1996

The Year in Review
front: DOWNY MILDEW IS PEARL MILLET’S BIGGEST ENEMY. ICRISAT RECEIVED THE 1996
KING BAUDOUIN AWARD OF THE CGIAR FOR ITS WORK TO IMPROVE PEARL MILLET. (ICRISAT)

¢

back: TILAPIA BROODSTOCK BEING CONDITIONED IN PREPARATION FOR BREEDING. SIMPLE SELECTIVE BREEDING OF FARMED TILAPIA HAS LED TO GAINS IN PRODUCTIVITY THAT HAVE BENEFITED FARMERS. (ICLARM)

INTRODUCTION

P ART
ONE

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he annual reports of the CGIAR published by the CGIAR Secretariat complement center-specific reports by providing a broad systemwide perspective. This annual report is noteworthy in several respects. It commemorates the twenty-fifth anniversary of the CGIAR; details the results of the Global Forum on Agricultural Research; highlights CGIAR research from a regional perspective, focusing on West Asia and North Africa; and, provides perspectives of eminent leaders shaping the directions of development today. This report also marks a transition in the time period covered by CGIAR annual reports. In recent years, the annual report has had dual year coverage—from MidTerm Meeting to Mid-Term Meeting.This was the case with the last annual report, which focused on MTM95 to MTM96. This annual report reverts to calendar year coverage. It focuses, in particular, on post-MTM96 until year end, as the previous annual report covered events up to May. The 1997 annual report will re-establish complete calendar year coverage. In 1996 the CGIAR celebrated twenty-five years of effort and achievement, as it prepared to confront future challenges with renewed vigor. The twenty-fifth anniversary of the CGIAR was commemorated at International Centers Week 1996 in October. Distinguished current and former CGIAR leaders, including many of the founders of the CGIAR, participated in the celebration. The commemoration was characterized by an emphasis on challenges and opportunities for the future, based on the experience of the past. The year saw continued progress made in increasing the participation of the South in CGIAR decisionmaking, strengthening the CGIAR’s partnerships, achieving openness and transparency, and further restructuring operations to ensure maximum efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of research programs.
Alexander von der Osten, CGIAR Executive Secretary

In 1996 the CGIAR
celebrated twentyfive years of effort and achievement, as it prepared to confront future challenges with renewed vigor.

A significant manifestation of this progress was the Global Forum on Agricultural Research, convened during International Centers Week, which brought together, for the first time, representatives of all components of the evolving global agricultural research system.The Forum culminated in the adoption of a Declaration and Plan of Action for Global Partnership in Agricultural Research, subsequently tabled at the World Food Summit. Three new members from the South joined the CGIAR in 1996—Pakistan, Syria, and South Africa—bringing the total number of developing country members to seventeen, as compared with twenty-one developed country members. As well, the CGIAR strengthened its partnerships with the NGO and private sector

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communities through the CGIAR NGO Committee and Private Sector Committee, respectively. Important decisions were made in 1996 by the CGIAR membership with regard to the CGIAR’s research agenda. In a comprehensive review of priorities and strategies that defined the long-term directions of CGIAR research, the CGIAR reaffirmed: • its focus on poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and food security; its emphasis on international public goods research that benefits the rural poor and women in particular; and its comparative advantage in conducting strategic research.

•

•

As well, medium-term planning for 1998 to 2000 was initiated. The research agenda for 1997 was approved, with a projected financing plan of $325 million—up from $300 million in 1996. Areas identified for CGIAR engagement in Eastern/Central Europe and Central Asia/Caucasus were endorsed, and a commitment in principle was made to carry out programs in the region, subject to the provision of additional funds by members. Plans were finalized in 1996 for a review of the CGIAR system, to begin in 1997 and to be completed in 1998, under the chairmanship of Mr. Maurice Strong, Secretary General of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.The review will be forward looking, examining the future role of the CGIAR; specifically, how best it should reposition itself in the evolving global agricultural research system. 1996 was indeed a momentous year in the life of the CGIAR.With the wisdom of its past and a vision of the future as guidance, the CGIAR and its partners will continue to work together today and into the next millennium to realize the goal of a food secure world.

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THE CGIAR AT 25: INTO THE FUTURE

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ears bring atrophy to some institutions. Others become overconfident. Neither condition afflicts the CGIAR. With all humility we can draw strength from the achievements of the CGIAR. They are real, have made a difference in the lives of countless people, and are so recognized. Without these achievements, the world’s poor would be poorer today; more would go hungry, more would sicken from hunger-related disease, more would succumb to the sullen bitterness caused by helplessness and hopelessness. The success of past efforts challenges us to mobilize again to meet new challenges, to chart new courses, to undertake renewed agricultural transformation, and to reach out to the fulfillment of a vision in which the world’s deprived and disadvantaged are liberated from the grip of extreme poverty and hunger.
Ismail Serageldin, CGIAR Chairman

Our vision of the future has to be multidimensional because real life has many dimensions. Our vision has to be people-centered, gender conscious, and empowering of the weak and vulnerable. Our vision must be based on a clear recognition of access to food as a basic human right.The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) said that “everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and his family, including food.” The International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (1966) proclaimed the “right of everyone to adequate food,” and declared that freedom from hunger is a universal and fundamental right.We must work with our partners to transform those principles into living reality, recognizing that food security is more than food production—it is about poverty reduction, access, and nutrition. Our vision must recognize that development has a cultural content, that respecting indigenous knowledge built up through years of practice helps to develop such a cultural content, while at the same time enriching the process of scientific inquiry. Our vision must encourage us to act in ways that will leave future generations as much as, if not more than, what we found ourselves. We must learn to husband the resources of this fragile planet, just as we have learned to enjoy its bounty. Spectacular successes in almost every aspect of life across much of the world in the past few decades suggest that we can dare to hope for a vision fulfilled. Indeed, developing countries, in many respects, covered as much distance in their human development during the past thirty years as the industrial world managed over a century. Infant mortality rates in developing countries dropped by over 50 percent—from 150 per thousand live births to 70 per thousand live births. Life expectancy increased by a third—from 47 years to 62 years. Combined primary

With all humility
we can draw strength from the achievements of the CGIAR. They are real, have made a difference in the lives of countless people, and are so recognized.

