Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute
Date of this Version
2015
Document Type
Article
Abstract
While we are proud of our accomplishments in building an institutional framework, we are even more proud of our institute’s initial work to build an impact-driven program. This work is indeed the central focus of this report. Through the leadership of our new directors for research and policy, we have begun to build a vigorous research and policy development program that includes engagement with both local and global stakeholders. We have also developed a strong set of collaborations with national and international partners, striving to achieve a balance between work in Nebraska and globally, including in India, Brazil, China and selected countries in East Africa and the Middle East and North Africa region. Our annual Water for Food Global Conference has become a sought-after event for thought partners, researchers, students, policymakers, producers, business leaders and others in our sector. We have also convened or co-convened many policy dialogues, workshops and seminars in the last five years, including at the annual Stockholm World Water Weeks and the 2012 and 2015 World Water Forums. We are pleased by the progress we have made in our work to educate the next generation and engage young talent, through such activities as the double Master of Science program in Agricultural Water Management with UNESCO-IHE in Delft and a fellowship program for undergraduate and graduate students and post-docs. Now, with a full complement of directors and staff, the past year has witnessed a transformation at WFI. Relationships and partnerships have matured, programs launched and directions clarified. After reflecting on lessons learned in our initial years and many discussions with university leadership, global experts and faculty, we’ve identified where WFI’s greatest capacities lie to effect change. As we’ve developed new strategies for the next five years, we’ve targeted key subject areas and geographic locations in which we will focus our resources. The 2015-2020 Strategic Plan details specific research, policy and educational projects we are undertaking and how we will measure progress in outputs and outcomes. A year ago, when we moved into our new location on the Nebraska Innovation Campus, we had many empty desks. Today, those desks are filled and our offices bustling with core staff as well as students, faculty and visiting researchers. As WFI heads into its next five years, we’re excited to embrace promising new projects, from closing water and agricultural productivity gaps in Africa to educating the next generation of researchers and practitioners.
Contents: 10 I Ending Water and Food Insecurity 12 I A Comprehensive Plan for Today... 15 I ... and Tomorrow / Innovation through Research and Policy 19 I Key research & Policy Accomplishments 21 I Improving Yields and Water Productivity 23 I Telling Nebraska’s Groundwater Governance Story 25 I Making Crop CIRCLES in Tanzania 27 I Setting a River in Motion 29 I Educating, Engaging and Communicating 35 I Building Capacity in Developing Countries 36 I A Global Forum for Water for Food 37 I 50 Years of Nebraska Water Experience 40 I Connecting Nebraska to the World 42 I Bringing People Together 44 I Building the Institute 48 I The Water for Food Institute: A Founding Story 52 I Conclusion 54 I Financials 56 I Leadership/ Board of Directors/International Advisory Panel 57 I Faculty Advisory Panel 58 I Leadership Team/Staff 59 I Credits
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