Research Impact, Information and Capacity BuildingMany forestry research institutes still have weak research capacity, poor access to information, and lack means for the efficient dissemination of research findings. These combine to reduce their research impact. This project addresses these problems with partners in Africa, Asia and Latin America. A major activity relates to research evaluation and impact assessment. Comprehensive understanding and detailed documentation of the intended impact is necessary for planning and conducting impact assessments. During the year, information was collated on intended impact, both on the immediate "targets" for research outputs and the ultimate beneficiaries for each research activity. CIFOR's Management Information System (MIS) includes logical frameworks at activity and project levels, and documentation of progress against specific "milestones". The MIS will simplify assessment of CIFOR's efficiency and effectiveness whilst promoting accountability and transparency in the way our research is selected, prioritised and managed. Formal procedures for the evaluation of new research proposals (or for the continuation of existing research activities) were finalised and implemented during the year. Links with impact assessment activities within the CGIAR system and the Impact Assessment Evaluation Group (IAEG) were developed further. Project staff attended an inter-centre workshop held at ISNAR for impact assessment scientists from all CGIAR Centers. They discussed appropriate methodologies and analyses for priority setting and impact assessment, and provided guidance on the IAEG workplan. Impact assessment of natural resources research is still regarded as a discipline in its infancy. This project helps provide access to information for national research systems, and efficient dissemination of research results using the latest electronic technologies. CIFOR organised a regional "discussion forum" for forestry information scientists from twelve Asia-Pacific countries, and representatives from CABI, FAO and FORSPA. The forum participants identified common problems and constraints faced by forestry information scientists and outlined mechanisms and strategies for their amelioration. The rate of uptake of the new electronic information technologies in the Asia-Pacific has been rapid and continues to accelerate. A network of information scientists in the region was also launched. CIFOR continued to provide training to partners and collaborators. As outlined in CIFOR's Strategy for Collaborative Research, training is conducted only where CIFOR has a distinct comparative advantage. During 1996, activities included a computer modelling training workshop for research partners and CIFOR staff. A study to assess forestry-related research capacity in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) was presented at a regional consultation convened by CIFOR in South Africa (see page 8). Plans were also developed for further forestry research capacity assessment in 1997, to be undertaken in West and Central Africa involving CORAF, FAO and many national partners. Principal Collaborators:
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