Mapping Our Future 2009-2014:

Collective Action and Advocacy to Improve Spatial Solutions for Sustainable Development

 
March 31 – April 4, 2009
John Vercoe Hall, ILRI Campus, Nairobi, Kenya
 
A large and successful CSI meeting was held in Nairobi on April 22-24, 2008, attended by representatives from all CGIAR centers as well as key technology and development partners. The meeting reviewed results of a CSI baseline survey, held a day of scientific exchange on GIS-related research in each center, reviewed opportunities for collective action, and strategized on how the CSI could better serve both the CGIAR and the broader agricultural development community. Much has happened in the past twelve months including growing recognition of the strategic potential of geo-referenced information and location-explicit analysis in intervention targeting. Two examples are the 2009 World Bank Development Report focused on spatial aspects of development, and the new AGCommons geospatial technology program for Africa launched by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
 
In recognition of the potential contribution of CGIAR and its partners, AGCommons is being hosted in the CGIAR/CIO office. At the same time the CGIAR (and FAO) are well advanced with a major institutional reinvention. It is in the context of growing recognition of the importance of location as well as potentially major institutional change that the CSI holds its annual meeting. The CSI needs to respond coherently and responsibly but also with boldness and imagination to this unique time and opportunity.
 
Objectives and Outputs

    • Formulate a CSI vision of the enhanced role of spatially-referenced and location-aware data, analysis, and knowledge products for sustainable agricultural development, improved livelihoods, and food security.
    • Achieve consensus on a strategy (or as a minimum, agreeing a rapid, cost-effective process for developing such a strategy) for CSI’s engagement with the donor, development and science communities in making progress toward achieving that vision.
    • Scientific exchange on CSI member research and implementation activities
    • Develop specific recommendations on strategic AGCommons Phase II investment opportunities for the AGCommons management and implementation teams.
 
 

 
 
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