The First FEATS International Conference

1. The First FEATS International Conference Improving Ownership through Inclusive Trade Policy Making Processes: Lessons from Africa Geneva, 1 October 2009 Research Topics and Methodology for Sector-Specific Research in the Second Phase By Rashid S. Kaukab Deputy Director and Research Coordinator, CUTS Geneva Resource Centre rsk@cuts.org www.cuts-grc.org

2. Based on Findings of phase one study that affirm the importance of agriculture in FEATS Countries’ Economies • Agriculture sector contributes substantially to GDP, provides bulk of employment, foreign exchange earnings, and export diversification efforts focused in agriculture • Yet, rural areas have high poverty rates and substantial informal sector employment • Livelihood and employment concerns must be included in the development of the agricultural sector • Criteria used for Section of Proposed Topics • Within “trade in agriculture”; • important for livelihoods and employment; • and an area where further research and analysis can add real value Selection of Topics: Link with FEATS Phase 1

3. Feedback from Kenya National Reference Group • Desired a topic in agriculture in the broader context of regional trade, including informal trade, with particular emphasis on rural poverty and livelihoods, and food security • Feedback from Malawi National Reference Group • Desired a topic in agriculture within the context of larger development constraints of Malawi (agricultural productivity and trade, rural poverty, livelihoods, landlockedness, under developed trade facilitation, etc.) • Feedback from Tanzania National Reference Group • Desired a topic in agriculture within the context of larger development objectives of Tanzania (dealing with rural poverty, improving livelihoods, etc.) while also looking at the issues related to regional trade Selection of Topics: Feedback from Country FEATS NRGs

4. Feedback from Uganda National Reference Group • Desired a topic in agriculture within the context of larger development constraints of Uganda (rural poverty, impact of trade liberalization on livelihoods, landlockedness and trade facilitation, etc.) • Feedback from Zambia National Reference Group • Desired a topic in agriculture within the context of larger development constraints of Zambia (rural poverty and agricultural productivity, livelihoods, landlockedness and means to address these constraints through trade facilitation, etc.) Selection of Topics: Feedback from Country FEATS NRGs

5. Summary of Feedback from Country FEATS NRGs • A topic in agriculture within the context of larger development objectives as well as constraints with emphasis on addressing rural poverty and livelihoods concerns • Importance of trade facilitation for landlocked countries • Importance of regional as well as informal trade • Issues of agricultural productivity also mentioned • The research should analyse the complex relationships involved and hence provide insights for future actions based on the past and current patterns Selection of Topics: Feedback from Country FEATS NRGs

6. Kenya and Tanzania • Regional Trade in Agriculture: Performance of and Prospects for Kenya/Tanzania with a Focus on Food Security and Rural Livelihoods • Malawi, Uganda and Zambia • A Policy Study of the linkages between Agricultural Productivity and Rural Livelihoods on the one hand and Trade in Agriculture and Trade Facilitation on the other: Recommendations for Poverty Reduction and Development for a Landlocked Country like Malawi/Uganda/Zambia Allows for cross-country, cross-region comparisons Selection of Topic: Final Proposed Topics

7. FEATS National Dialogues with Stakeholders held in April and May 2009 • Discussed country ToRs and finalized with comments that added country specificities • Finalization through Interactive Process with Local Researchers • Detailed ToRs and work plans developed by local researchers in consultation with respective NRGs and CUTS Selection of Topic: ToR Finalization

8. To collect relevant information on the various aspects of the research topic To analyse the information, including the examination of various relationships and linkages involved To generate new insights and knowledge that carry practical implications To contribute through recommendations to appropriate national and regional policies that can harness the potential of agriculture trade to achieve countries’ development objectives Main Objectives

9. Pooling of knowledge and expertise e.g. on trade in agriculture, food security, and rural livelihoods; • Cross-fertilization of ideas and experiences during the study process through involvement of national and international experts; • Facilitation of buy-in of the research and its findings by the relevant stakeholders in the country by involving them through country FEATS NRGs and meetings etc. Methodology: Principles

10. Literature search to expand and annotate research questions; • Data collection, fact finding and testing of hypotheses through country FEATS NRG consultations, other meetings, on-line collaboration with national, regional and international experts and partners, and targeted surveys; • Consultation with the Project Advisory Committee; • Presentation of draft findings to National Stakeholders Dialogue for validation and finalization. Methodology: Plan

11. Introduction • Analysis • Recommendations Organization of the Study

12. Timeline Research Advocacy Networking Sept. 2009: June 2010: Sept. 2010: Oct.-Dec. 2010: Jan. – March 2011: Detailed ToR to be finalized First draft shared with PAC and peers for review Revised draft research studies ready Present draft to National Dialogues in all project countries Share research results at international conference in Geneva

13. Thank You. This sets the stage for country study ToRs presentations by the respective country researchers.