agricultural development Tag

The Rice: Research to Production (RR2P) course returned in 2025 for its 18th run, reaffirming its commitment to immersive, hands-on learning that bridges the gap between science and practice. This year’s edition brought together a diverse cohort to study rice research and production at IRRI’s Headquarters. For three weeks, participants explored the entire rice value chain through lectures, laboratory and field activities, and community engagement.

Among the participants were Yvonne Njoki Ndaru from Kenya and Jongho Bae from South Korea. Sponsored by the IRRI-DANIDA project in Africa and the Global Rice Research Foundation (GRRF) respectively, both scholars entered the program with unique academic backgrounds and motivations. Yvonne is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Science at Chuka University, with her research centered on how watering regimes and crop establishment methods affect greenhouse gas emissions in rice fields. Jongho, a Master’s student in Agricultural Economics at Purdue University, focuses on the role of rice trade in national food security and its implications for global inequality.

Despite coming from different disciplines, both participants were connected by a shared desire to make agriculture more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.

An Eye-Opening Start

For Jongho, joining RR2P was a step toward bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and the day-to-day realities of farmers. “I wanted to better understand how agriculture actually works on the ground, and what challenges farmers face in their daily lives,” he said. As someone who had primarily studied agricultural trade and policy, RR2P offered an opportunity to explore the scientific and practical aspects of rice production that he had not previously encountered.

Yvonne, meanwhile, had long admired IRRI’s work and viewed the program as a vital step in her journey as a researcher. “The program’s emphasis on combining rigorous academic learning with real-world field experience immediately resonated with me,” she noted. At the start of the program, she felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, especially upon seeing participants from various countries and disciplines. “This diversity created an incredibly rich learning environment right from the start,” she added.

Learning by Doing

RR2P stands out for its strong emphasis on experiential learning. Participants were not just learning theories in a classroom; they were out in the field, engaging directly with the systems, practices, and people that define rice research and production.

Yvonne, whose work focuses on greenhouse gas emissions in rice fields, appreciated the depth and scope of the technical sessions. She found the hands-on disease and pest diagnostics particularly useful and was inspired by sessions on plant breeding. “Learning about breeding and Rapid Generation Advancement was especially meaningful. I had always admired plant breeders, and until this program, I had no experience in that area. However, by the end of RR2P, I felt empowered and well-versed in breeding practice,” she shared.

For Jongho, the course offered an in-depth look at the science behind the crop he had previously only studied through policy and trade data. The sessions on seed systems, soil management, and pest control were unfamiliar at first, but these sparked a strong interest. “These topics, though technical, were the building blocks of rice production, and I realized how essential they are to understanding the crop in its full complexity,” he said.

Both found that field visits brought technical knowledge to life. The combination of classroom and field-based learning helped them connect scientific insights with the on-the-ground experiences of farmers, a connection that will help continue shaping their work moving forward.

Ground-Level Realities

One of the most defining experiences for both Yvonne and Jongho was the visit to farming communities in Victoria, Laguna, and the Banaue Rice Terraces. For Jongho, a conversation with a local rice farmer in Victoria left an impact. “He had achieved a good harvest, but what he shared with me was far from encouraging,” Jongho recalled. “Despite producing quality rice, he explained that he often had to sell it at extremely low prices. The reason wasn’t poor demand or weather—it was a lack of access to post-harvest facilities like drying and milling. Without those, farmers are forced to sell immediately to middlemen, who take most of the profit.”

Further, that moment changed the way Jongho viewed his own field. “I saw that behind every trend or statistic are real people—whose livelihoods are often affected by infrastructure gaps and limited access to value chains. It was a clear and personal reminder that research must be grounded in the real challenges people face. That single exchange helped reframe the way I see the role of policy and economics—not as abstract forces, but as tools that can either exclude or empower.”

