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Minutes of the Second Regional
Steering Committee Meeting held at Hilton Hotel, Nairobi on 22ND
December 2005
Members present
Dr George Bigirwa
Chairperson
Dr Getachew Alemayehu Vice Chairperson
Dr Ashura Luzi-Kihupi Regional Coordinator
Dr Rabeson
Raymond Member
Mr Nkori J. Kibanda
,,
Mrs Winfred O. Kore
,,
Mr Patrice Hakizimana ,,
Mr Clesensio Tizikara ASARECA
Dr Mohamed Kebbeh
Africa Rice Centre (WARDA)
Prof Shellemiah Keya ,,
Dr Vethaiya T. Balasubramanian IRRI
Mr Abubakary A. Kijoji Technical Assistant (Secretary)
Invitee
Dr Antony Kilewe
Consultant
Dr Evelyne A. Lazaro
,,
Mr Tatsushi Tsuboi JICA
Opening
The meeting was opened by the
Chairperson at 9.15 hours by welcoming the members to the meeting.
The meeting agenda
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Introductory
remarks
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Chairperson
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ASARECA
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WARDA
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IRRI
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Progress
report---- Dr A.Luzi-Kihupi
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Country report (if
any), Representatives
from NARIs
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Matters arising
from 1st Stakeholders’ Workshop on Priority Setting
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Review of the 5
years’ Strategic Plan
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Review of the
Log-frame
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Work plan for
2006-2007
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Resource
mobilization strategies
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Training
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A.O.B.
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Closing
Agenda 1. Introduction Remarks
1.1
Chairperson
1.1.1
The Chairperson welcomed
members to the 2nd Regional Steering Committee meeting and
wishes all a good and active participation.
1.1.2 Members were requested
to raise any burning issue to be discussed in the meeting
1.2
ASARECA Representative
1.1.1
ASARECA
representative commended the priority setting workshop
organisers for good preparation and
conduct of the workshop.
1.1.2 The
ECARRN Coordinator was advised to work more in partnerships with
NARS to make more effective use of resources available in the ECA
Sub-region.
1.1.3
It was
emphasised that the network should encourage stakeholders to share
resources by initiating collaborative research activities to make the
network more effective and efficient among ASARECA networks.
1.2
Africa Rice Centre (WARDA)
Representative
1.2.1
Prof S. Keya started his
remarks by thanking the Chairperson for inviting WARDA to
participate in the meeting. He also thanked the ASARECA for
formation of ECARRN in collaboration with WARDA.
1.2.2
Informed
that WARDA has appointed IRS, Dr Oikeh to
be the WARDA Focal Point for East and Central Africa.
1.2.3
Advised
the network to think about projects to be carried for the year, 2006
because without the project the existence of the network won’t be
meaningful.
1.2.4
Since the WARDA is a
backstopping Institution of ECARRN, it would like to share information
with ECARRN, therefore the ECARRN Coordination Unit was requested
to compile the workshop report and send it to WARDA. This will be part of
the WARDA’s report to the donors.
1.2.5
It was informed
that the ROCARIZ which is a rice network based at WARDA Head office in
Cotonou conducted two weeks training on the Computer Application on
Agricultural Research in September/October, where 5 participants from ECA
were invited and sponsored by the ROCARIZ. Urged this collaboration to be
strengthened.
1.2.6
Informed
that the ROCARIZ plans to organize the Africa Rice Research Workshop in
2006; ECARRN will be invited to attend.
1.2.7
Informed
that Africa Rice Centre (WARDA) and IRRI intend to launch a collaborative
rice research project in East and Southern Africa (ESA) where the input of
ECARRN to implement this project will be highly needed.
1.2.8 After the remarks by
WARDA representative, the Chairperson commended the WARDA for a
good collaboration with ECARRN. He informed the meeting that the
WARDA Focal Point, Dr S. Oikeh made official visit to ECARRN members
Countries. This was followed by the two ECARRN meetings, which were also
attended by the Coordinator of ROCARIZ.
1.3
IRRI Representative
The remarks were made by Dr V.
Balasubramanian.
1.1.1
Thanked the
Chairperson for the invitation.
1.1.2 Informed
that the collaboration between IRRI and WARDA has
started long time and it has been becoming stronger everyday.
1.1.3 Informed
that IRRI post its
irrigation engineer to WARDA office at Ibadan and plans to post
another expert to Tanzania. These staff will work closely with WARDA and
ECARRN to run collaborative programmes such as
training and research activities. Also informed that if fund would
be available IRRI would deploy the economist to ECA Sub-region who will be
working in collaboration with ECARRN coordinator.
