Insights from Ghana Field Mission: CGIAR-NARES Collaboration

As part of ongoing evaluation of Science Groups (SGs) at CGIAR (TORs), in April 2024, three members of the two SG evaluation teams, namely Edwin Asare, Bettina Haussmann and Kafayat Fakoya, embarked on a field mission to Ghana, engaging in in-depth discussions with staff of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES). The objective was to gain insights about their partnering with CGIAR and explore the outcomes of their collaborative efforts. Here’s a summary of the key themes discovered from this five-day engagement.

Key Takeaways

• Strengthened Partnership and Capacity Sharing: CGIAR and NARES in Ghana deepened collaboration between partners towards fostered inclusive research and shared responsibility, and empowered local scientists, and improved succession planning.
• Alignment with National Goals: CGIAR’s focus aligns with Ghana’s development objectives, (e.g. gender equality, youth empowerment, and strengthening partnership). However, inclusion of youth and more vulnerable groups can be improved.
• Accelerated Breeding: CGIAR’s support expedited breeding programs with off-season breeding, improved irrigation, and enhanced efficiency.
• Diversified Food Production Systems: The introduction of aquaculture into small dams in four predominantly agrarian communities has had an effect on increasing income, improved nutrition, created jobs, and improved the multipurpose use of water infrastructure.
• Bundled Innovations: Bundled innovations developed with private sector for smallholder farmers, in turn integrated technical interventions with institutional ones, and accommodated smallholder women with tools specifically for their needs.
• Private Sector Engagement: While present in seed dissemination, stronger engagement with larger seed companies is vital for impactful scale-up.