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1.
Repositioning PRGA for Transition
Imminent
changes in the organization of the CGIAR will result in the
discontinuation of the System-wide Program model. The CGIAR
System-wide Program on Participatory Research and Gender Analysis
(PRGA Program) has existed within that model for the past
12 years and is the only CG entity with a global mandate for
gender and participatory research, and for gender in research
(Gender & Diversity Program covers gender in the workplace).
It currently has ongoing activities and an active staff, therefore
its team is assessing future opportunities and actions that
can lead to an orderly transition from the System-wide mode
into another that will allow it to continue to contribute
to the CGIAR System and its stakeholders.
However,
much has changed since the Science Council decision on System-wide
model was made:
- The
CGIAR System as a whole has embarked upon a complete restructuring
around the idea of mega-programs.
- An
electronic consultation in early 2009 highlighted the need
for gender perspectives to be central in the New CGIAR's
agenda
- A
Global Platform on Gender in Agriculture is expected to
be endorsed in 2010 to channel the expertise from the G&D
Program, IFPRI and the PRGA Program (and other partners)
to support the Centers' (and other partners') in gender
sensitive responsive work (especially mainstreaming)
- PRGA
Program completed a thorough gender audit of CIAT, including
its regional outreach in Africa and Asia, in 2008
- CIAT
has begun a process of mainstreaming gender in its programs
and projects, both at headquarters and in the regional offices.
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As
a consequence of these changes:
- There
will be ongoing need for the expertise of the PRGA Program
at the System and Centers levels, as gender aspects are
mainstreamed throughout the System's R&D agenda
-
There is strong donor interest in maintaining
a body to support the mainstreaming of gender and participatory
(action) research in the CG Centers
-
To support its own ongoing mainstreaming efforts, CIAT has
decided to retain the staff of the PRGA Program as the nucleus
of its own new gender mainstreaming strategy
- Moreover,
CIAT has agreed that PRGA Program commitments and activities
should continue under the umbrella of the new program at
least until the designated funding runs out.
Consequently,
there is a need to chart a new and reinvigorated course for
the Program. The Program's areas of work and research will
entail:
-
A strong link with the CGIAR Gender Platform when this becomes
operational to support participatory research and gender
work with a wider regional focus, supporting CG Centers,
and all CIAT programs and projects in Africa and Asia
-
Gender and participatory research with a Latin America and
the Caribbean mandate.
Examples
of Research Themes the Program will take on are:
-
Participatory methods used in plant breeding, agro-biodiversity
management and adaptation to climate change by men and women
farmers
- Gender-differentiated
roles of men and women at different stages in value chains
- Use
of gender-sensitive participation strategies for adaptation
to climate change in rural communities
- Gender-sensitive
participation in the management of genetic resources and
agro-biodiversity
- Processes
of institutionalization of gender-focused participatory
research and action (e.g. ASARECA)
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