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and secondary school enrollment more than doubled. Economic growth rates in several countries were high, and continue to rise. One-and-a-half billion people, mostly in East Asia, secured per capita annual income growth of more than 7 percent in the 1980s. If this is the way in which the disadvantaged are all moving, we can truly look to the twenty-first century with great optimism. That is just the sunny scenario. As everyday experience suggests, these statistics tell only half the story. During the same period, another billion people, many in Sub-Saharan Africa, were the victims of a continuous shrinkage of per capita income. Some 17 million people die every year in developing countries from curable diseases. Millions are out of school. Almost a third of the world’s population lives in poverty. About 200 million people are affected by desertification. Internal and cross-border conflicts have added to human misery, driving millions of dispossessed people into refugee camps—more correctly, refugee hovels. For them the only vision is a persistent, real-life nightmare. It does not have to be so. I see a world where contradictory tendencies coexist; where crisis and opportunity are two sides of the same coin. We must grasp opportunity and subdue crisis. One set of tendencies is positive. I see a world in which ever more dazzling advances in science will be achieved. I see a world of ever greater interconnectedness through telecommunication, computers, and economic integration. I see a world where greater and greater opportunities exist for the knowledgeable, the nimble, and the able. Small countries, if they have the right skills, attitudes, and policies, will be able to consider the entire world their market, and will be able to tap into endless sources of capital.Their growth, prosperity, and well-being will not be hostage to the size of their geographic boundaries, the magnitude of their internal markets, or the domestic savings they can mobilize. I also see the downside of such a world, speeding toward its knowledge-based economy—inequities rising between and within countries; a small elite of rich people in poor countries connected to a global community of science, business, and the arts; and poor people in rich countries joining the vast majority of humanity in the developing world as gaps grow wider, frustrations increase, and the poor everywhere are left behind. If the downside dominates, the contributions of science would give ever more to an ever smaller part of the human family. It is up to us, and all like us who are concerned with the human condition, to try to ensure that we harness the power of science for the full benefit of humanity, for the poor, the destitute, and the hungry among us, and for the generations to come.

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There is a central core of universal values that any truly modern society must possess, and these are very much the values that science promotes: rationality, creativity, the search for truth, adherence to codes of behavior, and a certain constructive subversiveness. Science requires the challenge of the established order; the right to be heard however outlandish the assertion, subject only to the test of rigorous method.The scientist at her lab bench and the farm family in the hinterland must both share this right. Indeed, the vision of partnership between the farmer in the field, with her practical wisdom honed through the centuries, and the scientist exploring the cutting edge of contemporary knowledge in the laboratory is one that is not alien to true scientific values. Science is a cultural current that brings imagination and vision to bear on concrete problems and theoretical speculation, as in William Blake’s immortal phrase,“What is now proved was once only imagined.” Imagination and vision are at the very heart of the scientific enterprise. Jacob Bronowski1 put it beautifully when he said, “We are the visionaries of action; we are inspired with change. We are the culture of living change.” Agricultural science can open the doors to pervasive societal change, for all of us, whatever our calling or specialty, depend on agricultural science.We are all the guests of the green plants and those who tend them and the animals who use them. Agriculture is not only a means of producing more to feed more people. Agricultural transformation is the trigger that can help the human family cope with the nexus of problems related to poverty, hunger, and environmental degradation. Overcoming poverty and hunger, increasing food production, and halting the degradation of natural resources require action on a broad and complex rural development front. We need to intensify agricultural production systems sustainably, while preventing damage to natural resources and biodiversity and contributing to the improved welfare of farmers, especially smallholders and the landless. These are momentous challenges. I am convinced, however, that science can enable us to meet them—if we define our goals with clarity, if we work together, and if we never lose sight of the overarching objective of strengthening the weak, sustaining the poor, feeding the hungry, and empowering the unempowered.

1 The late scientist and mathematician who wrote The Ascent of Man.

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MAJOR EVENTS AND TRENDS

Tw e n t y - f i f t h A n n i v e r s a r y Taking Stock for the Future

C e l e b r a t e d

The day of
commemoration featured reflections on the achievements of the CGIAR in its first twentyfive years, and on how the CGIAR might best translate its lessons from the past into wisdom for the future.

T

he year 1996 marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the first formal meeting of the CGIAR on May 19, 1971. The anniversary was commemorated at International Centers Week 1996 in October, under the overall theme “The CGIAR at 25: Into the Future.” The opening day of ICW96 was devoted to a celebration of the CGIAR’s past achievements and future prospects. Numerous distinguished CGIAR alumni, current and former CGIAR leaders, and special guests, including participants in the Bellagio meetings which led to the founding of the CGIAR, attended the celebration. The visionaries, leaders, and scientists in the field who built the CGIAR’s reputation for excellence were lauded in a program that placed emphasis on scientific capacity and the means by which the CGIAR could garner its wealth of knowledge and experience to help realize global food security in the future. The day of commemoration featured reflections on the achievements of the CGIAR in its first twenty-five years, and on how the CGIAR might best translate its lessons from the past into wisdom for the future. Among those participating in the formal program was World Bank Group President James Wolfensohn, who delivered opening remarks. Mr. Maurice F. Strong gave the 1996 Sir John Crawford Memorial Lecture. Former CGIAR Chairmen Warren Baum, W. David Hopper, Wilfried Thalwitz, and V. Rajagopalan, and former TAC Chair Guy Camus, engaged in a roundtable discussion. 1996 World Food Prize co-recipient Gurdev Khush delivered a commemorative address, and CGIAR Chairman Ismail Serageldin delivered a keynote address on a science-based vision for the future. In his opening remarks, Mr. Wolfensohn pledged the World Bank’s continuing support for the CGIAR, describing it as “perhaps the most successful partnership in the history of development.” He praised the CGIAR’s unparalleled work in research, advancing science, training, and capacity building, and lauded the qualities of excellence, diversity, ingenuity, integrity, and creativity, among others, that have distinguished the CGIAR in the past. He emphasized the importance of integrating the CGIAR’s activities into the rural system, and said the CGIAR’s work would be pivotal to meeting the food needs of the world’s poor in the future. In the 1996 Sir John Crawford Memorial Lecture, Mr. Strong applauded the CGIAR’s role in the approximate doubling of rice, wheat, and maize yields between the 1960s and 1990s. He called for increased global food security, at both the

