Project report : workshop bridging research, technology and development : sustainable water resources management in Eastern Africa, 4th - 8th December 2006, Mombasa-Ukunda, Kenya : [summary]

This workshop explored research and technology in the domain of sustainable water resources management and how to bring forth research application and reduce the gap between research and development. The aims and activities formulated for this workshop are supposed to bring forth a new conceptual model, focusing on an inclusive approach where all stakeholders are involved in the translation of research findings to development processes in Eastern Africa. Research gaps have been identified, and knowledge dissemination approaches have been refined for application and improvement of the livelihood of the people in the region.

The following five key issues, some of which are cross cutting, were found to be of great concern to the people of Eastern Africa.
Appropriate/demand driven research : research ideas should be multidisciplinary and originate from the needs of the stakeholders. Appropriate research is demand-driven by the user communities, but the researchers must provide necessary information to guide the community.
Information and communication : research findings should be communicated to the stakeholders in a well packaged manner, translated in understandable language targeting the end-users.
Resource mobilization : successful and appropriate research requires mobilization of human capacity for research, capital facilities and budgetary allocations.
Monitoring and evaluation : for quality management and tracking of the impact of research, continuous evaluation by an independent body should be mandatory.
Policy integration : stakeholder involvement in the development of policy guidelines and better communication of the policy to the users will reduce conflicts and misunderstandings on common/shared and transboundary resources.