The Challenge Program on Water and Food: A new paradigm for research in the CGIAR - Water Scarcity, Livelihoods and Food Security - page 9

Outcome-based R4D and how change occurs
In the CPWF, R4D reflects a shift in understanding of development processes
and the role of research. It integrates notions of power and the relationships
between people, institutions and partners and their evolving dynamics. It
addresses inequities and engages with a diversity of groups and individuals. The
relevance of research is transformed and with it the focus, approach and process
also change.
R4D for whom?
In Phase 2, the CPWF pursued a path of targeted, inclusive R4D, based on
development challenges decided in consultation with partners in six basins
(Box 1.5). Scientific research remained a central component, but the research
was for transformative change or outcomes. Research for outcomes required
understanding of the relevant institutional and social structures. It also implied
engagement with partners with the CPWF playing the role of a boundary
organization, enabling, linking and translating learning across communities.
Effective boundary organizations, which the CPWF aimed to become, depend
on their credibility as well as the salience and relevance of the knowledge they
share.
Problems can be technical, institutional or political. Problem diagnosis
examines the causal relationships among technologies, institutions and policies.
It also traces out the nature and value of positive and negative externalities in
which the problems being faced by one group are attributable to actions taken
by other groups. Water- and food-related problems often involve common
property, collective action, property rights and questions of access to resources.
Box 1.5 Basin Development Challenges
Andes basins : To increase water productivity and to reduce water-related
conflict through the establishment of equitable benefit-sharing mecha-
nisms.
Ganges : To reduce poverty and strengthen livelihood resilience through
improved water governance and management in coastal areas of the
Ganges Basin.
Limpopo : To improve smallholder productivity and livelihoods and reduce
livelihood risk through integrated water resource management.
Mekong : To reduce poverty and foster development by optimizing the
use of water in reservoirs.
Nile : To strengthen rural livelihoods and their resilience through a
landscape approach to rainwater management.
Volta : To strengthen integrated management of rainwater and small reser-
voirs so that they can be used equitably and for multiple purposes.