Fourth External Program and Management Review of CIAT, 1995

Fourth external program and management review (EPMR) of CIAT conducted from October 1994 through February 1995 by a panel chaired by Declan Walton. The document also contains an extract from the summary of proceedings of the CGIAR meeting of May 1995, a transmittal from the TAC Chairman and the CGIAR Executive Secretary, TAC's commentary, CIAT's response, and a transmittal from the panel chair.The panel found that CIAT had started programs in natural resources management which, combined with declines in CGIAR funding, had necessitated cutbacks in traditional commodity research, and left NRM work short of resources as well. The funding crisis had hurt morale, which was now improving in spite of the recent kidnapping of a staff member. The panel recommended no further erosion of support to commodity programs, consolidation of the newer programs to ensure adequate support, and closing the gap between program and institute management.CIAT had excellent relations with its host country, Colombia, but needed more regular policy consultation with NARS. The report did not deal fully with social science programs. Recruitment of a head for the genetic resources unit was critical. TAC endorsed the panel suggestion that there should be an information strategy and the central information unit should be moved within the research management line. It also agreed that external activities were preoccupying management at a time when internal needs required particular attention. The CGIAR endorsed the recommendations of the review.Agenda document at TAC 66, and the CGIAR meeting in May 1995.