Plan of Work and Budget (POWB) for 2018 CGIAR
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Plan of Work and Budget (POWB) for 2018 A P R I L 2 0 1 8
CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas The CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB) is an alliance led by the International Potato Center implemented jointly with Bioversity International, the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and the Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD), that includes a growing number of research and development partners. RTB brings together research on its mandate crops: banana and plantain, cassava, potato, sweetpotato, yam, and minor roots and tubers, to improve nutrition and food security and foster greater gender equity especially among some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable populations. www.rtb.cgiar.org Contact: RTB Program Management Unit International Potato Center (CIP) Apartado 1558, Lima 12, Peru rtb@cgiar.org • www.rtb.cgiar.org
Table of Contents ACRONYMS ________________________________________________________________ 1 1. Expected Key Results ______________________________________________________ 4 1.1 Adjustments/ Changes to Your Theories of Change _____________________________ 4 1.2 Expected CRP Progress Towards Intermediate Outcomes and SLOs ________________ 4 1.3 Obtaining Evidence on Relevant Outcomes and Impacts _________________________ 5 1.4 Plans by CRP Flagships ____________________________________________________ 6 1.5 Cross Cutting Dimensions_________________________________________________ 11 2. Planning for CRP Effectiveness and Efficiency__________________________________ 12 2.1 CRP Staffing in 2018 (OPTIONAL) __________________________________________ 12 2.2 Financial Plan for 2018, including use of W1/2 _______________________________ 12 2.3 Collaboration and Integration _____________________________________________ 13 2.4 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning ______________________________________ 14 3. CRP Management________________________________________________________ 15 3.1 Management of Risks to Your CRP _________________________________________ 15 2.2 CRP Management and Governance_________________________________________ 15 TABLES __________________________________________________________________ 17 Table A: Planned OUTCOMES AND Milestones ___________________________________ 17 Table B: Planned Studies for Relevant Outcomes and Impacts ______________________ 34 Table C: Cross-cutting Aspect of Expected Outputs or Deliverables (OPTIONAL) ________ 38 Table D: CRP Staffing (OPTIONAL IN POWB 2018) ________________________________ 38 Table E: CRP Planned Budget _________________________________________________ 39 Table F: Main Areas of W1/2 Expenditure (OPTIONAL in 2018) _____________________ 40 Table G: New Internal (CGIAR) Collaborations among Programs and between the Program and Platforms _____________________________________________________________ 41 Table H: Planned Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Exercises ___________________ 44 ANNEXES _________________________________________________________________ 45 Annex 1. Expected training materials and manuals _______________________________ 45
ACRONYMS
A4NH CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health
ACAI African Cassava Agronomy Initiative
ACIAR Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
ARIASS Assam Rural Infrastructure and Agriculture Services Society
BASICS Building an Economically Sustainable, Integrated Seed System for Cassava in Nigeria
BBB Breeding Better Bananas project
BBTD/V Banana bunchy top disease/virus
BCoP Breeding Community of Practice
BecA Biosciences eastern and central Africa
Bioversity Bioversity International
BMGF Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
BMZ Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development
BNFB Building Nutritious Food Baskets project
BPAT Breeding Program Assessment Tool
BXW Banana Xanthomonas wilt
CAADP Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme
CBB Cassava Bacterial Blight
CBSD Cassava brown streak disease
CC Cross-cutting
CCAFS CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security
CGIAR Organization dedicated to international agricultural research
CGM Cassava green mite
CIALCA Consortium for Improving Agriculture-based Livelihoods in Central Africa
CIAT International Center for Tropical Agriculture
CIP International Potato Center
CIRAD Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement
Cluster Cluster of Activities
CMD Cassava mosaic disease
CRP CGIAR Research Program
CRS Catholic Relief Services
DDPSC Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
DFID Department for International Development
DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid
DRC Democratic Republic of the Congo
EiB Excellence in Breeding Platform
ELISA Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
FANEL Food and Nutrition Evaluation Lab
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization
Fe Iron
FIPS Farm Input Promotions Africa Ltd.
Foc TR4 Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Cubense Tropical race 4
GDAAS Guangzhou Agricultural Academy of Sciences
GLDC CRP on Grain, Legumes and Dryland Cereals
GREAT Gender-responsive researchers equipped for agricultural transformation
R T B - P L A N O F W O R K A N D B U D G E T ( P O W B ) F O R 2 0 1 8 1GT4SP Genomic Tools for Sweetpotato Improvement project GWAS Genome Wide Association Studies HIDAP Highly Interactive Data Analysis Platform). HQCP High-quality cassava peel HTGP High Throughput Genotyping Project IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency ICRISAT International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics ICT Information and Communications Technology IDO Intermediate Development Outcome IEA Independent Evaluation Arrangement IITA International Institute of Tropical Agriculture ILCYM Insect Life Cycle Modeling INIA Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria INRA French National Institute for Agricultural Research IPAPEL Inspection Provinciale de l’Agriculture, de la Pêche et de l’Elevage IPM Integrated Pest Management ISC Independent Steering Committee KALRO Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization KASP Kompetitive Allele Specific KEPHIS Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service LAMP Loop mediated isothermal amplification LB Late blight ME&L Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning MEL Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Platform MEL CoP Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Community of Practice NaCRRI National Crops Resources Research Institute, Uganda NARO National Agricultural Research Organization, Uganda NARS National agricultural research system NGO Nongovernmental organization NPPO National Plant Protection Organization NRI Natural Resources Institute, UK OCP group OCP Limited company, formerly the Office chérifien des phosphates OFSP Orange-fleshed sweetpotato P&D Pests and Diseases PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction PIM CGIAR Research Program on Policy, Institutions and Markets PMU Program Management Unit POWB Plan of Work and Budget ppm Parts per million PVS Participatory varietal selection PVY Potato Virus Y QTL Quantitative trait loci R4D Research for Development RBM Results-based management RHUL Royal Holloway University of London RICE CRP on Rice RPA Recombinase Polymerase Amplification 2 R T B - P L A N O F W O R K A N D B U D G E T ( P O W B ) F O R 2 0 1 8
RTB CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas
SASHA Sweetpotato Action for Security and Health in Africa
SDG Sustainable Development Goals
SDSR Single-Diseased Stem Removal
SFEC Soil fertility and erosion control practices
SLO System Level Outcome
SMO System Management Office
SNP Single nucleotide polymorphism
SPHI Sweetpotato for Profit and Health Initiative
SPIA Standing Panel on Impact Assessment
SPVD Sweetpotato virus disease
SRF CGIAR Strategy and Results Framework
SSA Sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-IDO Sub-Intermediate Development Outcome
ToC Theory of Change
UoW-M University of Wisconsin – Madison
UQ University of Queensland
USAID United States Agency for International Development
VIRCA Virus resistant cassava for Africa project
W1/2/3 Window 1/2/3 – CGIAR Funding system
YIIFSWA Yam improvement for Income and Food Security in West Africa
Zn Zinc
R T B - P L A N O F W O R K A N D B U D G E T ( P O W B ) F O R 2 0 1 8 31. Expected Key Results
1.1 ADJUSTMENTS/ CHANGES TO YOUR THEORIES OF CHANGE
The overall Theory of Change of the program is broadly maintained as we gain insights into accelerated scaling.