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national and household levels, and highlighted the challenges and problems that would be faced in meeting future world food needs—a doubling of food production by 2025.To help bring about a sustainable food production system that is essential for food security, he advocated the CGIAR centers take the lead in creating a positive synthesis between modern scientific techniques and traditional practices, integrating their work more fully with the institutions, scientists, and farmers in the communities in which they are located. As well, the CGIAR should focus more of its efforts on helping small farmers, and women in particular, to access the knowledge and resources required to increase their own productivity. In a roundtable discussion, four former CGIAR Chairmen and a former TAC Chair each shared a personal message. Reflections touched on the major achievements of the CGIAR during their tenures, personal views of the highlights of their chairmanships, and assessments of how best the CGIAR can continue to serve the world’s poor in the next twenty-five years. Major points emerging from the discussion were: a recognition of how the priorities and functions of the CGIAR have changed over time and how it has become truly global in character; the urgent need to raise food security and production in Africa; the potential of Central and Eastern Europe and the countries of the former Soviet Union to become, once again, a major source of food for all of mankind, if current problems facing the region are overcome; the importance of merging efforts to increase productivity and sustainably manage natural resources in the research of the CGIAR; the need to expand the donor base of the CGIAR; and, the significant role the private sector should play as both a research partner and financial supporter of the CGIAR’s efforts in the future. Ensuring Scientific Excellence In addition to honoring past achievements, present and future scientific issues of concern to the CGIAR were also highlighted during the day of commemoration.These and other issues before the CGIAR must be addressed with the same adherence to excellence that has been the hallmark of the system for the past twenty-five years. Tribute was paid to the World Food Prize laureates from within the CGIAR system. CGIAR Chairman Ismail Serageldin indicated that it was a privilege for the CGIAR, and a testimonial to the quality of its work, that over half of the World Food Prize winners have been associated with the CGIAR. 1996 World Food Prize co-recipient Gurdev Khush of IRRI delivered a commemorative address on the theme “Science in the CGIAR: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” focusing on the

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evolution of rice research and future challenges. The other co-recipient was Mr. Henry Beachell, a retired IRRI scientist. During ICW96 the King Baudouin Award of the CGIAR and the Chairman’s Excellence in Science Awards were presented to recognize and commend outstanding scientific achievement, and to serve as an incentive for continued scientific excellence at the centers. As well, the Nyle C. Brady Award was presented to recognize outstanding leadership within the CGIAR system. The King Baudouin Award of the CGIAR The 1996 King Baudouin Award of the CGIAR, a biennial award which recognizes outstanding research by one or more of the CGIAR’s centers, was presented to ICRISAT for its contribution to the development of disease-resistant, yield-increasing pearl millet in collaboration with advanced institutions and national research programs. Research at ICRISAT has focused primarily on the development of pearl millet hybrids that are resistant to downy mildew and to ergot and smut diseases, the crop’s most serious biotic constraints. ICRISAT research has also centered on the crop’s major abiotic constraints: drought, heat, and low soil fertility. Interdisciplinary efforts and partnerships with NARS have characterized ICRISAT’s efforts.The center estimates that annual returns to pearl millet farmers from cultivated varieties developed by ICRISAT and its partners amount to $54 million. [For further details see box on page 19.] Chairman’s Excellence in Science Awards The Chairman’s Excellence in Science Awards were inaugurated at ICW96 to honor special achievement at the CGIAR centers in the following three categories: Promising Young Scientist; Outstanding Local Professional; and Outstanding Scientific Partnership. The Promising Young Scientist Award was presented to Mr. Shaobing Peng of IRRI to recognize outstanding achievement in research on the physiological processes underlying yield potential in rice. Brought up in a small rural community in the People’s Republic of China, at just twenty-eight years of age Mr. Peng had already established his expertise in research on the physiological processes underlying yield potential, water use efficiency, and nutrient uptake and metabolism, with particular reference to nitrogen. Since joining IRRI in 1991, Mr. Peng established and has led a research program which has provided the crucial linkages among crop physiology, systems analysis, and agronomic issues. Mr. Peng’s

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I C R I S AT W i n s of the CGIAR

