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The first SWIM 2 Steering Committee meeting was held on February 18th and 19th, 2002 in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting was attended by Johan Rockstrom (IHE), Suhas Wanni (ICRISAT), Jean-Marc Faures (FAO), Brent Swallow (ICRAF), Patrick Dugan (ICLARM) To Tuong (IRRI), Theib Oweis (ICARDA), David Molden (IWMI), Vicki Wilde (Gender and Diversity Program) and Francis Gichuki (University of Nairobi). The objectives of this meeting were to develop procedures for governance and to develop the Steering Committee itself into an effective governing body.
From the SWIM 2 Steering Committee meeting there were 4 main outputs:
- Last changes were suggested on The Framework for the Comprehensive Assessment of Water Management in Agriculture.
- Procedures were outlined for calling and reviewing of proposals, selection and funding of research activities and reviewing and publishing of scientific work
- A priority list of research questions were developed which will be sent out for the first call of proposals
- Parameters for communication plans identified but were not finalized due to insufficient time
The Steering Committee functions
The functions of the Steering Committee were redefined since the draft Framework for the Comprehensive Assessment of Water Management in Agriculture. The functions of the Steering Committee are in overall assessment design, identifying research areas, allocating funds, monitoring and evaluation, ensuring quality control, synthesis of output material and advocacy and outreach. At this point the Steering Committee also noted a need for a strong secretariat to facilitate the operation of the Comprehensive Assessment.
Comprehensive Assessment Activities
The Comprehensive Assessment will consist of 3 types of projects. The projects maybe support studies contributed by partners where loose criteria will be used for the acceptance as a Comprehensive assessment project. The second type is the support studies that require funds. These projects will be appraised using strict criteria set by the Steering Committee and a possible rerouting of the proposal to the Challenge Program may be carried out if appropriate. The third type of projects are the major studies requesting funds which will also be appraised under strict criteria and a full project document will be required. For all these projects a synthesis and analysis of the outputs will be carried out.
The Comprehensive Assessment has planned a series of outputs in presenting the findings of the above activities;
- Working papers
- Substantive case studies
- Comprehensive Analysis and Summary Volumes
- Summary Policy Statements
- Public Awareness documents
- Analysis arising from SWIM 2 or directly funded projects
- Contributions to other initiatives
Priority Research questions identified for Comprehensive Assessment
The priority research questions identified at the Steering Committee meeting were;
- What have been the benefits, costs and impacts of irrigated agricultural development and what conditions those impacts?
- What are the options for use of low quality water in agriculture (saline, waste)?
- What are the options for better management of rainwater to support rural livelihoods and rehabilitation in water scarce areas?
- What are the options and their consequences for improving water productivity in agriculture?
- How much water is needed to sustain and enhance capture fisheries and aquaculture systems?
- What are the options for integrated water resource management in basins and catchments?
- What are the consequences of land use and land degradation on the multiple users of water in catchments?
Funding and Procedures
Funding procedures are being developed based on the meeting and will be made available in the near future.
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