The enhanced use of genetic diversity (Flagship 1) to develop user-preferred and nutritious varieties is linked
with R4D activities on seed systems (Flagship 2), on sustainable cropping systems with increased resilience to
biotic and abiotic stresses (Flagship 3), on agriculture for nutrition interventions (Flagship 4). Supporting and
assessing RTB-related innovations on livelihoods and food and nutritional security through adapted scaling
process is part of Flagship 5.
The novel RTB scaling fund linked to the application of the scaling readiness approach is getting underway.
Starting this year, three projects will strengthen the scaling of promising RTB innovations:
1. Sweetpotato Triple S+ (Storing in Sand and Sprouting): gender responsive options for quality planting
material, higher yields and extended shelf life for storage roots (Flagship 2);
2. Broadening the scaling of BXW management in East and Central Africa (Flagship 3);
3. Transformation of wet cassava peels into high quality animal feed ingredients (Flagship 4).
1.2 EXPECTED CRP PROGRESS TOWARDS INTERMEDIATE OUTCOMES
AND SLOS
Six examples of the outcomes expected in 2018 are presented here. This is not an exhaustive list but it gives an
idea of the diversity of innovations developed and scaling process supported.
Are quality potato seeds changing farmers’ livelihoods in Kenya?
Outcome statement: Strengthened potato seed value chains diversify and enhance enterprise opportunities for
women and men in Kenya
Taking the USAID-funded project - Accelerating Value Chain Development in Kenya - as a case study, we will use
the RTB seed systems toolbox to analyze the outcomes of seed systems intervention on factors influencing
farmers’ livelihoods: distance travelled to purchase seed, yields, profit margins, production behavior. Attention
will be paid to identify specific effects on gender equity and to evaluate the effectiveness of capacity
development activities (i.e. trainings on seed production for seed multipliers, on process and tools for control of
seed quality for county governments; on agronomic practices and business skills for farmers). The project
extensively works on the strengthening of the seed value chain with private sector partners and specialized
farmers and is expected to reach a total of 35,000 farmers.
Contributing to Sub-IDOs: 1) Diversified enterprise opportunities
Sustainable access to certified seed of improved cassava varieties for smallholder farmers in Nigeria
Outcome statement: Smallholder farmers in Nigeria have enhanced access to clean seed of high-yielding varieties
that meet processors’ preferences.
The BMGF-funded project Building an Economically Sustainable, Integrated Seed System for Nigeria (BASICS) is
striving to develop a commercial model for cassava seed systems that enables smallholder farmers to have
sustainable access to vigorous and healthy planting material of farmer and industry-preferred varieties of
superior quality that enhance farm-level productivity. The project has selected and trained cassava farmers to
become commercial certified seed producers in Nigeria. Up to 139 Village Seed Entrepreneurs (VSEs), about one
quarter of them female, will be harvesting and selling certified commercial seed from 142 ha of production in
Nigeria in 2018.
Contributing to Sub-IDOs: 1) Diversified enterprise opportunities; 2) Closed yield gaps through improved
agronomic and animal husbandry practices.
Enhancing availability of sweetpotato vines and roots by generating sustainable enterprise opportunities
Partners in the Sweetpotato for Profit and Health Initiative are systematically tracking the number of households
that are being reached under the initiative in more than 10 African countries, as well as the registration of
decentralized vine multipliers. In 2018, progress made by dissemination projects in different countries will be
documented in collaboration with partners (e.g. Farm Concern, HarvestPlus, Helen Keller Intl). Also, as part of
4 R T B - P L A N O F W O R K A N D B U D G E T ( P O W B ) F O R 2 0 1 8the analysis of the scaling approaches implemented under the initiative, a profitability assessment of different
models of vine and vine/root enterprises will be conducted in Uganda and Tanzania.
Contributing to Sub-IDOs: 1) Diversified enterprise opportunities; 2) Increased availability of diverse nutrient-rich
foods
Broadening the scaling of BXW management in East and Central Africa
Outcome statement: National partners (including NARS) and development organizations in Burundi, Democratic
Republic of Congo and Uganda employ new skills to identify and evaluate BXW threats (early warning), and lead
farmers and extension service providers to accelerate scaling.
Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW) of banana is a serious disease affecting farmers in East and Central Africa, with yield
losses of up to 100%. Over the past years, application of Single-Diseased Stem Removal (SDSR), which entails
cutting all visibly diseased stems at soil level, has been effective in reducing plant incidence levels to less than
2% within 6 months in farmer fields. After initial scaling, boosted through the RBM pilot on BXW supported by
RTB, SDSR is currently used by over 20,000 households in Burundi and DR Congo to manage BXW.
In 2018, the RTB scaling fund project team will liaise with NARO (Uganda), IPAPEL (Democratic Republic of
Congo), Ministry of Agriculture and Rwanda Agriculture Board (Rwanda) as well as other partners (i.e. One Acre
Fund, Amashiga partnership led by CRS) to foster joint scaling that combine SDSR with gender-sensitive
innovation packages including seed systems and cropping system diversification.
