Comparative+advantage+of+Nile+BDC+(Group+Work)

Comparative advantages of Nile BDC:
● Research associated with outputs; development with outcomes ● Discussion framed by the question “should we disband the Ns?” ● What advantages does NBDC have over other projects?


 * Advantages:**
 * 1) Information + lessons flow between people + organizations with different skills + vertically between IP actors
 * 2) Water ties complex socio-ecological elements at landscape. Requires multiple skill sets to examine all possible outcomes/alternatives
 * 3) Individual baselines N2…. N4 solidified. Time right to build inter-project linkages
 * 4) Institutionally viewed as objective compromised by drawing agenda + process and trust. Honest broker
 * 5) Building non-traditional partnerships and buy in
 * 6) Part of a bigger picture – other 5 BDC’s (3 African) learn + share (what mechanisms can we utilize/build on
 * 7) Small player among bigger players – more action
 * 8) Working at multiple scales
 * 9) Depth in understanding through thematic areas
 * 10) Focus on impact + collective learning (yet to be achieved)
 * 11) Quantification to provide evidence for policy development
 * 12) Integrated solutions for sustainable development


 * Challenges (weaknesses)**
 * 1) Are we objective – who judges?
 * 2) Lack of delay interventions
 * 3) Model of innovation process learning from our R& D model (innovation research – institutional histories)
 * 4) Parallel operation of components N2 …. N4 ideally staggered (built on phase I) (protocol from Volta)
 * 5) Limited lifespan of project in which to intervene + see impact
 * 6) Links to government + NGO initiatives
 * 7) Site selection
 * 8) Learning + adopting greater role of IP than anticipated (Review + check)
 * 9) Unforeseen delays
 * 10) Differing shared vision between N5
 * 11) Better communication
 * 12) Linkages between IP’s
 * 13) Outputs focused on research need more for land managers policy
 * 14) Reality what can be achieved in terms of interventions given time + resources available (someone too ambitious)
 * 15) Logistical issues – finances to partners slows process, activities and outcomes
 * 16) Gender not visible although being covered (e.g. website + surveys)in N2
 * 17) International dimension?
 * 18) Site management
 * 19) Need to build local capacity to permit continuation post project – exit strategy?
 * 20) Is ILRI/IWMI dominance +ve or -ve?