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EU-ACP Regional Training for Early Career Scientists in TRC
Prof Satish Chandra, Prof Keith Tomlins, Francis Alacho, Claire Coote, Dr Gregory Robin,
Prof Lateef Sanni,Dr Louise Abayomi, Chitaku Mucheleng’anga, Dr Aurelie Bechoff
2012
Introduction Of Participants & Facilitators
Briefly tell us in 2 minutes:– Who you are?– What type of root & tuber crops work are
you involved in?– Key issues faced by root & tuber crops in
your country
Training Programme OverviewCourse purposeCourse structure 3 Modules Writing Research Proposals Research Methods Intellectual Property Rights
Master ClassesGroup exercisesFieldwork exerciseMentoring and networking
Training Programme Objectives• To assist early career scientists working in
tropical root and tuber crops (TRC) to improve:– Ability to win funding from key research agencies– Research capability so that results have greater
credibility & better chance of acceptance by peers– Knowledge & understanding of intellectual
property rights as they may apply to TRC– Global view of merits of TRC as important staple
foods in meeting large share of world food needs
• ISTRC partnership strengthened – Community of practice developed
Group Exercises: OutlinePreparation of concept note
Preparation of logframe
Apply appropriate research methods;consideration of IP
Feed in information
from fieldwork
Final draft proposal
Feedback from
presenters and peers
Training Approach• Specified learning outcomes convey to
participants what: - Is expected of you and what you will be able to
apply from following the programme• Experiential learning
- Group work including field exercise- Peer interaction- Feedback from peers
& presenters
Takeaways
1 year’s membership
Course Learning OutcomesOn completion you will be able to:
• Initiate and plan research proposals for variety of funding schemes
• Demonstrate awareness of key requirements for submitting successful proposal
• Apply appropriate data collection & analytical measures for interpreting results from research
• Evaluate opportunities for exploiting research results
• Operate as an effective member of a research network.
Importance of TRC• Major staple foods in developing
world • Important for:
• Food security - Household, village, regional & national - Nutrition- Provide carbohydrates and micro-nutrients
• Income generation- Through trading, processing, enterprise development
• Exchange/gifts for meeting traditional obligations• Generating export earnings & reducing food
imports• Countering effects of climate change
Global Root & Tuber Crop Production 2010
Tonnes (millions)
Potato 324Cassava 230Sweet potato 107Yam 49Taro (Dasheen) 9Total 719
Source: FAOSTAT, 2012
Writing Research Proposals
Professor Satish ChandraFrancis AlachoDr Gregory Robin
April 2012
Module Outline• Why training on research proposal writing is
important• Proposal writing: definitions and components • Conceptualisation of a research idea• Principles of logframes• Writing the proposal - key points• The ideal team • Management and organisation• Budgeting and time management
Why Training on Research Proposal Writing is Important:
• Weaknesses in undertaking TRC research in Africa, Caribbean and Pacific countries
• These include:- Lack of focus on TRC crops- Limited attention given to “catchy”, innovative
research proposals that place TRC as a priority • Low success rates in attracting donor funding• Limited understanding & application of
appropriate research methods necessary for winning proposals
Why Training is Important: 2• Low levels of networking with eminent &
world-recognised TRC scientists & institutions– Reduces likely impact and sustainability of useful
findings for the benefit of TRC globally• Low levels of mentoring by senior scientists• Low levels of interaction with key rural and
agricultural policymakers– Limits possibility of having high-level policy
dialogues that could lead to significant actions to promote TRC
Why Training is Important: 3• Increase awareness of need for use of
multidisciplinary approach• Improve understanding of link between TRC &
wider global issues of:– Poverty alleviation, – Food security, human nutrition, – Improving farm, trader and processor incomes– Enterprise development, – Energy needs and links with climate change
• Improve writing ability to increase capacity to publish research findings
Proposal Writing: Tips• Always read and follow Call Guidelines• Understand terminology and concepts used• Need to Consider :
- Relevance- Effectiveness- Efficiency- Impact- Sustainability- Value for money- Target beneficiaries- Gender, equity and diversity
Proposal Writing: Terminology and Concepts
RelevanceConsistency with mandate & development objectives of the:- Funding body - Research institution- Proposed partners- Country and region- Consistent with the particular needs and
constraints of the target beneficiaries
Relevance
- Target country/countries/regions- Region(s)- Relevant sectors- Synergy with other initiatives- Avoidance of duplication
In Assessing Relevance Consider Following Questions:
1. To what extent are the objectives of the project relevant now or will continue to be relevant in the future?
2. What new information/insight will come out of the research?
Outputs & Outcomes
• Outputs are the expected result i.e. theproduct, goods, services, training or skills upgrade that are achieved after completing a research project or an activity
• Outcomes are the likely or short to medium-term results are achieved after a period of time by a research project
Impact• Measures extent to which research achieves
its objectives• Concerned with contribution to economic,
cultural, environmental and social benefits• Research can have impact though, e.g.
