Dar_Close_day2

=Sustainable intensification of cereal-based farming systems in Eastern and Southern Africa = =Project Inception Workshop = =6-9 February 2012, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania =

=DAY 2 CLOSING =


 * Popcorn session with participants **

One thing this project MUST do …

One thing we learned this week …


 * Comments: **



Close:

 * (**Brady**) The panel really pointed the way for the next 2 days and that was great for the thought process for this project.
 * (**Robert Asiedu**): Very good reflection from the panel on what was discussed;
 * There was a big difference with the Tamale workshop where we were in the middle of the harmattan;
 * We were starting the workshop and had a smaller group to reflect;
 * We learnt lessons since then. Started well with the Minister's speech.
 * Another advantage here was listening to the various USAid missions in the region about the FtF activities: much broader perspective. The mapping was also very impressive. The rich diversity of partnerships is also a challenge: how to keep a coherent programme?
 * Good working groups to bring about a number of issues that weren't available in the concept notes.
 * Jerry's consistency and flexibility;
 * Challenged here also on the quantitative measures of performance and the drivers of intensification;
 * The next 2 days will be very intensive but I enjoyed the positive spirit of collaboration and trust this will continue.
 * Let's focus on the people we want to help. Maize, rice etc. are just along the way of the people.
 * The willingness and expertise will help us get absolute clarity when we leave here about the role we need to play etc.
 * Thank you everyone for your excellent participation.
 * (**Adebayo Abass, IITA**)
 * We really appreciate the fact that you came with open minds and on behalf of IITA I would like to thank you all.
 * (**Rob Bertram, USAid**)
 * It was striking yesterday morning with the Minister's speech, how it all changed;
 * He talked about so many things, water harvesting, irrigation, bio-technology etc.
 * We heard similar things in Tamale and Addis about the investment and policy climate;
 * The issue of the context is becoming a clear focus;
 * The impact challenge and how we connect with a wider set of partners (major value chains, NARS, NGOs etc.) - as we go forward I hope we'll see these linkages come to the fore;
 * Stan - where might spillovers appear?
 * It's impressive to see how much is going on in this region - but there are also imbalances e.g. fewer livestock projects. People make investments around livestock (it's an asset);
 * Gratifying to hear the comments at the end and that sense of the collective emerging;
 * Good work by Elizabeth's group which also laid out the nutrition challenge - agric and nutrition is an important challenge to keep track of;
 * Gender, climate etc. are critical and in the next 2 days we'll drill down on these issues;
 * Thanks to IITA and everybody else for participating (NARS, CRSPs reps etc. and CGIAR) - we look forward to going together in the next 2 days and several years;
 * The time is ripe for the work we're doing - the whole world's thinking about ag productivity. We have to really draw on the knowledge, tech, policy, management practices we have to guide that reflection and work;
 * Purpose-driven research? I think that's what we're talking about;
 * We talked a lot about Tanzania but we'll also focus on Malawi and Zambia;
 * (**Dr. Myaka, MoA**)
 * Thank you for coming over to Tanzania;
 * We are now more together than before;
 * We look forward to working with you collectively, rather than individually with each organization;
 * For those travelling, safe journey and we look forward to meeting you again.
 * (**Mulugeta, CIMMYT**)
 * Great to see this intensive collaboration with other CG colleagues;
 * Thanks USAid for this work to serve more farmers.
 * (**Irmgard Hoeschle-Zeledon, IITA**)
 * It was emphasised that we haven't yet discussed who does what, what we will and can deliver etc. but that is the target for the next 2 days.
 * This evening is the cutting of our program;
 * Thank you everybody for your participation and good spirit, great contributions. I now see much more clearly where we're headed when at the end of the Tamale workshop I was slightly more frustrated;
 * Logistical announcements: drinks and snacks at the poolside at 6pm. We still offer the opportunity to go out for dinner.