King Baudouin Award

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he 1996 King Baudouin Award of the CGIAR2 was presented to ICRISAT, to recognize outstanding achievement in the development of disease-resistant, yield-increasing pearl millet in collaboration with advanced institutions and national research programs. Pearl millet is grown by poor farmers on about 27 million hectares of dryland, primarily in Asia and Africa. In these areas, it is the only cereal that reliably provides grain and fodder under hot, dry, rainfed conditions, and on shallow or sandy soils with low fertility and water holding capacity. The people who live in these dryland areas are among the poorest anywhere. Diseases are the most important biotic constraints of pearl millet, particularly downy mildew, which can reduce yields by more than 40 percent, as well as the panicle diseases, ergot and smut. The major abiotic constraints are drought, heat, and low soil fertility. ICRISAT’s research has primarily focused on developing hybrids with high grain yield and resistance to downy mildew, ergot, and smut. ICRISAT’s downy mildew research has resulted in significant scientific findings. Hybrids with enough of both heterogeneity for resistance and uniformity for agronomic characters are possible means of achieving the durable resistance previously available only from open-pollinated cultivars. ICRISAT began first field evaluations of such hybrids in 1996. Research on ergot and smut has emphasized control through host plant resistance, and has resulted in the development of screening techniques and lines providing reasonable yield and resistance. ICRISAT’s drought tolerance research has focused on breeding attributes of landraces—farmers’ varieties—into improved materials. ICRISAT is working with other institutions to assess the severity of the lack of soil nutrients (IFDC), and to search for ways to enrich poor soils with biomass provided by crop residues and animal dung (ILRI). Agroforestry alternatives are also being developed (with ICRAF). Interdisciplinary efforts and partnership with NARS have characterized ICRISAT’s research. It is now expanding to include a greater sharing of roles with networks, NGOs, and farmer groups, including farmer-managed trials to understand their preferences. ICRISAT has estimated that the annual returns to pearl millet farmers from cultivated varieties developed by the center and its partners amount to $54 million.

2 When the CGIAR was awarded the King Baudouin International Development Prize by Belgium in 1980, it decided to invest the prize money and use the income for a biennial award in recognition of outstanding work done by one or more of the centers. TAC serves as the selection committee for the CGIAR’s King Baudouin Award.

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success is an inspiration to all young scientists who wish to dedicate their careers to agricultural research for the benefit of the poor in the developing world. The Award for Outstanding Local Professional was presented to co-recipients Ms. Thelma R. Paris of IRRI and Mr. Shashi B. Sharma of ICRISAT. Ms. Paris received the award for outstanding achievement in research to link human nutrition and agriculture, and for her studies on gender issues in rice-based farming. She is a prominent researcher and leader in the field of integrating women’s concerns into the technology generation process. Her work has built bridges between scientists and farmers, in order that farmers directly benefit from rice research and development. Her approach has also paved the way for NARS to address gender concerns in their own research and development efforts. Mr. Sharma received the award in recognition of outstanding achievement in research on nematode parasites of pigeonpea, chickpea, and groundnut. His work has significantly increased knowledge, awareness, and understanding of these parasites, and the production constraints they pose. As well, he has developed diverse research tools, techniques, and environmentally friendly management approaches that aid in the protection of crops from nematode damage. His research has resulted in a critical leap forward in successful nematode management and in ensuring sustainability and profitability of subsistence farming in many areas where nematodes are prevalent. The Award for Outstanding Scientific Partnership was presented to co-recipients IITA and the Institute of Agricultural Research in Njala, Sierra Leone to recognize outstanding achievement in collaborative research on the improvement of root and tuber crops in West Africa. Central to the project’s success have been the efforts of IAR Director Mohammed T. Dahniya.The partnership between IITA and IAR, which has involved communication and information exchange, the conduct of joint research, particularly on the genetic improvement of cassava, and training, has been a major factor in the improvement of root and tuber crops in the western part of West Africa. Nyle C. Brady Award The Nyle C. Brady Award honoring outstanding leadership was presented to ISNAR Director General Christian Bonte-Friedheim for his pioneering and lifelong efforts to champion the cause of national agricultural research systems, and to forge strong partnerships between the international and national agricultural

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research communities. Mr. Bonte-Friedheim was the FAO cosponsor representative to the CGIAR for five years before assuming leadership of ISNAR. Throughout this association he has been an advocate for the South, its capabilities, and its potential. Beyond 25—Moving Ahead The anniversary celebration concluded with a keynote address by CGIAR Chairman Ismail Serageldin on the topic “Into the Future.” Mr. Serageldin spoke of the CGIAR’s achievements and the difference that has been made as a result in the lives of countless of the world’s poor. The success of its past efforts compels the CGIAR to meet the challenges of the future. He elaborated the CGIAR’s vision of the future as one that is: people-centered, gender conscious, and empowering of the poor; founded on a clear recognition of access to food as a basic human right; respectful of indigenous knowledge and its contribution to cultural development; and, recognizing the need to responsibly husband the Earth’s fragile natural resources on behalf of future generations. The CGIAR’s research programs need to be guided, he said, by considerations of biodiversity preservation, environmental concerns, the changing interface between the public and private sectors, intellectual property rights, bioethics, and the need for greater stakeholder participation in the research process. Important areas for research in the future will be: the preservation of biodiversity; research on postharvest production technologies; and the greater use of biotechnology. To address these issues effectively researchers must act in concert and research responsibilities must be distributed among local, national, regional, and international partners; indigenous knowledge must be integrated with new science; and, NARS must remain the cornerstones of the global effort involving the CGIAR centers, advanced research institutions, NGOs, and the private sector. C e n t e r s F o r u m

NARS must
remain the cornerstones of the global effort involving the CGIAR centers, advanced research institutions, NGOs, and the private sector.

Centers Forum 1996, held at International Centers Week, focused on center research challenges and opportunities from a regional perspective. Senior NARS leaders from the regions chaired sessions in which centers presented highlights of current research, assessed future research needs, and outlined what is in the pipeline for meeting these needs in each of the four major regions of the developing world: Sub-Saharan Africa;Asia; Latin America and the Caribbean; and,West Asia and North Africa.

