14 April 2016: The third Science Forum of the Independent Science and Partnership Council (ISPC) of the CGIAR Consortium discussed pathways through which agricultural research can support the inclusive development of rural economies under conditions of climate change.

Held under the theme ‘Agricultural Research for Rural Prosperity: Rethinking the Pathways,’ the Science Forum discussed evidence and lessons learned on the contribution of agriculture to rural poverty reduction in order to develop an updated list of research priorities and approaches for strategic and inclusive engagement with partners.

The first day of the Forum focused on current evidence and lessons learned regarding pathways that link agriculture and poverty reduction. Presentations and breakout groups addressed issues such as the relevance of research on staple crop production, climate resilient crop varieties, animal production systems or policies, institutions and markets for rural poverty reduction.

Discussions held on the second day addressed regional perspectives, including background presentations and sessions on drivers of change, partnerships with impact, and capacity development for poverty reduction in the context of different regional conditions.

The third day provided an opportunity to identify topics and promising pathways for further discussion, including research and policy perspectives over pathways to prosperity. Participants discussed, among other issues: how the CGIAR’s research can become more catalytic and facilitating; creating convergence among different disciplines and emerging approaches such as big data; managing expectations in order to focus on areas of clear demand; addressing priority biotic and abiotic stresses, such as new plant diseases and climate change impacts; using partnerships to enhance impact delivery; and strengthening development-oriented research.

Co-hosted by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the third ISPC Science Forum was held from 12-14 April 2016, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The ISPC is a standing panel of experts who provide independent advice to the CGIAR Consortium and its funders. It supports the definition of the CGIAR research agenda by identifying future food production needs and major threats to food security. The ISPC also aims to establish partnerships with other international agricultural research institutions and seeks to act as honest broker in international fora. The Science Forum aims to engage scientists and scientific communities outside of the CGIAR Consortium that can contribute to the CGIAR research portfolio. [Science Forum Website] [Science Forum Blog] [ISPC Website] [ILRI Blog Post ] [Blog Post by the CGIAR Research Program on Roots Tubers and Bananas]