25 November 2013: The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has released a study, titled ‘The Story Behind the Success: Ten Case Studies Identifying What Led to Uptake of Research for Development,’ as part of its efforts to identify characteristics of successful adoption of scientific research on water for agricultural development.

The study stresses the need to break down the barriers between scientific research and implementation with a focus on long-term, as opposed to project-based relationships. It finds that efforts to build awareness and capacity of stakeholders are central to numerous successes, as well as concerted efforts to work with early adopters of activities.

The case studies are from the following nine countries: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Viet Nam and Zambia. The study examines projects targeting a range of stakeholders from national and state governments, to the private sector and local farmers. Interventions include: sanitation; hydroelectricity; transboundary water security; basic services; post-disaster recovery; wetland management; groundwater management; and international negotiations.

In promoting successful outcomes, the study calls for: developing strategies for uptake; giving ownership of solutions to stakeholders; adapting approaches to local contexts; building capacity and relationships; working with early adopters; building issues onto the agenda; engaging research for development organizations; building a scientific understanding of interventions; developing strong internal and external communications; and identifying triggers.

IWMI is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). [IWMI Press Release] [Publication: The Story Behind the Success: Ten Case Studies Identifying What Led to Uptake of Research for Development] [IWMI Website]