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Commentar y by Minister of Development, Denmark

His Excellency Poul Nielson,

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he following are excerpts from the commentary by His Excellency Poul Nielson, Denmark’s Minister of Development, published in the daily newspaper “Kristeligt Dagblad” on Monday, October 28, 1996, coinciding with the celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the CGIAR at International Centers Week. In the late 1960s and early 1970s there was no hope in the race between population growth and food production. Population growth would shortly overtake growth in agricultural production, resulting in hunger on a massive scale, particularly in the more populous nations. This did not happen, although it nearly did, due to poor farming years in some areas. The reason is not that population growth stopped; rather, there was an entirely unexpected spurt in food production. Behind this unexpected and rapid progress were the research centers of the CGIAR. Their pioneering work on plant improvement led to what is known as the green revolution. New varieties of crops, combined with more effective methods of cultivation, resulted in high and stable yields, and farmers both large and small in developing countries were quick to switch to them. Country after country was taken off the endangered list, and the story is still continuing to this day. The CGIAR centers, formally assembled in 1971, and later expanded with Danish support, have been truly effective. Today, the CGIAR is taking the first day of its annual meetings to mark the jubilee of its founding and to look toward the future. The CGIAR’s agenda is considerably more complicated now than it was twenty-five years ago when the main issue was increasing agricultural production. Although this is still the primary concern, environmentally friendly production methods, the poverty aspect of its work, and support to developing country researchers are also emphasized by the CGIAR. Denmark is deeply involved in the CGIAR’s success: it makes a solid financial contribution; there are Danish employees at ten of the centers and Danish managers at seven of them; and there are many examples of cooperation between Danish research and the CGIAR. The CGIAR is a central element of Danida’s strategy for agricultural development in developing countries. There is good reason to congratulate the CGIAR on a splendid effort over twenty-five years. And there is at least as much reason to wish it luck in its efforts in the coming years.

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Statement by A s s i s t a n t A d m i n i s t r a t o r, U n i t e d S t a t e s Agency for International Development

The Honorable Sally Shelton,

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he following are excerpts from the statement made by The Honorable Sally Shelton, USAID’s Assistant Administrator for Global Programs, Field Support, and Research, at International Centers Week 1996.

The twenty-fifth anniversary of the CGIAR, which we are celebrating this week, is a very special occasion. As I look around the room, I see a stunning number of international economists, agronomists, scientists, and others who believe that food security is going to be one of the most pressing challenges facing our world. The United States Government is very much concerned about food shortages in the coming years. Despite the very serious budget pressures under which USAID has been laboring for the last several years—and this year is no different—we will increase our commitment to the CGIAR by 17 percent in 1997. We are optimistic for 1998, and are requesting an even larger increase. We are also looking at how we can engage American universities and colleges more intimately in the CGIAR’s efforts. Chairman Serageldin, let me once again express my government’s strong support for your extraordinarily able leadership of the CGIAR. Without the commitment of the many people here, the CGIAR would not be where it is today, and without your leadership we would not be able to move forward. The CGIAR is materially changing for the better the lives of millions of farmers and nonfarmers around the world. It behooves all of us to try to increase popular support for, and better grassroots understanding of, what the CGIAR does. So my congratulations to you, Mr. Chairman, and to all those who have succeeded in bringing the CGIAR such a long way in the last twenty-five years.

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Statement by Assistant D i re c t o r, M u l t i l a t e r a l C o o p e r a t i o n Division, Ministr y of Foreign Affairs, Japan

Mr. Kunio Nakamura,

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he following are excerpts from the statement made by Mr. Kunio Nakamura, Assistant Director of the Multilateral Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan, at International Centers Week 1996.

On behalf of the Government of Japan, I offer my congratulations to the CGIAR on its twenty-fifth anniversary. Through its efforts, and with the support of the international community, the CGIAR has continuously been a center of excellence in the field of global agricultural research. We appreciate the efforts of all the people involved, from staff members to donors, in the past activities of the CGIAR, leading up to today. Japan recognizes the vital importance of science to achieving the interrelated goals of poverty reduction, environmental protection, and food security. Japan commends the dedication and persistence of center scientists to solve complex, real-life problems, to break down barriers posed by pests and diseases, difficult soil and climatic conditions, and the natural limitations of crop varieties, to forge new solutions which make a material difference in the lives of the world’s poor. The great strides in agriculture made during the past twenty-five years give testimony to the power of science to address the daunting challenge of feeding a burgeoning global population with increasingly scarce natural resources. Japan believes that science to advance agriculture is the key to enabling many developing countries to unlock their capacity for full-scale growth and development. Science must continue to be brought to bear on further increasing crop yields. Equally important, science has much it can contribute to the preservation of the environment and to the sustainable use of natural resources. Japan is proud to be one of the leading donor countries of the CGIAR. Its record of support to the CGIAR is evidence of its belief in the power of science and its commitment to finding solutions to the problems of poverty, hunger, and environmental degradation in developing countries. Science and technology to advance agriculture is not only for us, but also for future generations that will inhabit this small planet.

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Some of the diverse and innovative ways in which centers are responding to regional challenges and opportunities follow. • Centers are increasingly adopting a multidisciplinary, systems approach to achieve higher productivity, reduce risks to farmers, create employment, and increase incomes. Research strategies include biotechnology, farmer-participation, germplasm enhancement, and novel work with farmers’ landraces and wild relatives of crop species. Advances in crop modeling, remote sensing, and geographic information systems are being used to identify and address both opportunities and diversity in cropping systems. Centers are forging expanded partnerships to set priorities, pool resources, and coordinate research tasks to tackle the larger, more complex research agenda. Partnerships involve greater collaboration with advanced research institutions, the private sector, NGOs, and community groups, as well as with the centers’ traditional NARS partners. Facilitating South-South dialogue is a key objective.