On the other hand, Yvonne described the rice planting activity in the IRRI experimental fields as a powerful turning point. “As we stepped into the muddy paddies, I felt an immediate connection with the farmers who perform this labor daily,” she reflected. Afterwards, she spoke with farmers in Victoria, Laguna and Banaue. “They shared their experiences, challenges, and hopes for better yields. Understanding their daily realities and linking them with the planting experience underscored the need for research that is not only scientifically sound but also adaptable to local contexts. It reminded me that innovation must be driven by farmers’ lived experiences, not abstract theories, if we truly want to achieve sustainable outcomes.”

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

The diversity of the course’s cohort also led to dynamic exchanges of ideas. Yvonne recalled a group discussion where participants debated solutions to food insecurity and climate change. While some advocated for early-maturing rice varieties, others emphasized sustainable farming practices. The exchange, she said, revealed the potential of combining technical and environmental approaches to address complex problems.

Similarly, Jongho worked on a project focused on salinity in Vietnam. While his group members explored breeding salt-tolerant varieties, he emphasized the importance of ensuring that innovations translate into economic benefits for farmers. “Future agricultural solutions will require close collaboration between economists and scientists. Real progress depends on our ability to listen to one another, bridge perspectives, and work toward shared goals,” he said.

Growth Through Challenge

Both participants acknowledged the demanding pace and intensity of RR2P. Jongho initially struggled with the rural environment and unfamiliar routines. Yet over time, these challenges helped him grow. “I became more grounded in how I see my role as a researcher,” he shared.

Yvonne also found the schedule packed, but she faced the challenge with resilience and curiosity. “Whenever I encountered a concept, I couldn’t immediately grasp, I made it a point to delve deeper through additional research,” she said. The supportive community of peers and mentors made the learning process both rigorous and rewarding.

Looking Ahead

As they return to their home institutions, Yvonne and Jongho carry forward not only new knowledge but also a renewed sense of purpose. Yvonne plans to collaborate with researchers and farmers in Kenya to develop context-specific, sustainable practices. Jongho, on the other hand, intends to integrate the lessons from RR2P into his work on agricultural policy and trade, ensuring that his research remains grounded in the real challenges that communities face.

Their stories reflect the spirit of RR2P, a program that brings together aspiring changemakers and empowers them to influence a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future for the rice-based agri-food sector.

Through the continued support of partners like the IRRI-Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) project and the Global Rice Research Foundation (GRRF), programs like RR2P remain accessible to the next generation of leaders in rice science. While the 2025 edition may have concluded, its lessons will continue to shape the personal and professional journeys of those who took part.

As Yvonne shared, “RR2P is a journey of discovery, collaboration, and impact, where science meets practice to shape the future of rice research and sustainable farming.”

While Jongho and Yvonne’s reflections offer a glimpse into the impact of the course, they were just two of many. The 2025 RR2P cohort included professionals with backgrounds ranging from agronomy and plant breeding to agricultural economics and development. Coming from institutions such as the University of California Davis, Yunnan Agricultural University, Purdue University, Chuka University, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research (INIAV) in Portugal, and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), the group brought together a rich mix of experiences that enabled interactive discussions, cross-cultural exchanges, and shared learning, connections that they are now carrying into their own work.

Interested in joining this journey? Be part of the next RR2P cohort and gain the knowledge, skills, and perspective needed to make meaningful contributions to global rice systems. The program also welcomes support for participants who may need assistance to take part. Visit education.irri.org to learn more or email us at irri-education@cgiar.org. 

LAGUNA, Philippines (13 May 2025) — IRRI emphasizes prevention and suppression at the recent International Technology Cooperation Center of the Rural Development Administration – Korea (ITCC- RDA) and IRRI training on Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The 5-day training course aimed to introduce recent paradigm shifts in rice pest management, update participants on recent advances in management technologies, and assist them in the preparation and implementation of their localized IPM research plans.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable and effective management approach to controlling pests in agriculture by implementing a combination of scientific techniques and ecological knowledge such as pest biology and behavior. IPM was first introduced in the 1970’s to address the growing negative effects of pesticides in agriculture. “Rice will have to be produced, processed, and marketed in a more sustainable way.”, IRRI Scientist and Country Representative for Cambodia Dr. Nurmi Pangesti said as she explained how climate change is shaping ecosystems involved in global rice production.

