CGIAR Research Program 3.4: Roots, Tubers and Bananas for Food Security and Income

This program combines the research activities of CGIAR centers working on bananas, plantains, cassava, potato, sweet potato, yams and several other tropical and Andean root and tuber crops. Its primary objective is to more fully realize the potential of these crops for improving nutrition, income generation, and food security among some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable populations. The program builds on the expertise, complementarities, and comparative advantages of four CGIAR centers: Bioversity International, CIAT, IITA, and International Potato Center (CIP) (headquartered in Peru) as Lead Center. It has 3-year budget of US$183 million. An ealier version of the proposal was presented at the 5th Fund Council Meeting in July 2011.  The revised proposal was approved on a no objection basis by the Fund Council on December 19,  2011.