Stakeholder Consultation
or, the history of SIMA
The malaria and agriculture stakeholders:
- National and international agricultural research centers.
- National and international anti-malaria initiatives.
- Government agencies and experts in high-risk areas, especially in Africa.
- NGOs and implementing agencies working on improving people's livelihoods and reducing disease.
- Communities suffering from malaria, where agricultural interventions can help reduce the disease.
- The private sector, including traders in farm implements.
- Agricultural and health-sector support programs that are financed through bilateral development support.
SIMA's Stakeholder Consultation Process:
Launching an international research program on malaria and agriculture
- Feasibility study, fact-finding and consultations. A range of potential partners and stakeholders was consulted in early 2001. This included some 100 face-to-face meetings with donor agencies, ministries of health and representatives of anti-malaria programs and the international malaria research community. Following this, an electronic discussion was organized. It attracted some 200 stakeholders from the agricultural research, health and malaria development communities. These discussions shaped the SIMA research program. A SIMA website was opened in February 2001 to facilitate interaction among partners and the exchange of documents.
- Setting the research agenda. After preparatory discussions on the e-conference and in personal interactions, a stakeholder consultation was organized in Nairobi, bringing together partners in East and Southern Africa. The first draft proposal ideas were developed at this meeting.
- Confirmation as a CGIAR/Future Harvest Initiative. Results of the consultations were presented and SIMA was confirmed by the CGIAR as a systemwide initiative.
- Donor commitment received. Commitment received from three donors to support preliminary SIMA activities and partner meetings.
- SIMA begins. A first meeting of the SIMA Interim Steering Committee held in December 2001.
The consultation process continues:
- Expanding further into Africa. In March 2002, a second stakeholder consultation was organized in Ibadan, bringing together scientists, policy makers and implementers from the agricultural and health community in West and Central Africa.