- Building national capability through advancing knowledge
- Supporting university teaching - Producing direct financial return to research
institution - Increasing productivity, employment,
competitiveness & business formation
Impact• Research can also contribute to national
wellbeing through:- Social impacts - Improving environmental management &
sustainability• Intangible benefits of research include:
- Reputation and attractiveness of a research organisation as place to learn, work and invest
• Sometimes there can be unintended positive or negative impact which should also be assessed
Useful Questions In Reviewing Impact:
• Is impact measurable?• What is likely to happen as result of the
project intervention?• What real difference is the project intervention
likely make to the target beneficiaries? • How many people are likely to be affected? • How they are likely to be affected?
Effectiveness
• Measures the extent to which a project:- Attains its purpose- Achieves its objective(s)
• Consider whether this can be expected to happen on the basis of the outputs to be achieved
• Doing more with the same resources
Useful Questions On Effectiveness:• To what extent are the objectives likely to be
achieved in the life of the project?
• What are the major factors that will influence the achievement or non-achievement of the objectives?
Efficiency • Efficiency measures outputs,
both qualitative and quantitative, in relation to inputs (labour, equipment, supplies, funds)
• Efficiency can be thought of as the amount of output per unit of input
• Requires comparing alternative approaches to achieving the same outputs
Value For Money • Using resources:
− Effectively− Economically− Without waste− With due regard for total costs and benefits
• Contribution to outcomes project is trying to achieve
• Calculate whether costs per person are acceptable (total costs/estimated number of beneficiaries) NB Not relevant for all research
Questions To Consider On Efficiency:
• Is the project likely to be cost-efficient?• Are outcomes likely to be achieved in timely
manner? • Are outcomes achievable at a fair cost?• Is the project to be implemented in most
efficient way compared to alternatives?
Sustainability• Continuation of benefits after a research
project has been completed
• Research activities continue to generate long-term development benefits for target beneficiaries many years into the future after project completion
Useful Sustainability Questions To Consider:
• To what extent will improvements to peoples’ lives or benefits generated continue after project ends?
• What are main factors that will influence achievement of sustainability?
Gender, Equity and Diversity • Recognise differences in access to services
& resources between women and men- Income, wealth, education, health, nutrition,
land, free time• Note unique characteristics & needs of
beneficiary categories - Youth, people with disabilities, widows,
landless, fishers, non-educated, etc
Target Beneficiaries• Target beneficiaries are groups targeted by
the research project to derive benefits from it e.g. - Policy makers- Farmers, women farmers, traders, small &
medium scale enterprises, processors, consumers, extensionists
Stakeholders• Individuals, groups or organisations that are
involved or have a vested interest in the outcome of a project e.g. - Other government departments, exporters,
processors, NGOs, university departments, microfinance institutions, service providers, etc.
Triangulation • Use of 3 or more sources or types of
information, or types of analyses, to verify & substantiate an assessment Never believe something someone tells you!
• By combining multiple data sources, methods, analyses or theories, researchers seeks to overcome the bias that comes from:- Single informants- Single methods- Single observer, or - Single theory studies
Be Aware of Current Priority Areas:• Multi-disciplinary / inter-disciplinary teams• Market-oriented research
- Market access for smallholder producers- Farm to Fork participatory research- Involvement of the private sector- Innovation platforms- Looped value chains
• Response to climate change• Reduction in carbon production & water use• Food safety• Food security and nutrition
Questions To Consider• What market opportunities & constraints would
enhance competitiveness of end product?• What linkages are required to achieve the
objectives, with: – Producers– Input suppliers– Financial institutions – Business & development services
• Does national policy & regulatory environment favor attainment of the project outcomes?
Questions To Consider II• What arrangements are there for shared
learning & attitudinal change?• Will benefits for target beneficiaries & key
stakeholders create incentives/disincentives for performance?