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The regional approach to research challenges led into the broader perspectives of the Global Forum. G l o b a l F o r u m o n A g r i c u l t u r a l R e s e a r c h

A Global Forum, in which a broad spectrum of partners engaged in agricultural research participated, was convened during ICW96, under the chairmanship of IFAD President Fawzi Al-Sultan. For the first time, representatives of the various components of the global agricultural research system came together to explore the needs and opportunities for agricultural research, the scope for collaboration, and practical measures to strengthen partnerships. The origins of the Global Forum lie in the efforts of the CGIAR to broaden its partnerships with NARS, regional organizations, advanced research institutions, NGOs, universities, and the private sector, among others, and to increase the participation of the South in CGIAR decisionmaking. The Global Forum signaled the degree to which partners have been integrated into CGIAR decisionmaking at the system level, and the importance placed by the CGIAR on their participation.

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Presentations were made by representatives of the regional fora from Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, and West Asia and North Africa, outlining their research needs and sharing with the group their regional action plans, drawn up through consultation among NARS members. Common themes included concern about population growth, poverty, food security, and environmental degradation, the need for greater collaboration in research and resource mobilization, and the importance of synthesizing modern technology with traditional farming and knowledge systems to create problem-solving techniques. Presentations were also made by representatives of NGOs, the private sector, advanced research institutions, and universities, and by the CGIAR’s Technical Advisory Committee. As well, avenues for collaboration were explored in four major areas of interest: biotechnology; genetic resources conservation and utilization; ecoregional research; and, public policy and institutional strengthening. Five key goals were emphasized by the Global Forum: • to enhance the capacity of NARS to generate and transfer in a participatory mode appropriate technology that responds to the needs of the end users; to improve priority setting for a global framework for agricultural research; to strengthen NARS-NARS partnerships and the emerging regional fora; to develop partnerships among all partners in the global agricultural research community; and to secure financial support for implementing a plan of action.

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• •

•

The Global Forum culminated in the adoption of a Declaration and Plan of Action for Global Partnership in Agricultural Research [see box on pages 27-28], subsequently tabled at the World Food Summit. Participants took the opportunity of the Global Forum to declare their commitment to the development of sustainable agriculture and the importance of collaboration in agricultural research. To accomplish the common goals of alleviating poverty, achieving food security, and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources, it was agreed that a global agricultural research system must be nurtured.

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Declaration and Plan of Action for Global Partnership in Agricultural Research

Declaration

W
• • •

e, the representatives of the national agricultural research systems, regional and subregional organizations, universities and advanced research institutions, nongovernmental organizations, farmer organizations, the private sector, and international agricultural research centers, gathered in a Global Forum on Agricultural Research at the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, International Centers Week 1996: Cognizant of the formidable challenges of the future, in particular the need: to alleviate poverty; to increase productivity and resource use efficiency to feed an expanding population; and to address environmental degradation, sustainably manage the natural resource base, and develop and implement more appropriate agricultural policies and sustainable technologies;

Aware that the world leaders are holding a summit to address the global challenge of ensuring food security; Convinced that scientific and technological responses and sociocultural factors are essential elements in improving food and nutritional security, as well as more sustainable use of cropland, rangeland, aquatic, and forest resources; Realizing that the national agricultural research systems are the cornerstones of the emerging global research system; and Recognizing that current cooperative research arrangements need to be adjusted to meet challenges of unprecedented nature and magnitude: Hereby affirm our strong commitment to contribute to the development of productive, sustainable, and equitable agriculture. We recognize the crucial role played by farmers, especially women, in agriculture and natural resources management. We agree to work in partnership with them toward their empowerment, building on their indigenous knowledge systems.

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Plan of Action

W
• • •

e commit ourselves to undertake the following actions, in the pursuit of our common objectives and the foregoing Declaration:

Mobilize the world scientific community in support of a global framework for agricultural research aimed at: alleviating poverty; achieving food security; and assuring sustainable use of natural resources;

Contribute to the strengthening of national agricultural research systems and the subregional and regional fora; Foster the participation in research collaboration by national agricultural research institutes, regional and subregional research organizations, international agricultural research centers, advanced research institutes, universities, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, farmers, and farmers’ organizations; Encourage the identification of concrete collaborative projects through suitable mechanisms, including subregional and regional fora; and Convene a Global Forum on Agricultural Research every three years to exchange information in order to identify common challenges, confirm principles of collaboration, and propose alternative means of implementing collaborative programs with the purpose of facilitating partnerships. We strongly believe that, by committing ourselves to this task and establishing the necessary enabling mechanisms, based on a bottom-up approach and strong national, subregional, and regional fora, the global agricultural research system will be capable of addressing the agricultural research priorities required to meet the challenges and opportunities that humanity is facing today and will face in the foreseeable future. We propose, in order to implement this Plan of Action, to increase efficiency in research management and collaboration through the pooling of resources, and call on the development assistance community, the governments of developing countries, and all stakeholders in agricultural and rural development to increase their support to agricultural research. We hereby mandate the Global Forum Steering Committee, consulting as necessary, to translate this Plan of Action into a detailed program of activities.

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The Plan of Action elaborates a number of specific activities and initiatives, including: • mobilizing international support for a global framework for agricultural research; strengthening NARS and subregional and regional fora; fostering multilevel partnerships among all components in the global agricultural research system, with an emphasis on a participatory approach; identifying concrete collaborative projects; and convening a Global Forum on Agricultural Research every three years, to discuss common challenges, opportunities for partnerships, and the means of implementing collaborative programs. Wo r l d F o o d S u m m i t

