Innovative Agricultural Research Initiative (iAGRI) Collaborative Research Stakeholders’ Workshop Report

The workshop was organized by the Innovative Agricultural Research Initiative (iAGRI) and aimed to facilitate collaborative research among stakeholders from Sokoine University of Agriculture, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives, and the private sector. The workshop was attended by 51 participants, with representatives from various institutions, including USAID, Ohio State University Consortium, and iAGRI PMU staff. The participants were divided into three parallel sessions, each focusing on a specific thematic area: policy and value chain management, thematic area experts in climate, water resource, and crop productivity, and gender, food, and nutrition, and extension experts. The workshop had three sessions: Session I, chaired by Professor Bendantunguka Tiisekwa, included a welcome note by David Kraybill, a presentation on the background and progress of iAGRI, and an opening speech by Fidelis Myaka on behalf of Mohamed Muya. Session II had three presentations, including one on the road travelled to date by iAGRI on the research agenda, and another on the objectives, organization, and expected outcomes of the parallel sessions. The parallel sessions were divided into three groups: Session A focused on policy and value chain management, Session B on climate, water resource, and crop productivity, and Session C on gender, food, and nutrition, and extension. Each session had approximately 20 participants, and presenters were given 30 minutes to present their papers, with 30 minutes for discussion and questions. The workshop aimed to fine-tune the research areas identified in the Priority Setting Workshop, guide the scope and content of the competitive research grants program, and provide guidance to iAGRI graduate students in choosing thesis and dissertation topics. The workshop also discussed competitive grant modalities, regulations, and ways to make the studies effective, efficient, and relevant. The Collaborative Research Stakeholder Workshop was a crucial step in the iAGRI initiative, bringing together stakeholders to discuss and refine research priorities, share knowledge, and share knowledge and expertise. The workshop's outcomes and recommendations will inform the development of the competitive research grants program and guide the implementation of the research agenda. The workshop's success was evident in the strong attendance and engagement of participants, who actively participated in the discussions and presentations. The workshop's outcomes will contribute to the development of the iAGRI initiative, ensuring that the research is relevant, demand-driven, and effective in addressing the challenges facing the agricultural sector in Tanzania. The workshop's recommendations and outcomes will be used to inform the development of the competitive research grants program, ensuring that the research is aligned with the iAGRI initiative's objectives and priorities. The workshop's success demonstrates the importance of collaborative research and the need for stakeholders to work together to address the challenges facing the agricultural sector in Tanzania. The workshop's outcomes will also inform the development of the iAGRI initiative's research agenda, ensuring that the research is relevant, effective, and efficient. The workshop's success will contribute to the development of the iAGRI initiative, ensuring that the research is aligned with the initiative's objectives and priorities.