Conceptual Framework of the IAASTD

4 | IAASTD Global Report AKST in a way that mitigates detrimental development dy- namics such as growing disparities, the decreasing share of agricultural value-added and the degradation of ecosys- tems. In other words, the assessment draws lessons about what conditions have led AKST to have an impact on de- velopment that has been positive for human and ecosystem well-being, and where, when and why impacts have been negative. Moreover, it explores the demands that are likely to be made on agricultural systems crops, livestock and pastoralism, isheries, forestry and agroforestry, biomass, commodities and ecosystem services in the future, asking what agricultural goods and services society will need under different plausible future scenarios in order to achieve the goals related to hunger, nutrition, human health, poverty, equity, livelihoods, and environmental and social sustain- ability, and whether and how access to these goods and ser- vices is hindered. The result is an evidence-based guide for policy and decision-making. IAASTD commitment to sustainable development. IAASTD sees the assessment of AKST and its implications for agricul- ture as a prerequisite for knowledge-based decision-making for future sustainable development portfolios. Speciically, IAASTD aims to contribute to knowledge-based, decision- making for future sustainable development by: 1. Identifying interrelations between agricultural knowl- edge, science and technology in view of sustainable de- velopment; 2. Exploring knowledge and scientiic development, tech- nology diffusion, innovations and adaptations of eco- system management; 3. Supporting the integration of agricultural knowledge, science and technology AKST within international and national development policies and strategies. IAASTD’s relationship to the Millennium Development Goals MDGs and the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment MA. The MDGs and the MA are cornerstones for develop- ment policy and serve as major references for the IAASTD. In addition to these frameworks, the IAASTD assesses AKST in relation to the objective of meeting broader devel- opment and sustainability goals. It is generally assumed that AKST can play a major role in efforts to achieve the MDGs, particularly that of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger MDG 1 by improving the productivity of agriculture in general and the competitiveness of smallholders and mar- ginalized groups in the expanding global, national and local markets in particular, as well as by creating employment among poor rural people and making food available to con- sumers everywhere. AKST can also contribute directly or indirectly to improving primary education and social and gender equity, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, combating HIVAIDS, malaria and other diseases MDG 2-6, and ensuring environmental sustainability MDG 7 by delivering a variety of supporting, regulating and cultural services MDG 8. The IAASTD assessment en- ables a more adequate consideration of the linkage between poverty reduction and environmental change. Key questions for the IAASTD. The major question for this assessment is: “How can we reduce hunger and being on Earth; the IAASTD concentrates on how knowl- edge, science and technology can contribute to agricultural development. This assessment is a speciic step among sev- eral global efforts to achieve sustainable development that have emerged in follow-up processes and policies of the World Conference in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. AKST will contribute to the achievement of these goals. Speciically, the IAASTD will contribute to knowledge-based decision making for future sustainable development by assessing: 1 those interrelations within AKST relevant to sustainable de- velopment; 2 knowledge and scientiic development, tech- nology diffusion, innovation, and adaptation of ecosystem management; and 3 the integration of AKST within inter- national, regional, national and local development policies and strategies. What is an assessment? International assessments are very useful when they ad- dress complex issues of supranational interest and dimen- sions. A number of assessments have been undertaken by many organizations and individuals in the past two decades: the Global Biodiversity Assessment GBA, the Ozone As- sessment, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC reports, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment MA, the Comprehensive Assessment of Water Manage- ment in Agriculture CA, the Global Environment Outlook GEO, and now, the International Assessment of Agricul- ture, Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development IAASTD. The evidence-based analyses that underpin the outcomes of the various assessments have common characteristics. A key point is that an assessment is not simply a review of the relevant literature; it can be based, in part, on a literature review, but also needs to provide an assessment of the verac- ity and applicability of the information and the uncertainty of outcomes in relation to the context of the identiied ques- tions or issues within a speciied authorizing environment Table 1-1. To be effective and legitimate, the assessment process was designed to be open, transparent, reviewed, and widely representative of stakeholders and relevant experts, and the resulting documents to be broadly reviewed by independent experts from governments, private and nongovernmental organizations, as well as by representatives of the partici- pating governments. Obtaining a balance of opinions in a global assessment based on a literature review and relevant expertise is an ongoing and iterative challenge to ensure that it encompasses a broad range of disciplinary and geo- graphical experience and different knowledge systems. The IAASTD has been designed in a way that attempts to ensure effectiveness and legitimacy. The role of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology AKST. Agricultural knowledge, science and technology are seen as key factors and instruments for future adjustment of indirect and direct drivers of agricultural outputs, as well as of ecosystem services. Assessing AKST sets the stage for an informed choice by decision-makers among various options for development. It indicates how policy and institutional frameworks at all organizational levels might affect sustain- ability goals. Speciically, it provides the basis for designing