• •

• •

The CGIAR was an active participant in the World Food Summit, held at FAO in Rome, Italy on November 13-17, 1996. The Summit was convened to renew the commitment of the nations of the world to ensuring food security, by raising the awareness of heads of state and of government of the enormous effort that will be required in worldwide agriculture over the next thirty years to meet global food needs, and by gaining their renewed commitment to develop the cohesive policies and cooperation needed to overcome global food insecurity. IFPRI represented the CGIAR in preparations for the World Food Summit. IFPRI’s involvement included participation in intersessional planning meetings, meetings of the Food Security Committee, and pre-Summit meetings in a number of countries, as well as reviewing most of the fifteen technical background papers, and contact with several country delegations. One of the papers, pertaining to food security and agricultural research, was co-authored by the CGIAR. In a statement to the Summit, CGIAR Chairman Ismail Serageldin indicated that the CGIAR centers have a special role to play in the global effort. “They can,” he said, “while conducting cutting edge science for the benefit of the world’s poor, serve as platforms for the exchange of ideas and the development of new technologies.” He reminded the Summit of the CGIAR’s established track record of

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international collaboration. It was the first, and the only group so far, to have placed its collections of plant genetic resources, numbering over 600,000 samples, under the intergovernmental auspices of the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Further, the CGIAR was very closely associated with FAO in the International Conference on Plant Genetic Resources held in Leipzig, Germany in June 1996. Mr. Serageldin noted the importance of the Global Forum on Agricultural Research, convened during International Centers Week 1996, to help lay the foundation of enhanced cooperation among all actors in the global agricultural research system.The Declaration and Plan of Action for Global Partnership in Agricultural Research adopted at the Global Forum on Agricultural Research was tabled at the World Food Summit. The Summit adopted a Declaration and Plan of Action, containing seven commitments. Agricultural research falls under the third commitment regarding the pursuit of participatory and sustainable food, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and rural development policies and practices. Objective 3.4, in particular, relates to support for cooperation between the public and private sectors to strengthen and broaden research in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, committing member governments in paragraph (b) to: Strengthen international research systems, in particular the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), and promote coordination and collaboration among international, developed country, and developing country institutions. T h e R e s e a r c h A g e n d a

1998-2000 Medium-Term Research Plans In 1996 the CGIAR centers began preparing and interacting with TAC on their medium-term research plans for 1998-2000, within the general framework of priorities and strategies established at the 1996 Mid-Term Meeting in May. At MTM96, the CGIAR membership endorsed the long-term priorities and strategies—based on recommendations by TAC, with some modifications—that will guide center research and determine resource allocations through the 1998-2000 medium-term planning period. TAC periodically reviews the long-term priorities and strategies of the CGIAR and makes recommendations to the CGIAR membership on a framework that defines longer-term directions for CGIAR research and

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its implementation through CGIAR programs. Typically, this review takes place every five years to ensure that the CGIAR is responsive to changes in the external environment. Fully elaborated in the 1995-1996 CGIAR Annual Report and in the Summary of Proceedings and Decisions of MTM96, the priorities and strategies endorsed stress a pro-poor, pro-conservation strategy based on increasing productivity. Particular emphasis was placed on: the rural poor, on women, and on an integrated approach to agricultural production and environmental conservation; the need for more research on the soil and water aspects of natural resources management and on postharvest technology development; and, the need to increase collaboration among centers and with partners, with an emphasis on a bottomup, participatory approach. At ICW96, research directions for 1998 and the progress made in preparing center medium-term plans were considered.The CGIAR membership will review TAC’s recommendations and take decisions on allocations for the 1998-2000 planning period at the 1997 Mid-Term Meeting. This follows the rhythm of decisionmaking endorsed at the Lucerne Ministerial-Level Meeting and introduced at the 1995 Mid-Term Meeting, in which the research agenda and funding requirements of any year are outlined during the Mid-Term Meeting of the preceding year, with the subsequent adoption of the financing plan at International Centers Week of the preceding year. Genetic Resources The CGIAR continued to be actively engaged in 1996 in the ongoing international dialogue related to genetic resources. The CGIAR played an important role in FAO’s Fourth Technical Conference on Plant Genetic Resources, held in Leipzig, Germany in June 1996, and contributed to two key documents considered at the Leipzig Conference: The State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture ; and, The Global Plan of Action for the Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. IPGRI played an instrumental role in the preparation of both documents, and many other CGIAR centers were involved in both the preparatory process and in the conference itself. A central role for the CGIAR centers is foreseen in the Global Plan of Action, which covers four broad areas: in situ conservation; ex situ conservation; utilization; and, institution and capacity building. The Conference adopted the Leipzig Declaration, committing governments to implement the Global Plan of Action under the guidance of the FAO Commission.

The priorities
and strategies endorsed by the CGIAR membership stress a pro-poor, pro-conservation strategy based on increasing productivity.

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The CGIAR Genetic Resources Policy Committee prepared a special statement—the Stockholm Statement [see box on pages 33-35]—in 1996 to highlight issues of fundamental importance if the CGIAR is to continue to operate on the basis of free access and exchange of genetic resources. The CGIAR continues to strongly maintain that public access to germplasm research products must be ensured and promoted, and these resources must be managed in the best interest of partners, including farmers. Central and Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union In recognition of the potential benefits of the CGIAR’s research and other expertise to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, a Task Force was established at ICW95 to explore the level of demand in the region for the CGIAR’s work, potential program opportunities, and center interest in expanding the CGIAR’s role in the area. Given the significant differences among countries in the region, despite their unifying characteristic as economies in transition, the Task Force divided countries in the region into two subgroups: Central/Eastern Europe; and, Central Asia/Caucasus. The Task Force found compelling reasons for the CGIAR to expand its mandated area to encompass the region, particularly Central Asia/Caucasus, including the CGIAR’s suitability for solving local agricultural research problems, and the limited number of alternative sources of technical expertise available in the region. The Task Force identified three areas of activity on which the CGIAR should focus regionwide: increasing access to information; increasing access to genetic resources; and, transforming national agricultural research systems. For the countries of Central Asia/Caucasus, the Task Force identified two additional areas: intensifying existing and potential CGIAR activities; and, developing a strategy for the region. The Task Force made the following recommendations. • The CGIAR should expand its geographic focus to include Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Centers should strengthen existing links and develop programs with partners in the region, coordinate their efforts, and develop a regional strategy for the CGIAR.