Conceptualisation of Research Ideas
• The concept note – Principles– A brief case study
• Group assignment on concept note
What Is A Concept Note?• The shortest expression of your project
idea, given to a donor• Often requested where no proposal
required or as an initial selection method• Many grant agencies prefer to
understand research project through a concept note rather than a full proposal
What Should Be The Length Of The Concept Note?
• Depends upon donor requesting the concept note
• It is the shortest possible expression of our project ideas – So, the shorter the better (Keep It Simple)
• Most grant agencies request minimum of 1 page to maximum of 3 pages
Different donors have different formats and requirements
What Are The Generic Contents Of A Concept Note?
• Title• Background • Problem statement• Goal• Objectives• Outputs• Expected results• Innovation• Activities• Project location• Beneficiaries• Organisation & Management• Duration• Budget
• Contact information of the organisations and contact person
TitleA clear, concise and descriptive name, that addresses the theme under which the proposed research will fall and appropriately indicates the area of concern.‘The first stab at getting attention’
Steve Maximey
e.g. Global perspectives on sweet potato viruses
BackgroundHistorical perspective which places the proposed project in context and
leads to its justification
Prevalence of vitamin A deficiency, 1995, based on WHO data
Problem Statement• A concise statement of opportunity, or
issue that the proposed project seeks to address- Underscores the reason why the proposed
project should be undertaken
Using existing protocols cassava brown streak virus disease was detected. This poses a great threat to cassava cultivation. The possibility of eradicating affected cassava lines is addressed.
GoalA general statement that denotes the long-term aspiration of the proposed research
Its “destination upon completion” Establishes the bigger picture within which the role of the project must fitBest to focus on a single goal
ObjectivesSpecific, concise, measurable statements; which directly contribute towards the attainment of the stated goal
If “Goal” is the “destination upon completion”, “Objectives” provides the direction one should undertake in seeking the fulfillment of the stated goal.
Expected ResultsStatements that describe the impact,
resulting from attainment of the outputs, usually by a specified time
period
InnovationWhat makes your concept different from that of
other or previous research projects?e.g. incorporating a socio-economic
investigation alongside scientific trials to understand factors that affect farmers’
interest & ability to take up a new technology
Activities
A list of undertakings/steps that are to be implemented in order to achieve the expected results
If “Goal” is the destination & “Objectives” are the direction, then “Activities” is the vehicle that will get you to your destination
Duration
A single statement expressing the life period of the proposed project from the expected start date to the expected end date.
Project Location
A statement denoting the place/s where the proposed project activities will be undertaken
Other Related Projects
• A list of previous research work done• Related to proposed research project• Can be used for comparison and/or
reference.
Organisation and Management• The overall structure and design of the
project and how it is to be undertaken via a systematic approach
• Identification, utilisation and distribution of resources such as collaborators, partners, land, finance, etc.
• A responsibility matrix is always useful.
Concept Note ExampleTitle Validation of previously researched
cassava varieties / accessions, that have been selected for consumption
Purpose & objectives
To provide producers with yield performance information from different agro-ecological zones for income generation, diversification and food security.
Approach & activities
9 selected accessions/varieties will be validated in three agro-ecological zones. Data will be collected on overall and marketable yield, number of marketable tubers, and the incidence of pest and diseases.
Concept Note Example contCharacterization of cassava varieties
Project location St. Vincent
Collaborators Agro-processors, Farmers, MOA
Management
Duration
Project to be managed byCARDI, Agro-processor Group24 months
Budgeting• An estimate of expenditure for set period of
time for a specific activity/purpose
• Should reflect the contributions of donors, collaborators and/or beneficiaries
• Show contributions of each participating organisation; doesn’t have to be financial
- Include cost of office and lab space, use of a Trade Secret, administrative support etc.
Budget ExampleActivity Cost (US$)
Site selection (3)Preparation and establishment of validation experiments (3)Managing the experiments (x 3) HarvestingData collationWrite-up and communication
6006,000
15,0003,0001,0005,000
Total 30,600
Budgeting/FinancingExpected Output
Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3 TOTAL Contributed by:
Local funding
Donors Other contributors
Personnel cost -Support
Professional servicesMotor vehicle costs Local travel
Office and administration expenses
Other expenses (List) Subtotal
TOTAL
• In your group, based on your own experiences /work area- Select a tropical root crop & a researchable topic
• Need to consider:- Market needs, value addition/processing- Proposed target group(s)- Gender equity and diversity- Partnerships/collaborators- Sustainability- Where relevant include food safety &
environmental issues in the value chain
Group Exercise
Writing the Proposal
Review of key issues to address within the application form/in writing a project proposal.
