Oasis is being proposed as a global Challenge Programme, a CGIAR-catalyzed mechanism that engages its Centers in strategic partnerships with leading research-for-development organizations worldwide to tackle major global issues. The Oasis Challenge Programme candidate engages international, regional, and national, organizations from the public, non-governmental and private sectors that are interested in increasing their effectiveness through holistic approaches to combat desertification in support of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Articles 16, 17, and 18 of the Convention call for increased scientific and technical cooperation, including research and development.

Oasis builds on an earlier Challenge Programme candidate, the Desertification, Drought, Poverty and Agriculture (DDPA) Challenge Programme which was ranked Meritorious by the CGIAR Interim Science Council (ISC) in 2002. Because of its Meritorious ranking, ISC encouraged the DDPA to continue to build partnerships and support in preparation for the next round of the Challenge Programme process. To coincide with the increased global attention drawn by the United Nations’ Declaration of 2006 as the International Year of Deserts and Desertification, the partners re-launched their Challenge Programme effort that year under the name ‘Oasis’.

Why the name ‘Oasis’?

Suffering and hunger plague the drylands, aggravated by repeated droughts. While disasters attract media attention, quiet progress often goes unnoticed. The name ‘Oasis’ evokes the better future that the partners see as entirely possible for the drylands. Blessed by ample sunshine, fewer pests and diseases, and through the judicious use of scarce water resources, research has identified ways to create more secure, sustainable and prosperous livelihoods in the drylands. Oasis will carry that positive vision forward, as reflected in its Niamey Declaration.