Our research approach

Underpinning the research of the World Agroforestry Centre are the following pillars:

Accelerating the use and impact of our research

We use a knowledge-to-action framework to strengthen efforts to produce research outputs that target specific users.

Enhancing science quality

We work according to principles and criteria that ensure quality science at various stages of the research process, starting with the articulation of the problems (context), engaging in the research process (mechanism), and finally achieving outcomes or impacts.

Strengthening partnerships

We implement a considerable amount of our research agenda with partners from the South and North, using mechanisms that reinforce synergy and complementarities to achieve desired outcomes.

Enhancing operational efficiency

We invest in systems that enhance management operations, human resources, communications, monitoring and evaluation, resource mobilization and risk management.

Key documents and activities

Medium Term Plans

These rolling three-year plans outline how we implement our research agenda. Each plan is reviewed annually in the context of current developments, priorities and strategies, and the context of future requirements and opportunities.

• Medium Term Plan 2010-2012
• Medium Term Plan 2009-2011
• Medium Term Plan 2007-2009
  

Performance Reports

Each of the research centres under the umbrella of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) are required to report against performance indicators which measure their outputs and outcomes.

• World Agroforestry Centre Performance Indicator Report 2007
• CGIAR Centres Performance Indicator Report 2006
• CGIAR Centres Achievement of Targets Report 2005
• CGIAR Centres Achievement of Targets Report 2004
• World Agroforestry Centre Self-assessment Report 2003

Stakeholder Perception Survey 2006

The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research commissioned a report on how key stakeholders perceive the CGIAR as a whole and its 15 research centres.

• Key findings
• Report on the CGIAR as a whole
• Report on perceptions of each Centre

Science Week

Every year, the World Agroforestry Centre brings its key scientific staff together to discuss and evaluate the quality, impacts and directions of our research.

Highlights from Science Week 2008

Programme Committee Meetings

World Agroforestry Centre staff meet once a year to discuss programmes, administration and key issues across all research areas and regions.

• September 2008 Report

External review

In 2006 an extensive and comprehensive 3rd External Programme and Management Review (EPMR) [ Visit Website or view Centre's Response ] was conducted of the World Agroforestry Centre by a panel of experts.

The next EPMR will be undertaken in 2011.