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Call for proposal for Baseline Evaluation of the C4RPW Program
About ICARDA
The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a treaty-based international non profit research organization supported by CGIAR. ICARDA's mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development and capacity development that consider gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organisations, other CGIAR Research Centres and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. For more information: .
Program Background The RPW Program is a three year international and multi institutional program designed to combat the Red Palm Weevil (RPW), a devastating pest that threatens date palm, coconut and oil palm cultivation in the UAE and LMICs. The program is funded by the Gates Foundation (GF) and the United Arab Emirates' Presidential Court, and led by ICARDA. It aims to develop, validate, adopt and translate innovative, sustainable science based, cost effective and environmentally friendly solutions to manage and contain RPW infestations. With the UAE as a test bed for new innovations, the program will develop and establish scalable strategies that can extend to other low and middle income countries affected by this invasive pest.
Program Goal The primary goal of the C4RPWC program is to control and contain RPW infestations, thereby improving date palm productivity, profitability and resilience in the UAE and across the broader region. By strengthening scientifically proven, scalable and sustainable pest management strategies, the program will contribute to enhancing food security, protecting rural and urban livelihoods and safeguarding environmental ecosystems from the economic and ecological devastation caused by palm weevils.
Overall Program Objectives The C4RPWC program leverages the collective expertise of a diverse international consortium, bringing together CGIAR and non CGIAR international research organisations, alongside UAE government institutions and national partners, as well as their counterparts in targeted LMICs. The consortium will prioritize and lead the development of cutting edge innovations to control and contain RPW infestations. Moreover, the program will develop a comprehensive national action plan for RPW management, focusing on deployment pathways rather than direct large scale developmental interventions. By integrating semi chemical, biological agents, new genetic approaches, agronomic, citizen science, socioeconomic and policy tools, the program will generate the scientific and operational framework necessary for a structured and sustainable approach to RPW control. A critical aspect of the C4RPWC program is the generation and dissemination of knowledge to support evidence based decision making. The program will provide decision makers with critical insights into the current state of RPW infestations, their causes and sources, and the effectiveness of different prevention and mitigation measures. This information will allow for the refinement of intervention strategies, ensuring that proposed control measures are targeted, adaptable and feasible. To ensure that the innovation and knowledge generated reaches all relevant stakeholders, the program will implement a comprehensive dissemination strategy. The program is structured into five inter linked workstreams.
Workstream 1: Climate resilient, bio based management of RPW This workstream, led by the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPe), focuses on leveraging natural ecological interactions to develop bio based control solutions for the Red Palm Weevil (RPW). The primary strategies include new pheromone based attract and kill systems, nano based biopesticides derived from locally adapted entomopathogenic fungi, RNA interference (RNAi) to disrupt RPW gene expression and exploration of natural enemies as biological control agents. These solutions aim to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and improve long term pest management by providing sustainable, eco friendly pest management strategy.
Workstream 2: Biotechnological innovations for sustainable RPW control Led by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), this workstream harnesses cutting edge biotechnological tools to develop innovative pest control strategies. Key approaches include RNAi as biopesticides, genome editing to enhance date palm resistance and plant expressed dsRNA to disrupt RPW gene expression. These next generation tools aim to introduce highly targeted and sustainable interventions, reducing economic losses while minimising environmental risks together with other conventional IPM tactics.
Workstream 3: Digital innovation and big data analytics The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) leads this workstream, which applies AI, machine learning and digital sensing technologies to create a proactive and data driven RPW management system. The focus is on early detection tools such as thermal imaging and remote sensing, predictive analytics using machine learning, and integrating IoT sensors and drones for targeted palm weevil management. This workstream aims to transform RPW management from reactive to predictive, providing real time insights to optimise the effectiveness of other innovations in pest control strategies.
Workstream 4: Good Agricultural Practices for RPW management Led by the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), this workstream integrates agronomic and ecological innovations to enhance the resilience of date palm production systems through improving palm tree health as first line of defence of protecting the crop. Key practices include smart irrigation systems, improved sanitation measures, evaluating the impact of date palm variety and environmental stressors and deploying pest free seedlings. By embedding science driven best agricultural practices, this workstream aims to foster long term resilience and protect palm crops from RPW and other pest threats.
Workstream 5: Translate research to action - pathways to scaling Led by ICARDA, this workstream has three work packages and focuses on adaptive research and conceptualising deployment pathways to ensure that innovations can be effectively translated into real farm impacts. The three work packages are designed in developing adoption pathways and scaling strategies, engaging in citizen science and community engagement and conducting socioeconomic impact assessments. This workstream ensures that the program delivers locally adapted, socially inclusive and economically viable RPW management solutions, establishing a foundation for sustainable, long term national strategies.
The program also has embedded cross cutting work areas, namely: Capacity development; Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and Communication.
Implementing Partners
The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a treaty-based international non profit research organization supported by CGIAR. ICARDA's mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development and capacity development that consider gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organisations, other CGIAR Research Centres and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. For more information: .
Program Background The RPW Program is a three year international and multi institutional program designed to combat the Red Palm Weevil (RPW), a devastating pest that threatens date palm, coconut and oil palm cultivation in the UAE and LMICs. The program is funded by the Gates Foundation (GF) and the United Arab Emirates' Presidential Court, and led by ICARDA. It aims to develop, validate, adopt and translate innovative, sustainable science based, cost effective and environmentally friendly solutions to manage and contain RPW infestations. With the UAE as a test bed for new innovations, the program will develop and establish scalable strategies that can extend to other low and middle income countries affected by this invasive pest.