Contributing to Sub-IDOs: 1) Increased capacity for innovation in partner development organizations and in poor
and vulnerable communities; 2) Closed yield gaps through improved agronomic and animal husbandry practices
Better pest and disease risks prediction and surveillance to boost RTB crops production
Outcome statement: Partner organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa improve their capacity to predict and monitor
pests and diseases that are putting at risks RTB crops production
RTB is developing and refining novel, precise and affordable decision support tools that help in predicting and
monitoring risks related with the spread of major pests and diseases, including: ILCYM software (Insect Life Cycle
Modeling), a tool for regional and global insect pest risks assessment under current and future climate change
scenarios that has been used to produce Pest Distribution and Risk Atlas for Africa, and field and laboratory
diagnostic tools developed for BBTD monitoring (i.e. PCR-, LAMP- and RPA-based tools). This builds on capacity
development of NPPOs, NARES, national programs and -groups to develop and uptake these tools in previous
years. In 2018, follow-up activities with trained partners from eleven SSA countries (i.e. Benin, Burundi,
Cameroon, DRC, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan and Togo) is planned to support the
effective use of these tools for the prediction and monitoring of banana, potato and sweetpotato P&D at
national, farm and community level.
Contributing to Sub-IDOs: 1) Enhanced individual capacity in partner research organizations through training and
exchange
Improving product quality and energy efficiency in cassava processing
Outcome statement: Processors improve cassava processing efficiency
Tests of the pilot flash dryer conducted at CIAT in 2017 attracted interest of cassava processors in Colombia (3),
Nigeria (2), Benin (1), Ghana (2) and Uganda (1). Two potential partners for scaling the energy-efficient small-
scale flash drying technology in Ghana and Colombia are considering investments to design, then build, two new
flash dryers with production capacities of 10 and 5 tons of starch or flour per day. These rapid developments
confirm the demand for energy-efficient drying technology for starch and flour. The outcome expected in 2018
is 10 equipment manufacturers and cassava processors trained in energy-efficient flash drying and able to apply
and use the technology to conduct extensive testing in an operational environment. While the number of
cassava processors partners may appear still limited, the expected effect is already significant because each
cassava processor improving their efficiency has direct linkages with 250 to 300 farming households who supply
cassava roots. This number is based on one average household growing 1 ha of cassava and supplying 15 t
roots/year (yields 10-20 t/ha; crop cycle 10-12 months); and a processing capacity of 5000 t roots/year (20 t/day
x 250 days of operation). As out-scaling activities gain momentum, the number of beneficiaries is expected to
increase rapidly.
Contributing to Sub-IDOs: 1) More efficient use of inputs; 2) Reduced pre- and -post production losses, including
those caused by climate change.
1.3 OBTAINING EVIDENCE ON RELEVANT OUTCOMES AND IMPACTS
The following studies of adoption and impact of improved varieties of RTB crops and seed technologies are new,
ongoing or will be published in 2018:
R T B - P L A N O F W O R K A N D B U D G E T ( P O W B ) F O R 2 0 1 8 5• Assessment of the impact of the adoption of improved cassava varieties in Nigeria in collaboration with
SPIA. The methodology of the study includes data collection from representative sample of households
across cassava production zone of the country and varietal identification through famers recall and DNA
fingerprinting (publication expected in 2018).
• Studies of the release and adoption of modern potato and sweetpotato varieties in major producing
countries in Asia (Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines,
Vietnam) and Latin America (Peru) have been conducted in collaboration with SPIA, RICE, Yunnan
Normal University and INIA (open Access datasets and publications expected in 2018).
• Effects on productivity and yield linked with the promotion of yam seed technologies by YIIFSWA
project in Nigeria and Ghana will be documented based on household surveys and field measurement
in representative samples (on-going).
• Ex-post analysis of the impacts of improved cassava varieties on smallholder livelihoods planned in
Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Uganda (new).
Also, two studies will document adoption of management practices in target countries in Africa and Asia:
• Assessment of the adoption of soil fertility and erosion control practices (SFEC) practices in cassava
producing areas of Thailand. This will include an analysis of the factors that have facilitated or limited
the adoption of these SFEC practices and will be based on a multivariate Probit framework to control
for adoption of simultaneous agronomic practices. Role of gender in the adoption decision will be
explicitly included (on-going).
• An ex-post assessment of impact of BXW disease and the control practices on different household
livelihood options in East and Central Africa using longitudinal dataset (new).
See TABLE B: PLANNED STUDIES FOR RELEVANT OUTCOMES AND IMPACTS for more details.
1.4 PLANS BY CRP FLAGSHIPS
1.4.1 FLAGSHIP PROJECT 1: DISCOVERY RESEARCH FOR ENHANCED UTILIZATION
OF RTB GENETIC RESOURCES
Harmonized and gender-responsive protocols and dictionaries for germplasm, phenotypic and agronomic
data for plants. This year Flagship 1 is developing and sharing validated protocols and trait dictionaries for
agronomy variables and gender-responsive scoring for Participatory Variety Selection (PVS), thus enabling their
standardization and harmonization. This will enhance data collection of PVS trials, such as Mother-Baby Trials,
and the use of ICT-based field books for these traits. In addition, this is contributing to the Crop Ontology project.
A main event, PhenoHarmoIS workshop, will be co-organized with Bioversity, CGIAR Platform for Big Data in
Agriculture, CIRAD and INRA to take stock of the last 2-years progress and plan for further development and
integration of ontologies and dictionaries in widely used tools. A valuable example of integration is the ongoing
work for the development and incorporation of agronomy variables into existing RTB tools like CIP’s HIDAP
(Highly Interactive Data Analysis Platform).
Validated trait-linked molecular markers for use in RTB crops breeding pipelines. Discovery research using
transcriptomics, metabolomics and genetic mapping will allow the identification of new markers linked with
traits of interest for breeding programs. This year, results will document progress made on the identification of:
quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with CBSD, CMD and CGM in cassava varieties; QTL for yield and yield
component traits in hexaploid sweetpotato; QTL for anthracnose disease resistance in Dioscorea alata; favorable
alleles for late blight resistance in potato in variable environments using GWAS studies; drought tolerance in
bananas using GWAS studies; metabolic markers for species differentiation in Dioscorea spp. and for
identification of important biochemical pathways linked with traits of importance in yams improvement
programs.
Common approach to stewardship for safe release of genetically improved crops through biotechnology. The
completion of the proof-of-concept of the extreme resistance to late blight disease in potato has allowed CIP
and NARO to engage in the risk assessment of this new technology. Similar assessments are already going on
with Xanthomas (bacterial wilt) resistant banana developed by IITA and NARO and the brown streak virus
resistant cassava developed by the Danforth Plant Science Center (DDPSC), NARO and KALRO. In 2018, RTB
scientists and national stakeholders will continue to improve their understanding of the stewardship approach,
protocols and data needed to demonstrate safety of release of genetically improved crops through
biotechnology.
