In preparation for a second phase of CGIAR Research Programs, the CGIAR Consortium is proposing to make the research programs more integrated so as to more effectively contribute to the objectives and targets set by the CGIAR Strategy and Results Framework. How? Through a pilot process termed ‘site integration’: the improvement of intra-CGIAR coordination and collaboration in a selected set of countries and regions.
Site Integration plans will bring together the work of CGIAR Centres and programs in key countries where CGIAR innovations are expected to reach millions of people and achieve research outcomes at scale. In the quest to enhance significant impacts of the research-for-development investment in the country, through site integration, CGIAR activities and research-for-development objectives will be integrated with those of Uganda and linked with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Bioversity International and International Potato Center International Potato Center (CIP) led the establishment of a Steering Committee from Uganda-based CGIAR representatives (Bioversity International, CIAT, CIP, ICRAF, IFPRI, IITA, ILRI and IWMI) which will spearhead the site integration process in Uganda . I’m thrilled that in Uganda the process of integration has begun and will continue, thanks to the tremendous support thus far given by the Centres and the national partners alike.
All eight CGIAR centres and their stakeholders and partners involved in this exercise participated in the stakeholder workshop of March 9, 2016 endorsed the Consortium Office recommendations; they agreed that “integrating our activities and aligning our strategic objectives with those of our host country is a noble task”. This however will require that the CGIAR and Uganda will subscribe to the same vision, mission and strategic objectives that are subtended by a robust Monitoring and Evaluation plan.
A costed business proposal would be needed to accomplish ‘site integration’ in Uganda. It was recommended that more partners should be engaged from the non-agricultural sectors, including environment, gender and education and associated policy institutions.
We will need critical financial support to address pool services, including information sharing or other benefits for their members and beneficiaries.
By Eldad Karamura, Senior Scientist/Regional Representative, Eastern and Southern Africa
Read more about Uganda CGIAR Site Integration Report
Read more about the Planning CGIAR Site Integration: The process and results by CGIAR entities (Centers and CRPs)
blog.gfar.net 
I am very interested in getting in contact with a representative in the organization and learning more about CGIAR. I am director of a non- profit in the US (Save the Street Children International), that is partnering with Save Street Children Uganda. We helped them purchase 76 acres in Luwero, Uganda. The land contract was signed and paid for just last week. We are very excited to begin developing the land and have plans to create a self sustaining (or at least partially sustainable) agrobased orphan village. Would love to find out more. Thank you!
Dear Bart, we have forwarded your comment (and your email address) to the author of this post.
best,
Peter
Dear Bart,
Great to read about your great initiative of saving street children. Luweero is traditionally known for coffee and to some good extent banana much as banana bacterial wilt affected the later. So, I would do some perennials but also consider high value horticultural crops since the distance is short and so supplying Kampala is still a profitable possibility. I would be happy to visit and learn more about your approaches and future plans. Wish you well as you save them one by one! Perez Muchunguzi, IITA Uganda R4D Youth Coordinator
My names are Eldad Karamura, currently coordinating CGIAR plans for integrating CGIAR work in Uganda and for the alignment of our activities with the strategic R & D priorities of Uganda. The CGIAR has many agricultural technologies on the shelf for most crop/livestock-fish/forest farming objectives and we can only discuss case by case technologies (against your interests and needs) but the bulk of these may require further validation for specific farming objectives and household typologies. When we have known more about your organization’s needs, we will put you in contact with the specific specialist teams for assistance. In the meantime one of the CGIAR centres- IITA also based in Kampala is currently facilitating a youth group- Youth Agripreneur program (https://iitayouthagripreneurs.wordpress.com/about/) that you may want to contact for their experience.