The Future Role of the CGIAR in Development of National Agricultural Research Systems: A Strategic Study of Institution Strengthening Research and Service

Abstract

Report of the panel appointed by TAC to review the means by which IARCs could contribute to capacity building and institutional development among national agricultural research systems. The record also contains a transmittal from panel chairman, John L. Nickel. Together with the related report of a panel on policy and management research, this was the basis for a TAC recommendation on priorities and strategies in these areas made to the CGIAR at the meeting of May 1996. That recommendation and the other panel report are found in separate records. Commissioned at TAC 66 in March 1995, this report was discussed at TAC 67, 68 and 69.The panel defined the goals of strengthening efforts, and what would constitute a strong NARS. It described the characters of strength and indicators of weakness for each key factor at the system, institute and operating center level. The role of ISNAR was distinguished from that of other centers, and commodity oriented centers from natural resources centers. IFPRI and ISNAR overlapped very little in strengthening activities. Resources used in this area were declining but remained substantial.As for the future, there was a need for increased research on institutional development, with ISNAR in the lead. ISNAR should provide generic tools for research organization and management. Regional organizations of NARS should be encouraged. Centers should work more closely together, and with ISNAR, and monitor the effectiveness of their work in this field. There are a number of analytical and historical annexes.