Progress with TAG 1 recommendations The October 2011 TAG report made 8 recommendations and identified a number of opportunities to refine the implementation strategy during 2012. Progress against these is summarised in Chart 6. The TAG appreciates the extent to which its recommendations have been implemented in the past 6 months, which coincided with the busy 2011/12 growing season and the baseline survey field work. Most recommendations are being adequately addressed. Some work is still needed on TAG1 recommendation 1 (to complete and start using the performance management system); recommendation 2 (to prepare transition plan for C1 and C2); recommendation 4 (review the best way to communicate scientific results to ensure efficiency); and recommendations 5 and 6 (include agronomic OFDTs in 2012 Annual Plan to test yield potential). There is also on-going work planned to address recommendations 1, 3, 5, 7 and 8. Chart 6 : Progress with TAG1 recommendations Recommendation in October 2011 Response at May 2012 Simplify and focus performance management Results framework included in revised PMP (a) Performance monitoring using a results framework Performance framework linked to M&E Standards 1 (b) Developmental evaluation, including SOSEK case Discussion with AusAID November 29, 2011 studies No further action (c) Management monitoring using simple variance from TAG1 Plan versus Actual (variance from plan) plan measures for activities and outputs charts used in revised PMP Transition from to C1, C2 and C4 activities are C1 Advisor gradually transferring research “what” “how” 2 planned and implemented to prepare for handover to MAF in functions to MAF staff 2016 C2 transition plan under preparation 3 Lead harmonisation of major donor initiatives with MAF Discussions around MAF Strategic Plan started No changes noted; ; 2011 Annual Report in 4 Improve flexibility of project scientific reporting preparation Geology and soils report produced Q4 2011 5 Understand soil fertility No soil fertility trials yet Use OFDTs as a vehicle for improving farmers’ agronomic No OFDT bet” grower practices “best 6 practices demonstrated yet Revised TORs for Climate Change advisor 7 Improve priority setting in crop research includes improved agro-ecological zone definition Communications strategy developed, team 8 Raise farmers’ awareness of new varieties engaged Baseline survey conducted Q4 2011
Progress with TAG 1 recommendations The October 2011 TAG report made 8 recommendations and identified a number of opportunities to refine the implementation strategy during 2012. Progress against these is summarised in Chart 6. The TAG appreciates the extent to which its recommendations have been implemented in the past 6 months, which coincided with the busy 2011/12 growing season and the baseline survey field work. Most recommendations are being adequately addressed. Some work is still needed on TAG1 recommendation 1 (to complete and start using the performance management system); recommendation 2 (to prepare transition plan for C1 and C2); recommendation 4 (review the best way to communicate scientific results to ensure efficiency); and recommendations 5 and 6 (include agronomic OFDTs in 2012 Annual Plan to test yield potential). There is also on-going work planned to address recommendations 1, 3, 5, 7 and 8. Chart 6 : Progress with TAG1 recommendations Recommendation in October 2011 Response at May 2012 1 Simplify and focus performance management (a) Performance monitoring using a results framework Results framework included in revised PMP Performance framework linked to M&E Standards (b) Developmental evaluation, including SOSEK case studies Discussion with AusAID November 29, 2011 No further action (c) Management monitoring using simple variance from plan measures for activities and outputs TAG1 Plan versus Actual (variance from plan) charts used in revised PMP 2 Transition from “what” to “how” C1, C2 and C4 activities are planned and implemented to prepare for handover to MAF in 2016 C1 Advisor gradually transferring research functions to MAF staff C2 transition plan under preparation 3 Lead harmonisation of major donor initiatives with MAF Discussions around MAF Strategic Plan started 4 Improve flexibility of project scientific reporting No changes noted; ; 2011 Annual Report in preparation 5 Understand soil fertility Geology and soils report produced Q4 2011 No soil fertility trials yet 6 Use OFDTs as a vehicle for improving farmers’ agronomic practices No OFDT “best bet” grower practices demonstrated yet 7 Improve priority setting in crop research Revised TORs for Climate Change advisor includes improved agro-ecological zone definition 8 Raise farmers’ awareness of new varieties Communications strategy developed, team engaged Baseline survey conducted Q4 2011
seeds-of-life-tag2-report.docx