6 R T B - P L A N O F W O R K A N D B U D G E T ( P O W B ) F O R 2 0 1 8Validating a global framework for monitoring in situ conservation of RTB crops. A conceptual framework of an
information system for in situ monitoring of RTB crop diversity has been formulated. Building on the existing
knowledge and experience on four priority crops (banana, cassava, potatoes and yams) the framework will be
validated and a prototype of the information system will be developed. By combining the efforts already
underway in the major RTB crops (potato and cassava in Peru, yam in Benin and banana in Papua New Guinea),
a valuable, yet fragmented, information system will be initiated and will help in promoting a better integrated
and complementary conservation and use of RTB genetic diversity.
Table 1. Flagship 1: New partners and novel areas of partnership
New partners Brief description of collaboration and value added
Donald DDPSC leads the development of virus resistant cassava in SSA (VIRCA project). The
Danforth Plant technology, the partners, and the studies needed to obtain commercial approval are very
Science Center similar to those needed for game-changing traits products led by RTB centers.
(DDPSC) – USA Established partnership aims at harmonizing our strategies to develop regulatory studies,
solve stewardship issues, and enhance interactions with regulatory and biosafety
authorities.
University of Within the framework of a related H2020 project, collaboration will help in developing
Birmingham informatics tools to facilitate data management associated with in situ populations and
(UoB) – UK maintenance of diversity.
1.4.2 FLAGSHIP PROJECT 2: ADAPTED PRODUCTIVE VARIETIES AND QUALITY SEED
OF RTB CROPS
A further step towards improved banana hybrids 1. The breeding program for improved Matoke (triploid)
bananas focuses on building resistance to 4 target pests and diseases (Fusarium, Sigatoka, Nematodes and
Weevils). Major progress was made by selecting 264 new hybrids (early selection); these are now entering new
evaluation steps that include different locations and assessment of consumer preferences.
Increasing genetic gains and optimizing resource allocation through enhanced design of breeding programs.
A model was developed to analyze diverse scenarios in the later sweetpotato breeding stages. The model is
adapted for selecting clones through multi-environment trial series and may target yield as main trait or indexes
that combine yield and quality traits. The use of the model allows for optimal allocations of field testing efforts
and leads to significantly higher genetic gains even under limited resources. In 2018, the model will be published
making it available to NARS.
Climate-smart and late blight resistant potato varieties. Five potato candidate varieties in Rwanda and two in
Kenya are passing through multi-locational national performance trials needed for their release. Results on yield,
appearance, taste and processing qualities are expected by the end of August and best performers will be
recommended for variety release. In Rwanda, clones are adapted to highland tropical climates and combine late
blight resistance with market-preferred traits and suitability for processing. The evaluation is conducted in the
framework of a USAID-funded project led by RTI. In Kenya, selection is conducted at mid-altitude agro-ecologies
(1400-2000 masl) and is supported by the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture. In 2018, the
intervention includes the dissemination of climate-smart (i.e. adapted to warmer and dryer mid-elevation
agroecologies) and consumer demanded varieties released in previous years to more than 5,000 households.
Cassava varieties, including biofortified ones, resistant to both CMD and CBSD. Progress across RTB cassava
breeding programs have seen the generation of breeding lines with starch yield stability and/or high starch
content, resistance to the major viruses (CMD, CBSD), and in some cases, high beta-carotene content. The new
genetic materials are being evaluated in a number of countries, both in LAC, West Africa, East Africa and the
South Africa regions. In some cases, the evaluations are also taking into consideration gender-differentiated
preferences. In 2018, at least eight varieties resistant to both viruses will be identified for on-farm trials in
Tanzania and Uganda, including biofortified ones.
Understanding impact networks to better design seed system interventions. Impact network analysis (INA)
may help scientists and practitioners to understand the effects of the introduction of new technologies (such as
clean seed, or a resistant variety), new pathogens, or new information in a seed network. In 2018, based on the
use of INA in at least 5 interventions in Africa, Asia and South America (3 ongoing PhD theses), RTB will document
1
Hybrid here denotes the progeny of a cross between heterozygous parents (not inbred lines).
R T B - P L A N O F W O R K A N D B U D G E T ( P O W B ) F O R 2 0 1 8 7the changes in the design, implementation and outcomes of the interventions that may be obtained by applying
INA.
Table 2. Flagship 2: New partners and novel areas of partnership
New partners Brief description of collaboration and value added
Green Green Innovation Centers for Agriculture and Nutrition are multi-stakeholder
Innovation international partnerships promoted by BMZ within the special initiative “One world No
Centers - Kenya, Hunger” and implemented with national public and private sector partners in 6 countries
Uganda, in Africa and India. An International Potato Innovation Group is coordinated by CIP to
Nigeria, ensure an effective transfer of knowledge and innovations along the entire potato value
Cameroon, chain.
Mali, Tunisia
and India
FIPS - Kenya Farm Input Promotions Africa Ltd. (FIPS-Africa) is a “not-for-profit” Company
incorporated in Kenya that provides advisory services and local access to inputs
contributing to the dissemination and scaling of agricultural technologies including apical
cuttings for accelerated seed multiplication.
KEPHIS - Kenya KEPHIS is responsible for the approval of the integration of the apical cuttings technique
into the seed certification protocol in Kenya. CIP is also collaborating with them for
designing approaches to facilitate the use of apical cuttings technique by private sector
companies and integrate the technique into commercial seed systems. IITA is planning
collaboration for clean-up of cassava planting materials.
ARIASS - - India Assam Rural Infrastructure and Agriculture Services Society (ARIASS) is implementing a
World Bank investment grant for the Government of India in the State of Assam and
implements the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART).
Collaboration with ARIASS constitute an opportunity to test and upscale innovations with
farmers, national partners and the private sector as a proof-of-concept for sustainable
intensification and diversification using CIP innovations.
Bowen Collaboration for the evaluation of food quality of yam products.
University -
Nigeria
1.4.3 FLAGSHIP PROJECT 3: RESILIENT RTB CROPS
Teaming up with private sector to bring IPM solutions to small-scale potato farmers of the Andean region.