Writing the Proposal
Rationale- What- Why- Views- Types of research
What Is The Rationale For The Proposed Research?
• Why is it important in the scientific world?• What is expected to be achieved by the
proposed project?• How it will be achieved?• Where will it be achieved?• When will it be achieved?
Are there any Millennium Development Goal (MDG) implications that will enhance the depth or reach of your proposal?
Will The Results Be Of Benefit?
• Who/what will it benefit? • How will they/it benefit? • When will they/it benefit and for how
long?
What Are The Views Of Eminent Peers/Scientists In
Your Institution?
• Do they think the rationale is workable, logical and likely to lead to useful results?
• Are they prepared to endorse the proposal?
What Is The Type Of Research You Wish To Undertake?
• National or regional or international • Single-sector or multi-sector• University or private
Potential funders/grant making bodies may require written support from referees in their consideration of your proposal so seek their endorsement early in proposal preparation.
Review Information Undertake An Extensive Literature
Review• Look at both national & international sources• Concentrate on key approaches/methods
adopted & results found• Don’t give too much detail in the review
- Refer reader to the key references
Has Similar Research as Already Been Undertaken Elsewhere?
• If so, why is your proposal better or still worthwhile to be undertaken?
• Don’t copy or do the same research unless you are convinced that the earlier research was wrong in some aspect.
Seek Published And Unpublished Research Information
• From eminent peers/scientists in your institution & from key institutions globally
• Use email networking but be very specific in your queries
• Try to cultivate the interest of the person from whom you are seeking information
Focus Review On Area Of Concern Or Where Research
Is Directed• Join networks and associations
- Includes organisations, institutions, groups that have same interest in:- Subject area, discipline and thematic area - In which you are interested in and - Where the bulk of your research activities are
concentrated
How to Identify Researchable Problems
See the problems around you
Discuss with researchers, communities & other stakeholders
Think of ways to find a solution to them
Write it down
Problem Identification Collect ideas; make a habit about asking
questions about what you see and
hear
• See the problems around you– To be a good researcher you
have to be curiousRead
newspapers; Get ideas from
watching TV, attending meetings
Look at journal article and thesis conclusions and
recommendations for further research
Problem Identification• Discuss with researchers, communities &
other stakeholders
Problem Identification• Think of ways to find a solution to them
– Ask what value the research answer will have
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Problem Identification
• Write it down• Restate your research question as a
statement that identifies the problem(s) in terms of who, what, why, when, where– This study examined what factors influenced
…– Write out a few sentences that briefly explain
the knowledge gap you have identified and then place your research questions at the end
Research Objective
• Write the objective of the research proposal clearly and concisely in one sentence if possible
• Begin with e.g. “To assess the effect of etc….”
Good Examples Of Objectives
• To assess the yield potential of 3 cultivars of sweet potato in …
• To investigate the productivity of the main tropical root crops in the smallholder farming systems in the NE region
• To investigate the operating efficiencies of common cassava processing techniques in ...
• To assess the eating quality of the 3 most popular varieties of taro in ...
Bad Example: Apply multivariate linear regression analysis to various stochastic random variables on 5 stratified groups of high, middle and low income tropical root crops farmers in the ecologically and culturally diverse wet, intermediate and dry zones, and look at what are the factors and see how they are responsible for the variation in farm incomes in ...
Does The Objective Statement Say What You Mean?
• Is it communicable to others?• Would other scientists understand
what you are trying to say what you will do?
Is Outcome Focused? • Is it based on an identified need or a
gap in our knowledge?• Is there any reference to the research
need in the literature you have reviewed?
Consider Likely Level Of Impact Of The Findings & Who They Will
Affect• For example:
- High, medium and low level on particular groups of stakeholders
- Farmers, extension workers, laboratory technicians, consumers, marketers, regional development bodies, etc.
Approach, Methods & Materials
• Clearly outline the approach to be undertaken in the proposed research
-Is it a standard method?
