A New Vision for ICRISAT : Responding to the Recommendations of the Fourth EPMR

Abstract

Document submitted to TAC 74 and the CGIAR meeting in May 1998 by the new Director General of ICRISAT, Shawki Barghouti, to explain the approach being taken by the center in the light of comments in the external review of 1996. ICRISAT had engaged staff and board, in consultation with stakeholders, in a reexamination of its vision and strategy based on the findings of the review. TAC's commentary is found in the report of TAC 74, and the discussion by the CGIAR in the summary report of MTM98.The document provides a brief discussion of the context in the semiarid tropics, a restatement of ICRISAT's mission, and a detailed description of the center strategy. It deals with partnerships, and the overall scientific and research approach, and outlines strategies for work on genetic resources, natural resources, and socioeconomics. The Asia-Africa balance is specifically addressed. It concludes with a description of steps taken to deal with shortcomings in governance and management found by the review panel.