Biopesticides and biorationals are major tools in integrated pest management and viable solutions to reduce the
use of toxic pesticides. In 2018 we expect the registration in Peru of AdiosMacho, a biorational formulation to
control two potato tuber moth species (Phthorimaea operculella, Symmetrischema tangolias) that has been
successfully tested under different environmental conditions (Peru, Bolivia, Bhutan, Nepal and Australia). Four
private companies (Bayer Crop Science, BCS, ChemTica, SERFI S.A.) are collaborating with CIP on this initiative
and are highly committed to bringing the products into use in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador.
Mobile Apps for RTB crops. The ongoing collaboration between IITA/RTB, Google and Penn State has seen Big
Data joining the efforts for the development of a smartphone app able to identify plant diseases using artificial
intelligence. Initially focusing on cassava, the work will be expanded to other RTB crops when the piloting phase
will be completed. The app will provide instant recognition of the plant disease to the user and assist with advice
on management practices. At the same time, the data generated can support real time monitoring of disease
presence through maps and other visualizations. Finally, sharing the data through existing platforms will enable
real time discussions of disease and pest diagnoses across the CG community and with other experts.
Smartphone based decision support tools may represent a revolution for the agricultural extension systems and
may increase the effectiveness of farm-level advice. For this reason, investments in other areas are also ongoing.
The IITA-led project ACAI will pilot with extension agents and farmers in Nigeria and Tanzania two modules of
an integrated cassava crop manager decision support tool on: a) fertilizer rate and composition; b) tillage
intensity and intercropping.
Alternative approaches for multiplication and dissemination of BBTV-free planting material in SSA. Various
approaches are in use for the production, distribution, marketing of and access to planting material in different
countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding these is essential to improving production and strengthening the
planting material supply chain. A desk study and baseline assessment of current capacity (physical, skills,
funding) for the production of BBTV-free planting material will be undertaken in Benin, Cameroon, DRC and
8 R T B - P L A N O F W O R K A N D B U D G E T ( P O W B ) F O R 2 0 1 8Nigeria. Business models for commercially sustainable planting material production and marketing are being
evaluated in Nigeria and Cameroon while capacity development activities are planned in Burundi for the
establishment of 15 banana nurseries and mother gardens to supply healthy planting materials to farmers in
affected areas.
Modern and affordable diagnostic tools to support effective surveillance of major RTB biotic threats. The
spread of pests and diseases to previously unaffected areas and increased rates of pest population increase
associated with climate change represent a major threat to production of RTB crops. Enhancing current
surveillance systems will contribute in precisely determining the areas heavily affected and predicting zones
under threat. ELISA and LAMP-based field tools and PCR-based confirmatory laboratory tests are being tested
for BXW in Uganda, for Foc TR4 in southern Africa, for BBTV in East Africa and for cassava bacterial blight (CBB),
cassava mosaic begomoviruses, and cassava brown streak ipomoviruses. Capacity development activities for
national research and plant protection surveillance teams to undertake effective surveillance are planned.
Table 3. Flagship 3: New partners and novel areas of partnership
New partners Brief description of collaboration and value added
University of A collaboration has been made possible between UoW-M, CIP and IITA through a project
Wisconsin – funded by BMGF on next generation phytosanitation. UoW-M is developing a
Madison (UoW- microfluidic molecular pathogen detection system based on isothermal amplification that
M) - USA can be used in the field. It will be loaded with targets for major potato, sweet potato,
yam and banana viruses. If validated the tool can be applied for international
phytosanitation, surveillance and monitoring or quality control in seed systems. UoW-M
brings in expertise on diagnostic hardware development that was previously lacking and
which can complement other tools.
OCP Group - OCP group, formerly the Office chérifien des phosphates, is one of the leading exporters
Morocco of phosphate rock, phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizers in the world. Collaboration
with ACAI is active on cassava fertilizer formulations and recommendations
GDAAS - China Guangzhou Agricultural Academy of Sciences (GDAAS) is a regional Chinese government
organization that leads research and development initiatives. Main collaboration areas
are: facilitation of regional NARS R&D platforms and development of Foc TR4 resistant
banana materials for testing in endemic regions.
University of The UQ and RTB teams (IITA, Bioversity and CIRAD) are partnering in a bilateral project
Queensland – funded by the BMGF to mitigate the impact of BBTV in Nigeria. This project is led by UQ
Australia and is based on the cluster strategic model to contain BBTV spread and stimulate
recovery in banana production systems. This project complements efforts to develop,
standardize and disseminate decision support tools and knowledge resources to NARS
and farmers. The partnership provides an excellent platform for uptake of technology for
greater impact. Moreover, the University of Queensland is the lead institute countering
BBTV spread in Australia, and their experience adds value to the on-going efforts through
shared experiences and co-learning.
1.4.4 FLAGSHIP PROJECT 4: NUTRITIOUS RTB FOOD AND ADDED VALUE THROUGH
POSTHARVEST INTERVENTION
Assessment of improved cassava varieties for their processing suitability. A participatory approach is being
used with processors and consumers to test the processing suitability of improved cassava varieties for their
transformation into traditional products (gari and fufu) and into high quality cassava flour. CIAT, CIRAD, IITA and
NRI will implement trials and surveys in Benin, Cameroun and Zambia. The expected result is a clearer
understanding of what criteria processors use to purchase new varieties, and hence what additional traits need
to be included in varietal screening.
Sweetpotato products commercially processed and traded in Kenya, Malawi and Rwanda. Available
techniques for using sweetpotato as an ingredient in commercially processed baked products (bread, cakes,
other local wheat based products) are being assessed and documented. Based on work done at the Food and
Nutrition Evaluation Lab (FANEL - Kenya) in collaboration with BecA, the pros and cons of each of these methods
will be published and translated into training materials for small scale processors in respective countries. This
process will promote and build local capacity for the transformation and use of OFSP into high quality products
in the target countries.
R T B - P L A N O F W O R K A N D B U D G E T ( P O W B ) F O R 2 0 1 8 9Raising awareness and stimulating investments by public, private and NGO sectors in support of
biofortification. IITA in partnership with the CIP-led Building Nutritious Food Basket project and A4NH are
planning a sensitization initiative on OFSP and biofortified cassava. Capacity development activities and
advocacy strategies will be implemented in collaboration with national advocates and champions identified and
trained in Tanzania and Nigeria. They will engage with policy makers to facilitate the integration of
biofortification in policy documents (policies, strategies and plans) with the aim of translating these into funded
programs and projects.
