SP5 overview and rationale
Whilst GCP’s transition to its second phase does not represent any major track change in terms of content, it does mark, following on from the recommendations of the External Programme and Management Review (EPMR) in 2007–2008 and other reviews, a development towards concentrating efforts to guarantee impact at the end of the Programme. Since its inception, SP5 (Capacity building and enabling delivery) has focused on the delivery pathway from research to its application so as to secure the chances that GCP outputs reach the anticipated users of our work (see GCP Delivery Stratgey). In this sense, SP5 activities are already aligned with the new phase, and the evolution at Programme level will simply help reinforce both past and current efforts in this Subprogramme.
SP5 contributes directly and indirectly to several CGIAR System Priorities, especially Priorities 2a and 2b, producing more and better food at lower cost through genetic improvements. Equally, in conducting activities in direct support of all GCP Subprogrammes (1–4), SP5 contributes to Priorities 1a and 1b.
SP5 fulfils its role by building technical capacity for the efficient implementation of GCP research, and by facilitating the flow of GCP products through the research–delivery continuum. It also engages in socio-economic studies to identify GCP research priorities (by crop, region and trait) to support decision-making and resource allocation. Essentially, SP5 adds value to the activities of the other Subprogrammes.
New emphasis in the coming years will be given to the establishment of Communities of Practice and the enhanced offer of support through a suite of services for breeding.