Understanding people, their livelihood systems and the demands and impact of innovations: a synthesis

This paper summarizes a theme of a conference hosted by the National Agricultural Research Organization of Uganda in 2004 to advance their institutional change agenda in support of Integrated Agricultural Research for Development. The theme is reflected in the title of this paper, and emphasized methods for diagnosis and assessments in targeting, reviewing process and – given the need to integrate understanding with change throughout an R4D process - managing change itself. In addition to summarizing theme presentations, this paper represents a synthesis of the literature and experiences of the author in institutional change, and was such seen as fitting for this Working Paper Series. After a brief introduction, the paper summarizes the evolution of institutional “world views” in the agricultural research and development establishment to set the stage of the IAR4D concept. The author follows with a series of case studies to illustrate the multiple uses and functions of diagnostic tools and methods, both for R&D program development and influencing broader aspects of policy and R&D. The paper concludes with a discussion of directions in diagnosis and assessments for IAR4D.

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