Table 4. Flagship 4: New partners and novel areas of partnership
New partners Brief description of collaboration and value added
Food Research The Food Research Institute (Ghana) is prepared to contribute to the construction and
Institute (FRI) – testing of an energy-efficient small-scale flash dryer for cassava flour and starch
Ghana production. The FRI can bring on-board skilled equipment manufacturers, able to build
dryers of good construction quality with minimal capacity building. If confirmed, this
partnership can boost progress towards scaling-out of flash drying technology.
SinnovaTek, SinnovaTek is a leader in emerging aseptic technologies and a one-stop shop for
Raleigh, NC – innovative companies looking to get their products to market. CIP-FANEL working with
USA SinnovaTek on Technology Transfer to develop shelf-stable preservative free OFSP puree
for post-harvest management, OFSP puree supply chain management and ready to eat
products in SSA.
Women’s A Women’s Bakery is a social enterprise, based on a loaf of bread. They teach women
Bakery - how to make and sell nutritious, affordable breads and manage profitable bakeries in
Rwanda their communities. Their five-step model is scalable and adaptable. Partnership with CIP
on the adoption and utilization of OFSP puree will meet their goal of making and selling
nutritious foods and empowering women and households.
Naivas Naivas supermarket is the second largest retail chain after Tuskys in Kenya and East
Supermarket - Africa. Last year they were trained by FANEL and Euro-Ingredients Limited on using OFSP
Kenya puree as in ingredients in bakery products. They ran a successful, promotional trial of
OFSP puree bread in June 2017. In January 2018, they started OFSP puree bakery
products commercialization in Kenya.
1.4.5 FLAGSHIP PROJECT 5: IMPROVED LIVELIHOODS AT SCALE
Framework for multidimensional analysis of sustainability of intensification options in RTB-based systems. A
tool for assessing sustainability of intensification options along five dimensions (productivity, human health,
social, economic and environmental) is being refined and tested. The results of its application on the effects of
BXW management practices on the various sustainable intensification domains will be available this year. In
collaboration with the BMGF-Banana Agronomy project, household surveys and participatory research is on-
going in Uganda.
Tailoring baskets of sustainable intensification and diversification (SID) options to farm type profiles. Place-
based livelihood strategies, resource endowment, production objectives, biophysical (agro-ecology, agro-
biodiversity) and socioeconomic (wealth, gender, nutrition, and market components) opportunities and
constraints influence household willingness and capacity to uptake specific set of technologies and practices.
Using a set of qualitative and quantitative criteria, it is possible to determine different farming typologies and
analyze the adoption likelihood of different SID options by each typology. Using farm typologies to improve
program design and targeting is the objective of the collaboration between IITA, Bioversity International and
One Acre Fund under the Consortium for Improving Agriculture-based Livelihoods in Central Africa (CIALCA) in
Rwanda. At the end of 2018, typologies will have been developed, and a protocol for testing the added value of
the typology-based approach will be ready.
Assessing and enhancing Scaling Readiness of RTB related innovations. The development of the Scaling
Readiness approach started in 2017 and has already been tested in four case studies: best cassava agronomy
practices in Tanzania and Nigeria; BXW-control in DRC and Uganda; service provision for the development of a
national policy for a sustainable and resilient cassava sector in Cambodia; decision support for potato late blight
management in Ecuador. The approach consists in (i) assessing the components and the context in which the
innovation is happening, (ii) providing decision-support for the development and refinement of scaling strategies
and (iii) supporting the design of monitoring and evaluation plans. In 2018, the approach will be further
developed and applied within the framework of the scaling projects funded by RTB. Lessons will be translated in
1 0 R T B - P L A N O F W O R K A N D B U D G E T ( P O W B ) F O R 2 0 1 8a Scaling Readiness protocol and a user manual that can be used in a broad range of R4D projects and program
inside and outside RTB. The approach will enhance the capacity of partnerships to orient their interventions
towards scaling and impact.
GREAT spin-off. The Gender-responsive researchers equipped for agricultural transformation project (GREAT)
implemented a round of training with RTB researchers. RTB will extend the collaboration to adapt the curricula
specifically to focus on approaches for responsible scaling of agricultural technologies. Researchers from
different flagships, including researchers leading scaling fund projects and partners will be better prepared to
address the priorities of both men and women to scale agricultural technologies.
Table 5. Flagship 5: New partners and novel areas of partnership
New partners Brief description of collaboration and value added
Cambridge Systematic review of management interventions in banana systems in the peer-reviewed
University's literature and identification and communication of the evidence basis for interventions
Conservation to deliver multiple outcomes and ecosystem services (e.g. yield, nutrition, soil stability,
Evidence group wild biodiversity conservation, pest control) and the synergies and trade-offs among
– UK these.
ICART – DRC International Center for Advanced Research and Training (ICART) and IITA collaborate in
the implementation of a bilateral project that includes youth and cassava value chain and
processing in western Congo.
IAMO - Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO) brings
Germany specific expertise on network analysis in the BMZ funded project: “Citizen Science and
ICT for advancing the prevention and control of BXW in East and Central Africa”.
Joint FAO/IAEA Under the CIALCA project, a collaboration has been initiated with the Soil and Water
Programme: Management & Crop Nutrition Sub-programme of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear
Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture in Austria. IAEA brings expertise on improving the
techinques in understanding of cassava agronomy, more specifically with respect to how variety
Food and selection, planting time, nutrient requirements and their supply can be managed to
Agriculture – counteract the adverse effects of drought spells on the productivity (root yield and starch
Austria content) of cassava.
1.5 CROSS CUTTING DIMENSIONS
1.5.1 GENDER, YOUTH AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
RTB and CIP facilitate the Gender and Breeding Initiative that includes experts from across the CG centres and
programmes. In 2017, 36 scientists from breeding and social sciences and 5 gender and breeding post-doctoral
fellows have been engaged in the Gender and Breeding Initiative. In 2018, RTB will finalize Working Papers and
Briefs with support of a dedicated consultant and widely promoting learning from the experience of breeding
programs using gender responsive approaches, prepare an additional brief on how to prepare a gender
responsive product profile, organize one post workshop webinar and three additional blogs and support the GBI
website and set up an on-line curation system for case studies of gender and breeding.
