CGIAR Foresight Initiative: New online training materials on economic modeling

Building individual and institutional modeling capacity that is sustainable over time.

Over the past three years, the CGIAR Research Initiative on Foresight has been working with partners to strengthen their capacity to understand and use foresight metrics and tools, and to use foresight results to shape decision-making. This includes jointly identifying key foresight training needs; developing ways to scale the use of integrated foresight tools, data, and analysis; building capacity in these tools and methods; and monitoring key outcomes and impacts to support learning and allow for course adjustments.

As part of this effort, the team is developing online training materials on economic modeling.

Training goals and structure

We believe that it is important to build not only individual but also institutional modeling capacity, so our goal in developing these new materials has been to equip participants and their organizations with the skills necessary to create a robust institutional modeling framework, which is adaptable and sustainable over time.

The training materials consist of seven modules covering introduction to models and economic modeling, and two separate tracks for multi-market modeling and computable general equilibrium (CGE) modeling.

Who are these materials for?

The training materials are designed for three types of model users: senior policy managers, policy analysts, and modeling specialists. These users usually come from ministries, higher education institutions, and regional research networks.

By training all three types of potential model users, the Foresight team aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of model results, strengthen the ability to run and interpret models, and support the development and adaptation of models within institutions. This cohesive approach ensures consistency in model use and helps sustain institutional capacity over time.

Testing and feedback are key!

Once the material was developed by the core Foresight team, a group of beta testers went through each module. They provided feedback on the clarity of the lectures, quizzes and exercises, and the time it takes them to get through each unit.

When launching the first module and introduction video (Module 0), we had 19 beta testers. Within minutes of announcing that Module 2b would open soon for beta testing, we had participants sign up. There are currently 15 beta testers in Module 2b, 13 who took Module 1 and two participants who are new testers.

What beta testers are saying about the training

Here are some thoughts from the beta testers after reviewing the material:

“I found the video to be informative and it set the scene rather well by way of not only giving the facts but blending it with some relevant examples presented by different researchers too. I also appreciate the points made on what models can and cannot do and the importance of nailing the economic narratives beyond purely the numbers alone.” (Module 0)

“I really enjoyed the introduction video; it was easy to follow and a good explanation of why we model and the narratives behind modeling.” (Module 0)

“I believe the exercise is very well designed. It’s ideal for becoming familiar with the basic structure of a Social Accounting Matrix (SAM). Furthermore, the exercises involving the modification of values, and the subsequent justification serve as a good introduction to encourage thinking more in a modeling and general equilibrium approach.” (Module 1)

“The lecture materials are very organized and clear. The documents of the exercises provided hands-on guidance on how to perform the CGE analysis step by step.” (Module 1)

For more information about the training materials and application of the economic models included, please visit the Foresight Portal. We also encourage you to join the Foresight Community of Practice to engage with fellow modelers across CGIAR and beyond, receive information about upcoming events, new publications, and other relevant updates.

This post was written by Alyssa McCluskey, Tonya Schuetz, Dolapo Enahoro, Karen Tierfelder, and Evgeniya Anisimova.

Photo by Patrick Shepherd/CIFOR