1.1.4 WARDA and ECARRN were
advised to put more emphasis on training people, farmers and extension
agents for the purpose of enhancing effective and efficient adoption of
improved rice production technologies.
Agenda 2. The Progressive Report
The Regional Coordinator gave the brief
progressive report for 2005 and the following are some of activities that
have taken place during this period:
2.1 Informed
that the coordination unit has linked National Rice Scientists with IRRI
and WARDA to obtain improved rice varieties.
2.2 Informed
that the NERICA varieties have been evaluated in the ECA sub- region and
the network received some rice seeds from WARDA, which now are being
multiplied at KATRIN, Tanzania.
2.3 Informed
that under National and Region Capacity for IAR&D in rice system, the
network procured two laptop computers, one desktop computer, office desks
and chairs, one Air conditioner for the office and two printers. Also a
Nissan X-Trail was purchased. The network has recruited 3 staff; the
Administrative Assistant since June 2005, the Technical Assistant and a
driver in September 2005.
2.4 Further informed
that the coordination assisted the regional rice scientists in writing CNs
for ASARECA CGS, although no any has succeeded. Similarly the network in
collaboration with Christian Relief Service (CRS) Tanzania submitted
another CN, which was also not successful.
2.5
Informed
that four participants from ECA including Technical Assistant attended the
training workshop on Computer Applications in Agricultural Research in
Cotonou organized by ROCARIZ from 26th September to 7th
October 2005. Also Administrative
Assistant attended familiarization training on WARDA’s finance and
administrative procedures.
2.6 Informed
that ECARRN has made an inventory of rice scientists and technicians in
the ECA Sub-region. However, the list need to be reviewed and therefore
the country rice coordinator were requested to update that inventory which
was distributed during the meeting.
2.7 Also informed that
the network participated in many meetings, workshops and research forums.
2.8
Discussion
2.8.1
The RSC Vice Chairperson
raised his concern over being not informed in time about some
decision made by the coordination unit and chairperson. The Coordinator
responded that sometimes information reaches the coordination office
too late to be communicated to all executive committee members due to
several reasons including the country coordinators do not communicate or
respond quickly and timely to the coordination office. Cited example of
the training that was organized by ROCARIZ, where Coordinator requested 5
Countries to select participants to attend, however, Sudan and Congo D.R
didn’t select participants on time.
2.8.2 However, explained
that not all issues and decisions need to be communicated to all members
rather some issues are exclusively under mandate of the coordinator.
2.8.3
Nevertheless, advised
that communication between coordinator, chairperson and vice chairperson
is important. Urged to improve communication between Coordination
unit and members of RSC.
2.8.4 Regarding policy issues,
the network was advised to establish link and work in collaboration
with ECAPAPA and other region institutions that deal with policy matters
in the region.
2.8.5
Resource mobilization:
2.8.5.1
Informed
that the Africa Rice Centre (WARDA) plans to submit a proposal to CIDA to
request fund for research and training activities in East Africa for the
year 2006. So this is an opportunity for the ECARRN.
2.8.5.2
Further informed
that the call for CN for project on Lake Kivu, a pilot site of Sub Sahara
Africa- Challenge Programme (SSA-CP) is on the way, so members were urged
to use this opportunity.
2.8.5.3
Advised
to look for the possibility of acquiring fund from African Development
Bank (ADB) and IFAD. However, informed that the ASARECA has
submitted the proposal for some funds to ADB and is waiting for the reply
and outcomes will be communicated to all NPPs.
2.8.6
Rice seed multiplication:
2.8.6.1
Mr. Kibanda of KATRIN who
is multiplying rice from WARDA at his station was requested to send
to the RSC members, information regarding agronomic characteristics and
grain and eating qualities of those rice varies.
2.8.6.2
It was informed
that CIRAD in Madagascar has many rice varieties that can be tested in
other ECA countries, the coordination office was requested to
communicate with CIRAD to get those varieties and distribute to the
country coordinators.
2.8.6.3
Some members suggested
that the network should not concentrate on the upland NERICA rice only; it
should consider other ecosystems such as rainfed lowland and irrigated
ecosystems.
2.8.6.4
Suggested
that the network should forge strategies that will ensure effective
sharing of germplasm across the ECA Sub- region by working in collaboration
with INGER.
2.8.6.5
Informed
that WARDA has developed many lowland and upland rice varieties that can
be tested in ECA Sub-region, so ECARRN was advised to communicate
with WARDA to get those varieties and distribute to the members country
for testing.