IPM does not aim to eliminate all pests present in the field. Rather, its goal is to control the pest population by ensuring that a single species is not dominating the ecosystem and causing significant damage to the crops. A major principle that Dr. Nurmi highlighted is that IPM emphasizes prevention and suppression of pest population before intervening through the application of chemical pesticides. IPM deprioritizes the use of chemical pesticides since they contribute to climate change. Moreover, there is a declining number of approved active substances which increases the risk of resistance development.

IRRI Senior Associate Scientist Dr. Nancy Castilla stated that climate change significantly influences the population of pests and the intensity of diseases and pest injury . “Rice yields decline by 10% for every 1-degree Celsius increase in minimum temperature.”, Dr. Castilla explained. “There is an increasing number of studies which show that the increase in crop losses to insect pests is caused by an increase in temperature by the warming climate.”

To help smallholder farmers adapt to climate change, IRRI is promoting climate-smart pest management (CSPM) which takes into consideration both integrated pest management techniques and climate change adaptation and mitigation practices. CSPM aims to reduce crop losses caused by pests, increase incomes of those farmers who practice sustainable farming, and improve overall environmental resilience.

Senior Agriculturist Russ-Uzi Mayenne A. Ebora from the Philippines Bureau of Plant and Industry (BPI) shared how the country is scaling CSPM at the community-level. She stated that they are promoting the use of biological control agents (BCAs) like Trichogramma to control the population of the destructive Yellow Stem Borers (YSB) in rice. There is a need for strong policy and investment support for scaling IPM to ensure stable supplies of BCAs for smallholder farmers.

CHECK OUT the IRRI Education website for more training and scholarship opportunities.

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines (05 May 2025) — The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), through IRRI Education, successfully concluded its Recent Advances in Hybrid Rice Breeding Training Course, which was held from 24 April to 5 May 2025 at IRRI’s headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. The 12-day course gathered researchers from across the globe to enhance their skills in hybrid rice breeding and contribute to the broader global food security goals.

Dr. Anilyn Maningas, Head of IRRI Education, underscored the urgency of the institute’s mission on tackling food security by transforming rice-based agri-food systems, “With global rice production needing a drastic increase despite decreasing resources such as land, water, and labor, our mission is more urgent than ever. Take full advantage of this opportunity not only to deepen your technical skills but also to build a network of peers and mentors who are equally passionate about hybrid rice breeding.”

The participants were introduced to the One IRRI Rice Breeding Strategy and its role in global rice breeding. Compared to traditional, fragmented breeding efforts, this strategy aims to unify efforts by setting standards and efficient resource management among local and international partners. Basically, this will speed up the breeding process of nutritious and market-preferred rice varieties which are also climate-resilient. This crop breeding strategy can also be replicated in similar crops. Dr. Jauhar Ali, Principal Scientist and Hybrid Rice Breeder at IRRI, served as one of the lead instructors. “How do we produce more from less? This is the challenge we face,” he said. “We need to increase production while reducing inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.” Dr. Ali emphasized the potential of hybrid rice to improve resource use efficiency and equip researchers to address global food security challenges more sustainably. Hybrid rice is a type of rice which is produced from two genetically different parents which commonly result in higher yielding varieties.

Complementing this perspective, Dr. Waseem Hussain, Senior Scientist for Plant Breeding at IRRI, highlighted the role of innovation in modern rice breeding. “This course offers a comprehensive platform to understand the complete hybrid rice pipeline, from selecting parental lines to using genomic tools and digital technologies,” he said. “It’s essential that researchers see how these innovations are applied in real field conditions.”