• Outline each activity• Identify critical events• Identify all materials required• Produce a Gantt chart
Key Principles Of Logframes• A logframe helps clarify thinking about cause & effect• The logframe is a powerful tool which:
a) Logically relates inputs to outputs to purpose to goal (vertical logic)
b) Considers use of indicators to show research objective has been achieved (horizontal logic)
c) Considers sources of information which verify this d) Helps identify key assumptions (& external risks) vital for
successful implementation & achievement of intended impact
• Framework facilitates project reporting and monitoring during implementation or and evaluation (M&E) after completion
• Transparent road map to convince reviewers you are competent to report on and monitor your own work
Generic LogframeIntervention logic/narrative
Objectively verifiable indicators of achievement
Sources & means of verification
Assumptions
Overall objective
What are the overallbroader objectives to which the research will contribute?
What are the key indicators related to overall objectives?
What are the sources of information for these indicators?
Specific objective
What specific objective is the research untended to achieve to contribute to the overall objective?
Which indicators clearly show that the objective of the research has been achieved?
What are the sources of information for these indicators?
Which factors &conditions outside the researcher’s responsibility are necessary to achieve the objective?
Expected results
What are the expected results?
What are the indicators to measure whether & to what extent the research achieves the expected results?
What are the sources of information for these indicators?
What external conditions must be met to obtain the expected results on schedule?
Activities What are the key activities to be carried out & in what sequence in order to produce the expected results?
Means: what is required to implement these activities
What are the sources of information about research progress?
What preconditions are required before the research starts?
Example of a TRC Research Logframe
Narrative Summary
Objectively Verifiable Indicators
Means of Verification
Assumptions/Risks
GoalTo improve crop-post harvest innovation systems for low-resourced farmers
Range of institutional arrangements that effectively improve access to post-harvest knowledge
Project evaluation reportsPartners’ reportsRegional Coordinators’ Annual ReportsProgramme Review
Crop post harvest systems have capacity to respond to and integrate increased range of research outputs during and after programme completion
Logframe Example contNarrative Summary
Objectively Verifiable Indicators
Means of Verification
Assumptions/Risks
PurposeTo raise incomesand food and nutritional security of low-resourced farmers
1.1 Appropriate institutional arrangements in place and used by at least 30% of farmers and traders in Southern Africa to improve access to markets over 3 years
1.1 Project evaluation report
1.2 Partners reports
Resource managers, farmers & traders able to adopt new knowledge Enabling environment exists for widespread adoption of new knowledgeGovernment policies support institutional arrangements of coalition members
Logframe Example contNarrative Summary
Objectively Verifiable Indicators
Means of Verification
Assumptions/
Risks
Outputs1. Characterization of market systems for cassava updated and current demand confirmed
1.1 Updated characterization and demand of cassava marketing systems completed by end of year 1
Partners report Government price policies do not favour imported commoditiesNormal environment & market conditions exist
1.2. Market information and outlets for cassava identified by the end of year 3
Partners’ report Availability of cassava in the market systems which depends on increased production levels
Research Partnerships & Roles• Outline team composition (including
collaborating partners)• Outline key responsibilities• Determine who will be project leader• Be clear in sequencing of events and
project duration
Management and Organisation Structure
• Need for systematic approach for- Overall structure and design of project - How it is to be undertaken
• Should include identification, utilisation & distribution of resources such as finance, time, land between collaborators and partners
• A responsibility matrix/organogram may be useful
Example of A Management Chart
NRI
Example of a Gantt Chart(Activity, Time & Resources)
Time Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6
ActivityMeeting with stakeholdersSite selectionSource planting materialsGibberellicacid trialStorage trialsAnalyse and interpret data
Write report
Curriculum Vitae (CV) Writing• Need to ‘tailor’ your CV to suit Research Call
• Some agencies have own CV formate.g. EU 2-page format
• First page is critical• Include
• Qualifications• Professional skills• Recent work • Publications
• Style of your CV is important • Many websites to assist you
• Note: Differences between European CVs, Australian and USA resumes
Final Tips 1• Presentation is important
- Follow specified formats for final document - Font size, spacing, number of words/pages- Check for accuracy, including grammar- Avoid using jargon- Refer to scientific names
• Good preparation is an indication of due diligence
• Include only ‘Relevant’ material• Read ALL guidelines
Final Tips 2• Research the reviewer• Pick a meaningful title• Ensure project is not too ambitious• State the theoretical foundation(s) involved• Capture and explain all the costs including
assumptions made in calculating them
Practice Makes Perfect!!