2.8.6.6
Further informed
that IRRI has many rice varieties to be tested in Africa particularly in
Rwanda and Madagascar, therefore advised that ECARRN communicates
with IRRI directly or through WARDA to get those varieties.
2.8.6.7
Given the priority
setting of themes and sub-themes and the budget for the year 2006, the
meeting was requested to guide the coordinator how to allocate the
fund to address the issues identified by the stakeholders.
2.8.6.8 Advised
that although the workshop ranked theme 6 (human and institution capacity
development) and theme 5 (enhancing information and knowledge sharing
mechanisms) on the top, the funds allocated to address those issues can be
used to address issues under lower ranked themes, such as issues under
theme 1 (Increase production and productivity of rice- based production
systems in the ECA) in order to put foundation to address issues under
other themes.
2.8.6.9
Informed
that there are many promising materials under sub theme 1.1 (demand-
driven varieties development), so more funds can be allocated to address
the issues regarding that sub theme.
2.8.6.10
Agreed
that, the ECARRN should conduct or prepare a baseline study of rice sub-
sector in ECA. This information would be used as baseline for future rice
research programme in the ECA Sub-region. In
this context, some funds from CGS (Stream B) can be allocated to carry out
this activity.
Agenda 3. Progress Report from NARIs
Representatives
3.1
Progress Report from
Rwanda
In his presentation, Mr Patrice
Hakizimana highlighted the major rice activities that took place in Rwanda
from 2001 – 2005.
3.1.1
Informed
that Rice Researchers in Rwanda made selection and enhanced adoption of
new high yield rice varieties with excellent grain quality for domestic
and overseas markets. Those varieties are for midlands marshlands and
lowland marshlands. The rate of adoption ranged from 40- 100% in old
marshlands.
3.1.2 Other activities that
were carried out in this period are the trainings of extension agents in
rice production. The trainings were conducted by WARDA in 2001 and in 2003
were conducted by FACAGRO Burundi.
3.1.3 Informed
that the task of selection and improvement of rice for increased
productivity and marketability were collaborated with IRRI, FACAGRO/NUR,
ITC, Wageningen University, ISAR programme (TTU,
SWP), ROPARWA, UCORIRWA and rice schemes/cooperatives.
3.1.4
Further informed
that in spite of effort that has been made to improve rice sub sector in
Rwanda, the sub sector is still faced with the number of constraints,
these are:
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Poor knowledge of pest and disease
control methods
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Knowledge in rice production is
generally poor for producers and extension agents
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Lack of early maturing varieties.
Most local varieties have long maturity period ranges from 150 – 160
days.
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Limited reliable results in rice NRM
and socio- economic research.
3.1.5
Nevertheless, informed
that the rice programme in the country has set its objective for the year
2006, thus:
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to
select high yielding and marketable grain quality rice varieties for
rice agro ecologies in Rwanda
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to develop IPM knowledge specific to
Rwanda
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to develop appropriate rice NRM
solutions for Rwanda
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to develop and maintain a database on
rice socio economics and bio physical status for Rwanda
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to contribute to seed production and
release
3.2
After the presentation,
the members suggested that it is important the NARS to work in
collaboration in order to share the resources available in the ECA
Su-region. Thus if one has activity/project but lacking resources should
collaborate with the other who has resources but no activities.
Agenda 4. Matters arises from the
Priority Setting Workshop
The members showed their satisfactions
on the workshop that it was well organized and conducted. No burning
issues were raised from the workshop for discussion in the meeting.
Agenda 5. Review of the 10 years
Strategic Plan
5.1
Informed
that the information/issues from the Priority Setting document revised by
the stakeholder during the workshop is supposed to be incorporated to
accomplish the ECARRN’s strategic plan.
5.2
However, informed
that the challenge facing the network is how to harmonize the themes
identified with the ASARECA’s four results by reflecting both themes and
sub themes agreed upon in a logframe.
5.3 The ECARRN was advised
to consult other NPPs to learn how to go about writing the logframe
Agenda 7 Work Plan for year 2006/07
7.1
The regional coordinator
presented to the meeting a draft of work plan for the year 2006/07 as
shown below:
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2005 |
2006 |
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1. Creation of
data base of existing information, resources and capacity |
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2. Mini Steering
committee |
May |
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3. Regional
Steering Committee |
July |
July |
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4. Regional
Workshop Stockholders’ and Priority setting |
December |
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5, Completion of
Priority Setting Document |
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January |
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6. Call for
Concept notes CGS (Stream A) |
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February |
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7. Call for
small Concept notes CGS (Stream B) |
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February |
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8. Training on
Proposal writing |
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March |
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8. Training on
Rice Production |
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September |
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9. Mobilization
of resources for small grant to network activities |
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10. Baseline
studies for impact assessment in Uganda, Rwanda |
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11. Evaluation
and Exchange of germplasm--INGER |
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12.