GBI reinforces breeding as one of the three main areas for gender integrated research in RTB. Hence this year,
an analysis of institutional challenges and alternative solutions will be finalized as a result of bringing together
crop breeders and gender experts to address end users’ preferences. In the other two areas (seed systems and
pest and disease management), gender-sensitive analysis of the factors influencing farmer access to clean
planting materials (banana, Uganda) and of the role of women in pest and disease management of RTB crops
(Rwanda and Burundi) will be published.
Based on methods and capacity development material developed by RTB gender researchers, young men and
women will be involved in shooting participatory videos expressing their needs and priorities in terms of
agricultural innovation for RTB crops. This material will be used to catalyze policy dialogue between young
people, policy makers and agricultural enterprises.
RTB efforts in capacity development aim at creating a more favorable environment for the uptake and
adaptation of promising innovations. CapDev activities will be tailored on the needs of partners and beneficiaries
and will be linked with research for development areas covered in the five flagships. For ease of reference, an
extract of training materials and manuals that are under development and use in 2018 is presented in ANNEX 1.
R T B - P L A N O F W O R K A N D B U D G E T ( P O W B ) F O R 2 0 1 8 1 11.5.2 OPEN DATA AND INTELLECTUAL ASSETS
RTB facilitates the public availability of program’s research results in compliance with the CGIAR Open Access
and Data Management Policy. In July 2017, RTB opened a collection in CGSpace. The collection is connected to
the CGSpace repositories of RTB implementing partners to avoid duplication and provides a central space for
searching and accessing RTB publications. In coordination with implementing partners, tagging of relevant
publications and checking of metadata quality will be pursued in 2018. The aim is to make the RTB collection
more comprehensive, currently there are 1,300 publications, and description to facilitate resource discovery.
Quality of metadata and harmonization of metadata schemes are at the center of Centers’ and RTB efforts to
promote interoperability across multiple platforms and repositories. Key working areas for 2018 will be:
1. Implementation of CG Core Metadata Schema V.2.0 in CGSpace and Dataverse;
2. Refinement of the interoperability with CIP-Dataverse and MEL platform;
3. Metadata harvesting from CGSpace to MEL platform fully enabled;
4. Ontology (Crop and Agronomy Ontology at minimum) and AGROVOC/GACS terms adopted as metadata
descriptors by Dataverse and CGSpace;
5. Promotion of ORCID profiles for RTB authors.
Program participants will provide support and training to address the needs of researchers on data and metadata
quality checking. Knowledge and data management support workflows will be discussed to explore the synergies
with monitoring and reporting workflows established in the MEL platform.
2. Planning for CRP Effectiveness and Efficiency
2.1 CRP STAFFING IN 2018 (OPTIONAL)
A preliminary assessment of human resources mobilized for the implementation of the program has been made
based on the information available for five implementing partners. Further information is needed to present the
detailed analysis requested in Table D. Initial results will be completed and validated later this year and
consolidated in the Annual Report.
2.2 FINANCIAL PLAN FOR 2018, INCLUDING USE OF W1/2
As designed in 2017, the RTB budgeting model is based on the set of strategic priorities indicated in the program
proposal both at the program and at the flagship level. These priorities may last for a three-year cycle and will
then be revisited. Budget allocations are following an annual cycle where:
1. Up to 35% of the total W1/2 budget is “earmarked” by the Program Management Unit and
Management Committee for initiatives mapped under the set of strategic priorities; and
2. At least 65% of the total W1/2 budget is allocated to Centers and from Centers to relevant clusters.
The budget allocation that results from the application of the model must respect (1) the proportional budget
share of each Center as defined in the RTB proposal for phase II and (2) the share of each Flagship Project of the
total budget.
The earmarked funds are primarily allocated to clusters which show highly synergistic effects between crops and
Centers and include: Breeding Community of Practice, Seed system research, Pest and disease management,
Post-harvest and nutrition innovations, Gender research, Scaling research, Impact assessment.
The first three scaling projects selected by a panel mostly composed by external evaluators and funded through
the competitive mechanisms called RTB Scaling Fund will start their implementation in 2018. The aim of this
Fund is to foster the scaling of the most promising RTB innovations by:
a. assessing and comparing approaches used for scaling and identify the best-fit with RTB-related
innovations.
b. generating evidence on the trade-offs related with the scaling of innovations in specific contexts and
suggest adaptive measures when needed.
c. generating evidence on the contribution of innovations and/or scaling approaches to gender equity and
inclusion and suggest adaptive measures when needed.
1 2 R T B - P L A N O F W O R K A N D B U D G E T ( P O W B ) F O R 2 0 1 8As recommended by the Independent Steering Committee and in anticipation of a renewed donor support for
breeding later in 2018, a “breeding support fund” was created as a bridging mechanism for cassava, plantain,
potato and sweetpotato breeding programs using about 3% of the W1&2 annual allocation (USD 0.7M). Due to
the creation of this mechanism, the W1&2 investment in scaling initiatives levelled off.
2.3 COLLABORATION AND INTEGRATION
2.3.1 NEW KEY EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIPS
Gender and Breeding Initiative. A multi-center and CRP initiative which cross-links to the Gender and EiB
Platforms, supports novel tools including the decision checklist for gender responsive breeding (see Brief) which
will be adapted for use in RTB breeding programs.
RTBFoods. This CIRAD-led project brings together all RTB crops in a systematic effort to refine product profiles
and develop tools for screening end user-preferred quality traits in breeding programs. The project will mobilize
the expertise of social scientists and specialists in food technologies to capture these essential quality traits in
relation with twelve food products particularly important for RTB-based staple diets. The project will build
databases to establish predictive equations and to calibrate high throughput phenotyping protocols (HTPP) that
will enable simultaneous prediction of several quality traits and facilitate the selection of the most likely varieties
to be adopted by end users. RTBFoods creates additional space for collaboration across RTB flagships and
enhances the collaboration with ongoing projects (i.e. NEXTGEN Cassava, BBB, SASHA, GT4SP, AfricaYam, and
HarvestPlus).