Designed to offer a holistic learning experience, the training combined classroom lectures, hands-on laboratory sessions, and field activities. Participants engaged with a wide range of topics, including genomic selection, rice hybridization, and the application of advanced tools such as drone phenotyping and artificial intelligence in agriculture.

Throughout the course, participants interacted directly with IRRI scientists and accessed the institute’s world-class research facilities. Field activities allowed them to observe hybrid rice cultivation firsthand and apply new techniques in real-world settings.

The training concluded with positive feedback from participants, who praised the course’s high-quality instruction and the opportunity to engage directly with IRRI’s scientists and the research environment. Many shared that the training provided valuable knowledge they could apply immediately in their respective research institutions.

Looking ahead, IRRI aims to offer the Hybrid Rice Breeding Training Course again in 2026, continuing its commitment to supporting research and innovation in hybrid rice development.

Interested in designing a course for your organization? Email us at education@irri.org

Two researchers from the Rice Research Institute of Uzbekistan completed a 3.5-month on-the-job training program on hybrid rice technology at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters in Los Baños, Philippines. The training, held from August 25 to December 7, 2024, aimed to build technical expertise in hybrid rice breeding, seed production, and cultivation to support Uzbekistan’s agricultural modernization and climate resilience goals.

Facilitated by IRRI Education in collaboration with the Rice Breeding Innovation Department, the training was designed to provide an in-depth, hands-on experience. The first month focused on hybrid rice breeding, including floral biology, hybridization techniques, and field visits. Sessions on seed production practices such as transplanting of A, B, and R lines, GA₃ application, and pollination methods, followed this. From October to December 2024, the researchers concentrated on hybrid rice cultivation and were exposed to performance trials, socio-economic impacts, and improved cultivation strategies.

The program included full logistical support, from airport transfers and accommodation at IRRI Residences to visa assistance and insurance coverage, ensuring a seamless learning experience. A structured orientation, regular monitoring, and a post-training evaluation rounded out the training journey.

This activity forms part of IRRI’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the capacity of partner countries and advancing science-based solutions for sustainable rice production. (Click this link to learn more about the program)

Interested in designing a course for your organization? Email us at education@irri.org

In a strategic effort to enhance the Philippines’ agricultural competitiveness, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), has successfully concluded two key internship training programs in 2024: the Basic Bioinformatics Course and the Basic Digital Phenotyping Course. These courses aim to equip Filipino university students and early-career professionals with the knowledge and skills in critical fields such as bioinformatics, genomics, molecular physiology, and biotechnology, empowering the next generation of researchers to drive agricultural innovation in the country.

Bioinformatics, the computational center of biology, can be used in rice research to identify genes of favorable agronomic traits such as increased yield or high nutrition which can then be introduced to rice varieties that do not carry them. It can also help predict phenotypic results, speeding up experiments that usually take years to develop. The partnership is also in the process of constructing the UPLB Genome Agricultural Research Center, which will be the home of genome and omics studies in the country.

The three-month internship program facilitated by the Bioinformatics team, in collaboration with IRRI Education, provides foundational knowledge of bioinformatics. Specifically, interns were trained to use the Linux Operating System to manipulate and analyze data on genomics-related information. The internship program aims to prepare the upcoming crop of Filipino researchers who will either conduct their projects in AGRC or be employed as AGRC research staff.

This marked the second phase of the two internship training programs. The first phase of the Basic Bioinformatics Course and Basic Digital Phenotyping Course was successfully conducted in 2022, laying a strong foundation for advancing knowledge in these fields. Building on the lessons and outcomes, the second phase in 2024 integrated significant enhancements, including utilizing a digital learning platform to deliver the courses effectively and expand their reach.

It has provided participants with practical, real-world experience in bioinformatics and digital phenotyping. Although the initial hybrid cohort has now completed the training, the program continues, with additional cohorts set to finish their courses through 2025. The program initially targeted 120 interns, but with 137 current participants, it has far exceeded expectations, further expanding the pool of skilled researchers in these critical fields.

