News Article

From Stakeholder Consultation to More Meaningful Research

Over forty (40) CARDI Country Representatives, Scientists and Technical Staff from across the Region came together at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, for a Workshop on Research Methodology, over the period 2-6 November 2009. Participants were exposed to methods that could be used to improve the consultation with stakeholders, a process required to help CARDI to define its work programme within the frame work of the Medium Term Plan, and to receive feedback on the results. The staff will use their new skills to translate the expectations from the consultations, to identify research issues to be addressed. Techniques for adopting common instruments and standards for using these new tools were also explored. 

After the one week exercise the group had agreed on an approach for standard reporting formats, and use of common methodologies and instruments for identifying research issues, implementation, reporting and evaluation. Resource persons at the workshop included a slate of CARDI's Senior Scientists, in addition to Mr Ian Ivey of Next Corporation, a New Zealand Consultancy Firm, and Workshop Facilitator.

The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) was a major partner with CARDI in the hosting of this workshop, the first of a two-part training exercise for the Institute's staff in preparation for the upcoming Medium Term period 2010-2013.