2.3.2 NEW CONTRIBUTION TO AND FROM PLATFORMS
Excellence in Breeding Platform (EiB): the EiB, with support from BMGF, has made available a subsidized high-
throughput genotyping service by Intertek, in a project (HTPG) led by ICRISAT. Consequently, IITA and CIP
scientists have submitted dozens of flanking SNP sequences from candidate markers (QTL, or low-throughput
versions) for conversion to high throughput, easy to use diagnostic markers (KASP markers), and thousands of
leaf samples for DNA extraction and genotyping were submitted to Intertek. In addition, the EiB has promoted
the evaluation of breeding programs across CGIAR centers, including those of RTB. This has entailed undergoing
an assessment using the Breeding Program Assessment Tool (BPAT), carried out by a University of Queensland
team. To date, the IITA cassava, yam, banana and plantain programs have been assessed, and the CIP
sweetpotato and potato programs as well as the CIAT cassava programs will be assessed in 2018. Several RTB
scientists are actively involved in EiB management structure and together with the RTB Science Officer, who is
also a member of the EiB Steering Committee, are contributing to the 2018 workplans and strategy of the
platform.
Genebank platform: joint efforts for the dissemination of RTB-developed decision support tools to prevent the
spread of emerging viruses such as BBTV are planned. These will be implemented through capacity development
initiatives targeting national plant protection organizations (NPPOs) in selected countries. Data exchange and
interoperability between RTB platforms on genetic data and the global portal on genetic resources, Genesys,
will be pursued.
Platform for Big Data in Agriculture: RTB and Big Data support the collaboration between IITA, Google and Penn
State University for the development of a smartphone app able to identify plant diseases using artificial
intelligence. The App will be able to report results instantaneously to the user and provide advice on how to
manage the disease. Results can be monitored in real time to create disease maps and alerts. On the area of
Data-Driven Agronomy, the aim of the collaboration will be the development and use of standardized data
collection systems and data exchange.
CGIAR Collaborative Platform for Gender Research: strong interaction will be developed with the
communications component of the platform to promote the dissemination of results from gender research on
RTB crops. Gender researchers from RTB will participate in scientific conference and capacity building events
promoted by the Gender Platform.
2.3.3 NEW CROSS-CRP INTERACTIONS
CRP on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health: continued engagement in Rwanda, Tanzania and Nigeria on
building advocacy for continues promotion of biofortification. The collaboration for Nigeria and Tanzania occur
R T B - P L A N O F W O R K A N D B U D G E T ( P O W B ) F O R 2 0 1 8 1 3with other CG centers in the Building Nutritious Food Baskets (BNFB) project. The BNFB Project through advocacy efforts conducts activities that support policy change, resource mobilization and engagement with governments, developmental partners, and the private sector to commit funding for biofortification of RTB crops. In target countries (Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ethiopia) the collaboration with A4NH will focus on exploratory actions for joint project development. CRP on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS): research tools developed in CCAFS first phase will be used in farmer-managed banana evaluation trials to facilitate large scale participatory trials. Research activities funded by CCAFS on potato agronomy, soil dynamics and economics of potato legume or forage intercropping systems complement RTB efforts for the design of intensification strategies to improve potato system productivity across diverse agroecologies. Also, WUR and CIMMYT obtained funding for the CCAFS- mapped project: ‘Understanding and improving scaling readiness of climate smart, nutrient management decision support tools (DST) in different institutional environments: Ethiopia & Tanzania’. This will contribute to further community formation and exchanges. CRP on Grain Legumes and Dryland Cereals (GLDC): further development of the MEL platform: refinement of the interoperability with CGSpace and Dataverse, enhancement of the module on management and visualization of indicators-related data in collaboration with CIP, ICARDA and IITA and aligned with common indicators defined by the System Office. CRP on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM): the proposal “Meeting complex demands with nutritious roots, tubers and bananas value chains” has been awarded under the PIM 2018 Global Futures and Strategic Foresight funding and will be jointly developed and funded with RTB Flagship 5. Ongoing work on analysis of current policy initiatives and success factors underpinning models that incentivize cost-effective multiplication and distribution of vegetatively propagated crops seed to smallholders will be enriched with gender considerations based on the results of the joint project: integrating gender into Kenya’s evolving seed policies and regulations for roots and tubers. CRP on Rice (RICE): joint research on rice-potato-based sustainable intensification systems has started in India (West Bengal). In Rwanda and DR Congo, IITA and AfricaRice are exploring the potential for RTB crops-rice integration in smallholder farming systems in the African Great Lakes Region. These collaborations will allow testing the sustainability of the different approaches based on the combination of adapted rice and RTB varieties and innovative management practices. CIAT will work to adapt cassava and rice phenotypic tools to upgrade the high throughput phenotyping capacities for both RTB and RICE. CRP on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE): WLE competencies in providing advisory services for evidence- based policy design towards sustainable intensification at the landscape scale will be linked with on farm-to- landscape level research work ongoing in RTB. The collaboration is envisaged to be piloted in Uganda in RTB crops-based systems. See TABLE G: NEW INTERNAL (CGIAR) COLLABORATIONS AMONG PROGRAMS AND BETWEEN THE PROGRAM AND PLATFORMS for more details. 2.3.4 EXPECTED EFFORTS ON COUNTRY COLLABORATION Strong alignment with national strategies and solid partnerships are central for advancing along the impact pathways in all the countries. In 2018, CIP, BASICS and RTB will specifically support the IITA-led country consultation on integration and alignment towards agricultural transformation in Nigeria. The aim of this activity is to develop a framework for aligning research and delivery activities of R&D institutions towards the achievement of Nigerian strategic goals and in line with the goals of CAADP and SDG2. A similar effort to better align RTB research with national policy and country objectives is being undertaken by IITA in Rwanda. 2.4 MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND LEARNING RTB is a program with a high level of complexity associated with its multi-stakeholder, multi-crop, multi-country nature. In this context, the introduction of an RBM approach may be challenged by increased coordination costs and resource-intensive management of high volume of data. At the same time, the diversity that characterizes RTB is a remarkable source of good practices and innovative approaches. In the case of RBM, all the program participants are promoting a results-oriented culture. CIP and Bioversity have both developed an institutional strategy with clear result-orientation. IITA consolidated an internal results framework with a related indicators book. CIAT strongly invest in its impact assessment unit to assess and generate evidence on the adoption and 1 4 R T B - P L A N O F W O R K A N D B U D G E T ( P O W B ) F O R 2 0 1 8
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