Participants have developed essential skills in bioinformatics tools and data analysis techniques, all critical for advancing agricultural research. Reflecting on the participants’ achievements, Dr. Kenneth McNally, International Consultant at IRRI, stated, “We hope that our participants gained sufficient experience from this training course to be confident running different types of analysis and to apply other tools in their future work.”

Through this ongoing collaboration, the KOICA-UPLB-IRRI partnership is advancing academic and professional growth and contributing significantly to the Philippines’ agricultural research ecosystem. By equipping young Filipino researchers with the tools and experience needed to succeed, this partnership is helping shape the future of agricultural competitiveness, ensuring that the Philippines remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation and sustainability.

Interested in designing a similar course for your organization? Email us at education@irri.org

Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines — November 29, 2024 Rice production is a significant source of a greenhouse gas (GHG) called methane (CH4), accounting for up to 20% of national GHG inventories. Given the urgent need for climate action, mitigating GHG emissions from rice farming has become a critical global policy objective. Accurate measurement of emissions is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies, tracking progress, and ensuring that global climate targets are met.

Hosted at IRRI’s headquarters in Los Baños, IRRI Education conducted a “GHG Emissions in Rice Systems: Basics of Mechanisms and Standards for Measurement” course last November 29, 2024, which brought together 30 participants from India, Japan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Benin, and the Philippines. The course aimed to enhance expertise in measuring greenhouse gas emissions from rice-based systems and explore effective mitigation strategies.

“Methane is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2)”, said IRRI Senior Associate Scientist Olivyn Angeles, “Currently, it is at 1908.61 parts per billion (ppb) which, compared to the pre-industrial levels of 600-700, is very huge [increase] already.”, she continued.

In rice systems, a field may produce more greenhouse gas than when a person drives a car. IRRI Senior Scientist Ando Radanielson explains that on average, a rice field in the Philippines produces 1.46 kg of methane per hectare during the dry season. This emission is approximately equivalent to the carbon dioxide produced when a person drives a car for about 31,500 km.

IRRI Interim Head of Sustainable Impact through Rice-based Systems (SIRS), Dr. Virender Kumar, emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change. “To mitigate its worst effects, we must limit global warming to below 1.5°C.” To achieve this, sustainable rice farming practices need to be adopted on a wider scale.

In addition to GHG measurement techniques, participants learned about mitigation practices like Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), which can significantly reduce methane emissions. Through AWD, fields are periodically drained and re-flooded, reducing irrigation costs. This method has effectively mitigated GHG emissions in rice production up to 30-70% with no reduction in yield. This is because when the field is drained and dried, the growth of methane-producing bacteria is inhibited resulting in a reduction in GHG emission.

The course also highlighted the importance of standardized emissions data for policy development and climate finance initiatives. Through capacity-building initiatives like this, IRRI aims to promote climate change mitigation through sustainable rice production. The training will be offered again in 2025, further strengthening efforts to tackle GHG emissions in rice farming.

Interested in designing a similar course for your organization? Email us at education@irri.org

Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines – A two-week hands-on training program on biotic stress resistance evaluation concluded at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) on October 31, 2024, with 19 researchers and scientists from 9 countries including the USA, Italy, Vietnam, India, South Korea, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

The training aimed to equip participants with practical skills in identifying, collecting, isolating, and evaluating the damage caused by major rice pests and diseases. The immersive program included lectures, laboratory exercises, and field visits, designed to enhance participants’ understanding of resistance evaluation techniques crucial to their research.

Former IRRI Senior Scientist for Plant Pathology Genetics and Biotechnology Division Dr. Casiana Vera Cruz highlighted the importance of resistance strategies for managing diseases and pests. She stated that effective screening protocols are vital for successful resistance programs, especially when collaborating with rice breeders. “Resistance to diseases and pests is one of the most economical, safe, and environmentally friendly methods of managing these challenges,” she explained.

