jessa Lewis, ASB Coordination Office

 

 

Biodiversity and livelihoods

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The role of biodiversity in creating and enhancing livelihoods can work wonders for conservation. Promoting this role was the task of the Biodiversity Fund, an 8-year Dutch initiative that came to an end in 2009, when Green Ink was asked to synthesize its results.

We developed two documents – a 4-page policy brief and a longer ‘lessons learned’ brochure. Both were well received by the client, who tells us they have had an impact on thinking and action in their own and partner organizations.

 

  

Can we learn? Can we change?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If public-sector organizations are to get better at their job of eradicating poverty and hunger, they must learn from their experiences. The Institutional Learning and Change (ILAC) initiative of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) sets out to document and share experiences through its brief series.

Green Ink edited, designed and produced the first 14 issues in the series, together with an introductory leaflet.
 

“Thanks very much to you and your team for doing the impossible – again.”

Doug Horton, ILAC Coordinator

 

 

Learning from natural resources research

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This series of five briefs distils the lessons learned by the Natural Resources Systems Programme (NRSP), one of ten programmes on natural resources management run by the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) from 1995 to 2006. 

The briefs provide a wealth of learning on subjects such as the management of open-access resources, the links between research, policy and livelihoods, improving peri-urban livelihoods, climate change adaptation, and communicating to promote the uptake of research results. Green Ink edited, designed and produced the series.
 

“I’m glad I was sensible enough to get Green Ink involved.”

Christopher Floyd, NRSP Programme Manager

 

 

Facing the facts on climate change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supporting developing countries’ efforts to adapt to climate change is an increasingly important item on the agenda of donor agencies. The UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) recently published an overview plus nine country-specific fact sheets. While the overview introduces the topic, indicating global sources of support and information, the country sheets outline key climate trends and vulnerable sectors.

Green Ink provided a rigorous edit to develop a common approach across the set. We also did the design and layout.

“It’s nice and fresh, a clean layout, looking good.”

Bruce Mead, Resource Centre Manager, DEW Point

 

 

Integrated pest management: what do we know?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The CGIAR Systemwide Programme on Integrated Pest Management (sp-IPM) launched this series to capture the state of knowledge on IPM. Topics covered include the control of parasitic weeds, alternatives to chemical pesticides, and IPM’s contribution to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Green Ink wrote every issue – and was also responsible for editing, design/layout, proofreading and printing.
 

“It has been a joy working with the Green Ink team.”

Braima James, Coordinator, sp-IPM