Capacity development is core to ICARDA’s mission and an essential element for the delivery of quality research and sustainable development impact. Over the coming decade we will build on our extensive network of long and enduring partnerships with universities and ARIs, which share our unique approach to applied practical research and enable our close engagement with smallholder farmers through the practice of extension. We recognize that in order to successfully address agricultural challenges in non-tropical dry areas, the countries we work in need a strong and empowered cadre of young women and men who are talented scientists as well as effective institutions to house them. We will support and strengthen our effective and efficient “ecosystem” of science and research with a focus on building capacities at individual, institutional, and community levels. We will address broader questions of empowerment, leadership, institutional change, and greater public– private collaboration. This will largely be achieved by fostering South–South partnerships with selected national and regional institutions that are known for their advanced knowledge and high-tech facilities on specific applied agricultural research solutions. This will ensure that we are building the capabilities that will lead to an enduring legacy. We will seek opportunities to develop accredited courses in partnership with ARIs and universities to ensure the quality and relevance of our capacity development programs. We will take advantage of new approaches and the ICT revolution to enhance the web portal of ICARDA’s Capacity Development Unit, e-learning, and other interactive tools that offer improved sharing and exchange of knowledge and experience, and access to sources of scientific expertise, training, and research funding opportunities. ICARDA will continue to use a mix of training approaches, including group courses and individual short- and long-term courses. The Center will continue to assist in upgrading the skills of female and male national scientists by actively engaging partners in jointly developing and implementing demand-driven research- for-development projects and initiatives, and continue to make our non-degree training programs available to research associates and assistants. In addition to increasing the pool of trained personnel, these activities will also help build strong bonds to facilitate continuous research collaboration and sharing of knowledge and experience.
ICARDA Strategic Plan 2017 - 2026: https://dx.doi.org/20.500.11766/8237