International Rice Congress in India |
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October |
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13. Africa Rice
Congress |
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June-July |
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14. Seed
multiplication and on-farm evaluation of improved germplasm |
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7.1 Advised
to identify the credible resource persons as soon as possible prior to the
training.
7.2 Advised
to follow the ASARECA’s work plan format, which shows the activities under
each theme identified and the duration of implementation for each
activity.
7.3 Informed
that the network plans to conduct baseline studies for impact assessment
in Uganda and Rwanda for NERICA. However, it was suggested that
this activity can be done under the overall baseline study for the whole
ECA.
7.4 Informed that in
order to reduce the time of disbursing the fund for stream B projects, the
CGS now encourages the applicants to submit full proposals instead of
concept notes (CNs) in time. However, the members stressed their concern
about the slow pace of the CGS in reviewing CN/proposal and funds
disbursement.
7.5 Responded that
for a long time the CN format have been under review and thus there was no
common agreement on it, now things have been settled and it is expected
that the results would be released within the normal period of not more
than 8 months. However, reminded that the ASARECA CGS programme is
a regional grant and therefore it is a bit complex. There are some
regional issues that have to be taken into account and examined before the
proposal accepted or rejected. It was therefore urged that the
applicants should understand the ASARECA’s focus on regionality.
Agenda 8. Resource
Mobilisation Strategies
In this agenda members were requested
to propose sources of fund that the network can tap to implement its
programmes
8.1 The
network was advised to consider the fund raising strategies that
were highlighted in the 1st stakeholders’ workshop. However,
informed that there are numbers of multilateral fund available in the
region as well as bilateral funds through ECA governments.
8.2 Therefore
advised that ECARRN should have a donor intelligence committee that
would assess potential donors and their areas of interest so that the
network could prepare a proposal for funding that will capture the
interest of those potential donors.
Agenda 9 Training
9.1 The
meeting was informed that the network has 156,000 Euro for training
for the year 2006. Members were requested to propose whether the
fund to be used to train on proposal writing or training on rice
production.
9.2 Suggested
that the network could conduct training need assessment (TNA) first before
deciding the training programme to conduct.
9.3
However, informed that the ASARECA CGS
normally conducts training on proposal writing for winning CP. Therefore
agreed that the network could use the available fund to conduct
both programmes (thus training for proposal writing and rice production)
and encourage national governments to sponsor some participants from their
country who will attend the training.
9.4 Advised
however to form a multidisciplinary and multi-regional team of
resource persons to conduct both trainings.
9.5 Informed
that WARDA/IRRI keen to help ECARRN to conduct those trainings.
Agenda 10. A.O.B
10.1 Suggested
that the network should identify and appoint the theme champion who will
lead the implementation of activities under themes identifies by the
stakeholders during the 1st Stakeholders’ workshop.
10.2 Agreed
that each RSC member should propose and submit names and CV of 1- 3 people
to the coordinator for her consideration by January 2006
10.3 Advised
that after receiving the project proposal, the network should form a team
of proposal reviewers that will review all proposals, and then submit to
the Regional Steering committee for approval. The team will be guided by
the ASARECA’s standard format for project proposal review.
10.4 Inquired
whether the RSC of ECARRN could be used to execute and implement other
projects outside the ECA such as the one of WARDA and IRRI for East and
Southern Africa (ESA). Responded that it is possible for the RSC to
implement such projects if are within the ECA sub-region, but if the
project extends beyond ECA sub-region then members from those areas
outside the ECA sub- region can be opted to the RSC.
10.5 Monitoring
and Evaluation
10.5.1 Emphasized that it
is important for the network to prepare the procedures for the monitoring
and evaluation exercise.
10.5.2 Suggested that the
RSC members to be trained to carry out the M & E exercise once required.
Closing
The meeting was closed by the RSC
Chairperson at 13.35 hours.
ENDORSED FOR CIRCULATION BY
…………………………………….
…………………….
Dr Ashura Luzi-Kihupi
Date
Regional Coordinator
APPROVED BY
……………………………………..
……………………
Dr. George Bigirwa
Date
Chairperson
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