Dr. Hans Bhardwaj, Research Director and Head of IRRI’s Rice Breeding Innovations, underscored the necessity of standardized and harmonized screening protocols. “This course provides the practical skills and knowledge needed to conduct effective evaluations that ensure reliability and consistency across global research efforts.” He also emphasized the value of networking, noting that the professional relationships developed during the course would benefit their future work.

The training featured expert-led sessions on a range of topics, including rice diseases, insect pests, pathogen collection, media preparation, and especially pathogen inoculation and pest infestation techniques. Dr. Van Schepler-Luu, the primary expert for the course, led the program, with invaluable contributions from resource persons across several IRRI groups, including the Plant Pathology and Host Plant Resistance, Entomology, and Biotic Stress Resistance Evaluation Center (BSREC). Participants gained hands-on experience with pathogen isolation, insect nematode rearing, and pest damage evaluation in greenhouse settings.

Participant feedback was highly positive, with many highlighting the practical value of the hands-on training. Ms. Subah Soni, a graduate student researcher from the University of California, Davis, USA, described the course as an “accelerated learning experience” that helped her gain confidence in handling rice pathogens and pests. Ms. Maricel Torres, Assistant Scientist at IRRI, emphasized how the training would help her support farmers in identifying early signs of pests and diseases while applying eco-friendly control methods.

Given the success of this year’s program, the IRRI Education team plans to offer the course again in 2025.

Interested in designing a similar course for your organization? Email us at education@irri.org

CGIAR Excellence in Agriculture (EiA) Initiative for Sustainable Intensification and Climate Change launches the EiA Open Learning Portal to transform agricultural education through digital solutions. The learning portal was developed through the collaboration between the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) through its educational arm, IRRI Education. Through this, EiA aims to share agronomic solutions to help smallholder farmers make informed decisions and manage farm risks.

The EiA Open Learning Portal is part of Open Learning, one of the Initiative’s three main strategies for creating a Global Agronomy Village, along with the Comprehensive Agronomy Solutions Hub (CASH) and EiA Events.

The portal boasts an introductory set of 13 self-paced and standalone micro-courses, ranging from 30 to 45 minutes each. These courses cover CGIAR’s key thematic areas: climate change, gender equality, and food security. Key topics include climate change drivers, adaptation strategies, customized digital agronomy advice on crops like cassava, gender-focused content, and effective agronomic practices that highlight the importance of inclusivity in agricultural services.

“We aim to make agronomic education more accessible, interactive, and impactful.”, said Dr. Anilyn Maningas, Head of IRRI Education. “This portal enables learners to engage with content at their own pace through interactive, self-paced micro-courses available online for free. These courses offer actionable insights into critical topics like climate change adaptation and gender-responsive agronomy.”, she continued.

The EiA Open Learning Portal will serve as a space for collaboration for researchers, students, and instructors through its discussion forums. “In Vietnam, agriculture often takes a backseat for the younger generation, but I’m committed to changing that.”, shared Huu Diem Ha Nguyen, a Direct Seeded Rice Consortium (DSRC) – Vietnam Use Case Member. “The [Gender-responsive Researchers Equipped for Agricultural Transformation] GREAT course … emphasized the importance of gender equality in agriculture, a cause I’m passionate about. Women should have the opportunity to work in any field they choose, and this course has strengthened my resolve to advocate for equal opportunities in agriculture.”

Looking ahead, the EiA Open Learning Portal will continue to expand its roster of courses, with plans to integrate advanced features like an AI chatbot and grow its course offerings to address emerging needs and trends in agriculture, still aligned with the key impact areas of CGIAR.

“While this initial phase has demonstrated its proof of concept, there’s more to learn and improve. Our commitment to continuous engagement and improvement ensures that we will address these challenges and improve the portal to better meet the needs of our users. By staying responsive to feedback and advancing our technology, we aim to refine our approach and further enhance the portal’s impact,” said Gaurav Jaiswal, Team Lead and Educational Technology Specialist of IRRI Education.

