Resource information
This introductory section covers the period since the submission of the last Mid-Term
Plan until present, and concentrates on the following areas:
> Principal areas of progress.
> Developments in 2005 and early 2006.
> Changes to the CPMT strategic plan.
> Research achievement highlights.
> Program progress.
At this point – just under half way (two years and six months) in the implementation
of the first CPWF phase (and three-and-a-half years since inception began)
governance and management processes are running smoothly, the program is in
reasonable financial health, and technical processes – such as issuing new calls and
obtaining reviews by the CPWF Expert Panel on Scientific Quality – are familiar,
although they must be adjusted to each specific instance.
Fifty-two projects – from the first competitive call, Basin Focal Projects (BFPs) and
small grants for impact - are contracted and funded. All but six of the fifty-two were
selected competitively by the CPWF. Some have been running nearly two years, but
a majority are one year old or less. Early results – and better understanding about
the details of results that can be expected – are beginning to flow. Synthesis
research – a major and important challenge, and the key to the added value of the
program – is also beginning to function.
A second competitive call is very important strategically to “fill gaps” in the initial
CPWF research portfolio and to maintain interest and momentum. The challenge has
been to obtain sufficient funding alongside other important demands, especially the
BFPs. An increased contribution from the World Bank for 2006 and confirmation of
likely funding from the European Commission for 2006 has enabled a modest second
call to be initiated. A call for concept notes is currently advertised. The call and
priorities are available on the CPWF web page www.waterandfood.org.
Working from gaps identified by CPWF theme leaders (TLs) and basin coordinators
(BCs) in previous CPWF priorities and from summaries specially contracted by the
CPWF from the Comprehensive Assessment on Water Management in Agriculture
(CA), TLs and CPWF Management Team (CPMT) prepared a focussed set of
priorities that was submitted for review to the CPWF Expert Panel. At the CSC
meeting held in Cairo (May 2 – 3), the CPWF Steering Committee confirmed six
research priorities to focus the second call. Each project will have a funding ceiling of
US$ 0.5 million and will be expected to deliver results in two years, to coincide with
the completion of the CPWF’s first phase.