Program Goal The primary goal of the C4RPWC program is to control and contain RPW infestations, thereby improving date palm productivity, profitability and resilience in the UAE and across the broader region. By strengthening scientifically proven, scalable and sustainable pest management strategies, the program will contribute to enhancing food security, protecting rural and urban livelihoods and safeguarding environmental ecosystems from the economic and ecological devastation caused by palm weevils.
Overall Program Objectives The C4RPWC program leverages the collective expertise of a diverse international consortium, bringing together CGIAR and non CGIAR international research organisations, alongside UAE government institutions and national partners, as well as their counterparts in targeted LMICs. The consortium will prioritize and lead the development of cutting edge innovations to control and contain RPW infestations. Moreover, the program will develop a comprehensive national action plan for RPW management, focusing on deployment pathways rather than direct large scale developmental interventions. By integrating semi chemical, biological agents, new genetic approaches, agronomic, citizen science, socioeconomic and policy tools, the program will generate the scientific and operational framework necessary for a structured and sustainable approach to RPW control. A critical aspect of the C4RPWC program is the generation and dissemination of knowledge to support evidence based decision making. The program will provide decision makers with critical insights into the current state of RPW infestations, their causes and sources, and the effectiveness of different prevention and mitigation measures. This information will allow for the refinement of intervention strategies, ensuring that proposed control measures are targeted, adaptable and feasible. To ensure that the innovation and knowledge generated reaches all relevant stakeholders, the program will implement a comprehensive dissemination strategy. The program is structured into five inter linked workstreams.
Workstream 1: Climate resilient, bio based management of RPW This workstream, led by the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPe), focuses on leveraging natural ecological interactions to develop bio based control solutions for the Red Palm Weevil (RPW). The primary strategies include new pheromone based attract and kill systems, nano based biopesticides derived from locally adapted entomopathogenic fungi, RNA interference (RNAi) to disrupt RPW gene expression and exploration of natural enemies as biological control agents. These solutions aim to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and improve long term pest management by providing sustainable, eco friendly pest management strategy.
Workstream 2: Biotechnological innovations for sustainable RPW control Led by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), this workstream harnesses cutting edge biotechnological tools to develop innovative pest control strategies. Key approaches include RNAi as biopesticides, genome editing to enhance date palm resistance and plant expressed dsRNA to disrupt RPW gene expression. These next generation tools aim to introduce highly targeted and sustainable interventions, reducing economic losses while minimising environmental risks together with other conventional IPM tactics.
Workstream 3: Digital innovation and big data analytics The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) leads this workstream, which applies AI, machine learning and digital sensing technologies to create a proactive and data driven RPW management system. The focus is on early detection tools such as thermal imaging and remote sensing, predictive analytics using machine learning, and integrating IoT sensors and drones for targeted palm weevil management. This workstream aims to transform RPW management from reactive to predictive, providing real time insights to optimise the effectiveness of other innovations in pest control strategies.
Workstream 4: Good Agricultural Practices for RPW management Led by the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), this workstream integrates agronomic and ecological innovations to enhance the resilience of date palm production systems through improving palm tree health as first line of defence of protecting the crop. Key practices include smart irrigation systems, improved sanitation measures, evaluating the impact of date palm variety and environmental stressors and deploying pest free seedlings. By embedding science driven best agricultural practices, this workstream aims to foster long term resilience and protect palm crops from RPW and other pest threats.
Workstream 5: Translate research to action - pathways to scaling Led by ICARDA, this workstream has three work packages and focuses on adaptive research and conceptualising deployment pathways to ensure that innovations can be effectively translated into real farm impacts. The three work packages are designed in developing adoption pathways and scaling strategies, engaging in citizen science and community engagement and conducting socioeconomic impact assessments. This workstream ensures that the program delivers locally adapted, socially inclusive and economically viable RPW management solutions, establishing a foundation for sustainable, long term national strategies.
The program also has embedded cross cutting work areas, namely: Capacity development; Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and Communication.
Implementing Partners
- ICARDA is leading and coordinating all research workstreams and cross cutting areas such as capacity development and MEL. It is also leading the Pathways to Scale workstream, overseeing research and coordination efforts for RPW management technologies, and piloting implementation and scaling pathways. This includes developing a regulatory framework for RPW quarantine systems and conducting socioeconomic surveys and impact assessments. ICARDA aims to empower local stakeholders through citizen science and capacity building activities to ensure the widespread adoption of sustainable RPW control measures.
- ICIPe leads the Semiochemical and Biological Innovations workstream, focusing on pheromone based approaches and biopesticides for RPW control. They will also explore natural enemies to enhance integrated RPW management technologies.
- IITA leads the Biotechnological Innovations workstream, advancing RNA interference (RNAi) based approaches and genetic editing of date palms for RPW management.
- ICRISAT leads the Digital Innovations and Data Analytics workstream, developing acoustic, optical, thermal and imaging tools for RPW management. They will also create predictive models and spatial risk maps for RPW spread using advanced data analytics and AI/ML.
- ICBA leads the development and implementation of new Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for RPW management. They focus on improving production under saline and desert conditions, testing various pest management methods like fertilisation, smart irrigation, roles of habitat fragmentation in RPW management, and establishing certification protocols for disease and pest free date palm seedlings. ICBA will also enhance stakeholder participation and community involvement in RPW management together with Workstream 5.
- Determine/validate the status of the Program's intended research outcome (and outputs) at baseline, that is, determine the extent to which proposed innovations are integrated in the strategies, policies and programmes of national/regional public and private institutions, or the lack thereof.
- Determine if the proposed innovations are consistent with the national agrifood policies of the UAE and LMICs.
- Examine whether the Program design . click apply for full job details
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