Developed in partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and with contributions from other CGIAR Centers, this education platform is set to revolutionize agricultural education. The CGIAR centers supporting the EiA represent a global force for agricultural transformation and include AfricaRice, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), International Potato Center (CIP), International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

Learn more about this training course and other programs offered by IRRI Education at education.irri.org

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), through its capacity-building arm, IRRI Education, held a three-day training workshop on the Introduction to the CGIAR Innovation Packages and Scaling Readiness (IPSR) from September 18 to 20, 2024, at IRRI Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. The CGIAR IPSR course aimed to improve the efficiency and impact of research for development programs by encouraging critical reflection on how ready innovations are for scaling.

Participants are trained to design, implement, and monitor scaling strategies for cross-CGIAR initiatives. Project performance is tracked using the principles and tools of Scaling Readiness, a framework developed by CGIAR and led by Wageningen University and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), to support decision-making on the scaling of innovations. Through this, project members can identify bottlenecks, make informed decisions, and make strategic solutions thereby improving prospects for success at scale. Standardization of such processes allows initiatives to also track their contributions to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

IRRI Human Resource Partner for Learning and Development Angelica Valerie De Jesus, emphasized the need to put knowledge into action, urging participants to take the insights they gained back to their workplaces to share with others. She hoped this initiative would lead to meaningful change for IRRI, in partnership with CGIAR, in fulfilling its mission.

“Beyond developing innovations, we should also look into how these will benefit the institution’s main beneficiaries – the farmers.”, shared IRRI’s Project Development and Deployment Manager Rowena Castillo. She hoped this training would not be the last and that this initial encounter would lead to deeper learning opportunities in the future.

Over the course of three days, 13 IRRI employees involved in various CGIAR Initiatives engaged in sessions that focused on key topics such as the fundamentals of scaling innovation, innovation profiling, and scaling readiness. They participated in hands-on activities to assess innovation readiness and develop scaling strategies. Notable sessions included a presentation and panel discussion on the strategies and lessons from PhilRice’s scaling efforts, led by Dr. Jaime Manalo IV, Scientist II and Head of Socio-economic Division, along with workshops facilitated by Dr. Murat Sartas, Innovation, Scaling, and Impact Management Scientist for CGIAR and Wageningen University. The training culminated in group presentations, allowing participants to apply what they had learned and share their insights with one another.

Ms. Elizabeth Alcachupas, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, described the training as “an incredibly transformative experience.” She highlighted, “The training was not only well-structured but also deeply insightful, helping me develop skills in using the tools available on the CGIAR website. The trainers were knowledgeable and approachable, ensuring that complex concepts of scaling and innovation were easy to grasp through practical examples. I highly recommend IPSR training to anyone.”

Ms. Krystle Ambayec-Dino, Partnership and Capacity Building Coordinator, also expressed her satisfaction with the course, stating, “This course provided me with the knowledge and skills to better identify innovations, profile their readiness, and effectively package them for scaling up to the end users, thereby enhancing our efforts in research for development at IRRI.”
Following the success of the program and positive feedback from participants, the training team is exploring the possibility of offering the course again next year.

Learn more about this training course and other programs offered by IRRI Education at education.irri.org

The International Rice Research Institute and the Innovations for Poverty Action held a four-day capacity-building program for monitoring and evaluation, participated by 47 project development officers, project evaluation officers, and planning officers from
different government and non-government institutions.

The training conducted last 24-27 June 2024 at IRRI Headquarters in Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines is one of the initiatives under the IRRI-IPA partnership that generally aims to further strengthen cooperation among lPA researchers and lRRI rice scientists. This training program aimed to enhance the monitoring, evaluation, and learning capabilities of both organizations while exploring the relationship between poverty alleviation and agricultural development.

Dr. Joanna Kane-Potaka, Deputy Director General for Strategy, Engagement, and Impact of IRRI, opened the program with a message, thanking IPA for initiating the collaboration. She emphasized that monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment will always be valuable at both the individual and management level, and how relevant the training is especially since IRRI will be implementing a new strategic planning process within the year.

