Scaling-up Strategy and Action Plan

Abstract

The aim of research is to contribute to development a nd improvement, as much as possible, of livelihoods. Unfortunately, generally, many research results do not find their way to development projects and stay i n the research domain. This is a major concern of donors, policy makers and researchers . To maximize the benefits from research outputs, a strategy to scale-up and scale-out the results is essential . This document i s not intended t o be a review o f information a nd literature on the topic of scaling -up (o r scaling-out). It is rather an action plan and frame work which was designed for the Benchmark project, to assist the project staff and develop their thinking and ability to disseminate and institutionalize the findings of the project, to realize more benefits and maximize the impact on stakeholders. The document utilizes the experiences that were generated by I CA R D A and other CG centers and adapts them to the project objectives and activities. The Benchmark project has three main benchmark sites; these are the Badia benchmark i n Jordan, the Rainfed benchmark in Morocco, and the Irrigated benchmark i n Egypt. The three benchmarks have a common objective, which is related to the conservation o f the scarce water resources and tackling this issue using different approaches and activities. However, all of them follow a community participatory approach. The proposed scaling-up strategy and action plan take the similarities and differences into consideration while maintaining the integrity of the project as a project dealing with a major problem, which is common to all countries in our region- the shortage of water; how to address the problem and plan for a drier future. ICARDA works closely with NARS, donors, local communities and other stakeholders to implement the outputs not only at the benchmark level but also scaling it up and out to other areas and levels that are similar or relevant. This document is already under implementation by the teams of the water benchmarks project and it is hoped that other projects benefit from the scaling-up research results.