Harnessing research for development to tackle wicked problems - Water Scarcity, Livelihoods and Food Security - page 46

In this chapter we describe what the CPWF learned about R4D and
addressing wicked problems, which we will refer to as development challenges.
We will introduce basic concepts, principles and definitions of R4D as the
CPWF came to understand them, and describe how it applied them using
examples from CPWF projects in basins. In the process, we will include an
analysis of the CPWF experience of putting theory into practice and draw out
some guiding principles.

Concepts and principles of research for development
There are a number of terms related to what CPWF came to think of as R4D.
These include, amongst others, research for development itself, participatory
technology development, research in development, integrated agricultural
research for development, and social learning. R4D is a set of approaches that
may lead to innovation under differing circumstances. Some critics argue,
however, that, “what . . . [R4D] needs is . . . some practical guidance on which
ways of using research for innovation should be supported and under which
circumstances” (Hall et al., 2010).
One way R4D differs from the linear model of research and extension is by
encouraging many people to take part in the research process. R4D uses a
systems perspective to bring people together and to illustrate how many
development challenges are interlinked across multiple scales (Hawkins et al.,
2009).
R4D has many roots. A partial list includes applied and action research from
social anthropology 1930s-1950s; farming systems research 1970s-1990s
(Byerlee et al., 1982); agroecology (Conway, 1986); on-farm client-oriented
research (Tripp et al., 1990); participatory research and participatory action
research (Whyte et al., 1989); integrated natural resources management
research (Campbell and Sayer, 2003); and ecoregional research (Harrington
and Hobbs, 2009). By the early 2000s, there was growing criticism of tradi-
tional linear research models and calls for more client-driven and inclusive
research approaches. The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa com-
missioned a benchmark study on Integrated Agriculture Research for
Development which set out basic principles for R4D (Hawkins et al., 2009;
Hall et al, 2010; Ugbe, 2010):

• Generating innovation amongst stakeholders rather than focusing solely

on research products and technologies.

• Embedding and interdependence of innovation processes in local

institutional, policy and political contexts.

• Defining development objectives in a given area and using a flexible

approach.

• User involvement and continuous interaction with stakeholders so that

their knowledge, perspectives and needs are integrated into the research
process.