Dr. Valerian Pede, IRRI’s Senior Scientist in Agricultural Economics and one of the course’s resource persons, echoed this sentiment. He emphasized that everyone should engage in monitoring and evaluation as it is crucial for demonstrating impact, particularly to donors, allowing them to understand the progress and success of the projects.

Aftab Opel, IPA’s Country Director for the Philippines, in his opening message, discussed the origins of the collaboration and the initial plans set by IRRI and IPA. He then outlined the expectations for the four-day program, highlighting the presence of various experts who would cover technical topics. He emphasized that the most critical takeaway is the importance of using the right data and evidence in their projects and programs.

Over the course of four days, the participants took part in 12 sessions that focused on emphasizing the importance of M&E in evidence-based policymaking and programming; exploring the relationship between agricultural development, poverty alleviation, and evidence-based interventions; and equipping them with practical skills and tools for conducting effective M&E in agricultural projects. The program also facilitated knowledge sharing and collaboration among participants towards sustainable agricultural development.

Aside from the synchronous and asynchronous discussions involving theoretical concepts, and practical and hands-on exercises, participants also had the opportunity to visit and tour some of IRRI’s facilities including the International Rice Genebank (IRG), the world’s largest repository of rice genetic diversity; the Lloyd T. Evans Plant Growth Facility (PGF), and the long term continuous cropping experiment (LTCCE), the world’s longest running experiment on triple rice cropping system.

At the end of the training, participants shared their experiences and key takeaways. Mr. Ronal Jeremy Antonio, Economics Consultant at IRRI noted “This is an effective training course if you want to learn the fundamentals and basic applications of M&E and is highly recommended for all professionals regardless of work and educational background”.

Another participant from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, Mr. Alvin Quiel Sabanal, expressed how the training will be useful in his work. “The hands-on exercises and case studies from different resource persons were valuable, allowing us to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. I especially appreciated the modules on Theory of Change which is important in my line of work.” He added, “I highly recommend this comprehensive course to project managers seeking a deeper understanding of the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of M&E. As my personal target outcome, I am eager to apply what I’ve learned to my current job, and I believe this training will significantly enhance my ability to deliver impactful projects”.

Alongside Dr. Pede, experts from IPA namely Ms. Karisha Cruz, Mr. Yuri Leomo, and Ms. Soumya Kochhar served as the primary resource persons for the training. Additionally, Dr. Maximin Kodjo from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD); Ms. Arushi Pankaj Dubey from UN Women; Dr. Lorna Sister, Dr. Juan M. Pulhin, from the University of the Philippines Los Banos; and Dr. Solomon and Svetlana Ms. Negroustoueva from CGIAR were invited to share their experiences in M&E and insightful case studies from the agricultural development ecosystem.

From the success of the program and based on the feedback from the participants, the training team from IPA and IRRI are currently discussing the possibility of offering the program annually.

About IRRI Education

IRRI Education is the educational and capacity-building arm of IRRI. Since 1962, IRRI Education has been imparting capacity development programs in various rice science and technology disciplines and offering diverse and global learning experiences for students, early career researchers, scientists, and other professionals. It operates with five service portfolios – Short and Long Courses, Scholars and Youth Engagement, Online Learning and Product Development, Knowledge Sharing, and Advisory around Capacity Development. These pillars underpin IRRI Education’s commitment to producing holistic and integrated learning solutions, addressing learning gaps and expectations with sound educational innovations.

Visit education.irri.org to learn more

About Innovations for Poverty Action

The Innovations for Poverty Action is a global research and policy nonprofit committed to reducing global poverty with evidence. With a network of partners and researchers, IPA designs and tests innovative solutions, supports partners in generating and using data and evidence and helps bring proven approaches to scale across the globe.

Visit https://poverty-action.org/ to learn more