Armyworm forecasting and control
Lessons
The community based army team teams suggested the following lessons as they reflected on what they had achieved in the project in June 2011.
Teamwork
Putting research into use involves teamwork. Additionally, all team members need to understand the genesis of the research findings and what they are meant to achieve. Key beneficiaries require to be made to own the processes and be able to provide support within their means. Appropriate linkages are of the essence. To this end linkages between the key beneficiaries and crucial stakeholders are important.
Public-private partnerships
Public-private partnerships are important and have to be made and maintained. Similarly, linkages with other relevant organization at local and international level are required. Support by the local administration is crucial. Support from stakeholders need to be sought strategically. Involving persons in key positions in government is paramount for purposes of policy influencing.
Influencing others
This initiative required decisions at high levels in government - as they were working in areas involving public interest and welfare. The team were able to build positive relationship by having meetings and consultations with relevant authorities, respecting protocol and ensuring a concerted and targeted dialogue. Further work is needed on policy influencing, communication, promotion and supply chain management. These will be addressed through the same approaches indicated above. The approach is suitable for sustainable expansion to other countries which could lead to the harmonization of the approach across the region and beyond.
A strong understanding of the policy base is important - for example the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security adopted a policy for using alternative bio-control methods in 2004 so the new NPV facility will address a long-term objective. This sort of knowledge of the policy context is invaluable.
Lessons
The community based army team teams suggested the following lessons as they reflected on what they had achieved in the project in June 2011.
Teamwork
Putting research into use involves teamwork. Additionally, all team members need to understand the genesis of the research findings and what they are meant to achieve. Key beneficiaries require to be made to own the processes and be able to provide support within their means. Appropriate linkages are of the essence. To this end linkages between the key beneficiaries and crucial stakeholders are important.
Public-private partnerships
Public-private partnerships are important and have to be made and maintained. Similarly, linkages with other relevant organization at local and international level are required. Support by the local administration is crucial. Support from stakeholders need to be sought strategically. Involving persons in key positions in government is paramount for purposes of policy influencing.
Influencing others
This initiative required decisions at high levels in government - as they were working in areas involving public interest and welfare. The team were able to build positive relationship by having meetings and consultations with relevant authorities, respecting protocol and ensuring a concerted and targeted dialogue. Further work is needed on policy influencing, communication, promotion and supply chain management. These will be addressed through the same approaches indicated above. The approach is suitable for sustainable expansion to other countries which could lead to the harmonization of the approach across the region and beyond.
A strong understanding of the policy base is important - for example the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security adopted a policy for using alternative bio-control methods in 2004 so the new NPV facility will address a long-term objective. This sort of knowledge of the policy context is invaluable.
