CGIAR Mid Term Meeting, San Juan, Puerto Rico, May 24-28, 1993: Summary of Proceedings and Decisions

Abstract

Summary report of the mid term meeting of the CGIAR held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, May 24-28, 1993, chaired by V. Rajagopalan. Stein Bie was appointed to chair a follow on working group on his recommendations for CGIAR involvement in the post UNCED process to implement Agenda 21. The Group voiced support for forestry and agroforestry research, specifically for CIFOR and ICRAF. The Group decided to support a limited program of research, documentation and training on bananas and plantains by a consortium including INIBAP, administered by IBPGR, with the cooperation of IITA. The CGIAR endorsed the concept of interim reviews of centers, and welcomed the interim review of CIMMYT.The Group agreed on the need for change in its decisionmaking processes. The Chairman appointed a Finance Committee of donor representatives, and an Oversight Committee of individual donors. The Group discussed institutional options for livestock research on the basis of external reviews and draft MTPs of ILCA and ILRAD, a report from the CGIAR Livestock Working Group, and a TAC recommendation on priorities and strategies. It decided to create a single livestock research institution. The Chair announced an implementing committee chaired by Lucia de Vaccaro.Rice research was considered in the light of an intercenter review, EPMRs and MTPs for WARDA and IRRI, and a TAC draft strategy statement. Rice research remained of high importance, with major global issues, and several centers involved. Much of the discussion centered on whether WARDA could survive at a resource level reflecting the relative priority of rice in West Africa.The CGIAR looked at MTPs for eleven centers. A post meeting workshop considered options for matching center demand for resources with supply. IFPRI reported on representing the Group at the International Nutrition Conference, and center directors on activities concerning IPR. Annexes: Agenda and List of Participants.