•

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Genetic Resources for Sustainable Food Security

Stockholm Statement o n

CGIAR Genetic Resources Policy Committee Stockholm, Sweden, October 2-4, 1996

D

uring the last twenty-five years, global food production has remained above the rate of growth in population, thanks to the creative use of genetic diversity and appropriate management practices. International flows of genetic materials have been the foundation on which current food security systems have been developed nationally and globally. The high priority accorded by the CGIAR to genetic conservation, evaluation, and utilization has yielded rich dividends in terms of higher productivity, profitability, stability, and sustainability of major farming systems in developing countries. In recent years, work on genetic resources conservation and enhancement has been extended to trees, fish, and animals. Through the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources, which was reorganized as IPGRI, and other centers, the CGIAR has assisted NARS for over two decades to build their professional capacity and infrastructure for the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources. As we approach the new millennium, as well as the bicentenary of Malthus’ essay on population, there is renewed concern about the future of global food security.This concern arises, on the one hand, from the growth in population and a higher demand for food due to increased purchasing power, and, on the other hand, from growing damage to the ecological foundations essential for sustainable advances in agriculture. Challenges to food security demand achieving sustainable advances in crop, animal, and aquatic productivity per unit of land, water, energy, labor, and capital.This in turn will call for ready access to a wide range of genetic material. The coming into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the adoption of TRIPS provisions under GATT, as well as an increasing trend toward privatization of agricultural research have created a new and complex policy environment for institutions working with genetic resources, such as the CGIAR. The adoption of the first Global Plan of Action by 150 governments at the FAO Conference in Leipzig in June 1996 has significant, immediate, and direct implications for the work of the CGIAR. The Global Plan lays the

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framework for a concerted global effort to conserve and use sustainably plant genetic resources based on action at the local, national, regional, and international levels. It is critical that the priorities for action identified in the Global Plan be fully reflected in the future strategies and programs of the CGIAR centers. In line with the Global Plan, center strategies for reducing genetic vulnerability and increasing food security inevitably involve strengthening existing relationships and forging new ones with a wide range of partners, including government research organizations, universities, NGOs, local community groups, and the private sector. The CGIAR’s support to networking and increasing human and institutional capacities to undertake the work will be critical to the achievement of the Global Plan’s objectives. New approaches to the maintenance and creation of diversity will be needed to supplement existing efforts. The collections maintained in trust by the CGIAR centers, within the context of the FAO Network of Ex Situ Collections, must continue to be managed in the best interests of the world community, and especially those farming communities that have contributed so much to the development and conservation of plant genetic resources. Many such communities have been bypassed by recent agricultural developments. In line with the requirement of the Convention on Biological Diversity to share benefits equitably, it is encumbent on the CGIAR and its partners to give special attention to the needs and aspirations of such communities. The collections must continue to be developed and conserved to international standards. Characterization and evaluation data must continue to be readily available.The materials themselves must be accessible to all those that need to use them in the interest of the public good, and especially for strengthening local, national, and global food security. As the world develops new systems for access and the equitable sharing of benefits, it is imperative that due recognition be given to the maintenance of national and international flows of genetic diversity. Much of the success of past efforts of the CGIAR in raising productivity and alleviating poverty has depended on such flows to and from the centers. Future efforts, even under evolving plant improvement paradigms, will continue to depend on

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the widespread availability of genetic diversity. For the crops of major importance for food security, the diversity of which is widely distributed geographically, multilaterally agreed systems of access are likely to provide the best mechanisms for promoting continued and timely flows of genetic diversity. Such systems can make significant contributions to the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and further its goals of facilitating access and promoting an equitable sharing of benefits. The implementation of the Global Plan of Action has important implications for resource allocation to and within the global plant genetic resources system. It is also encumbent on all actors, including the CGIAR, to strive to allocate adequate resources for the implementation of those priorities identified in the Global Plan. Sustained financial support is essential for the security of the invaluable genetic wealth conserved and used by the CGIAR and its partners. We urge that this critical issue be addressed during the forthcoming review of the CGIAR system. Recent years have seen the emergence of global intergovernmental fora concerned with the conservation and use of genetic resources, in particular the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity and the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Decisions of the World Trade Organization also have a bearing on access to genetic resources. These fora are critical in providing a policy and legal framework for the CGIAR’s activities in genetic resources.The relationship between these fora and the CGIAR need to be strengthened and should be examined in the forthcoming review of the CGIAR system. It is important, perhaps now more than ever, that national governments harmonize their positions in these different fora, and work together to resolve expeditiously the outstanding issues related to genetic resources, and to ensure that these resources are adequately protected and available for use. The World Food Summit to be held in Rome in November 1996 provides a unique opportunity for renewed commitment to the cause of conserving and harnessing agrobiodiversity for the alleviation of poverty, protection of the environment, and the achievement of sustainable food and nutrition security.

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•

Additional funding for these programs should be provided by CGIAR members and other partners; such activities should be considered as part of the CGIAR research agenda, to be developed and financed according to standard policies and procedures. NARS in the region should establish two regional fora to promote dialogue, foster cooperation, generate collaborative programs, and facilitate liaison with the CGIAR.

•

The CGIAR membership endorsed—subject to the provision of additional funding—the recommendations of the Task Force, identifying a clear program of work in the region where the CGIAR has a distinctive comparative advantage, and determined that programs carried out by centers in the region would fall under the CGIAR’s research agenda and be reviewed by TAC. R e v i e w o f t h e C G I A R S y s t e m

At the 1996 Mid-Term Meeting, the CGIAR membership approved a review of the CGIAR system. There was widespread endorsement for a review from all components of the CGIAR system and from the CGIAR’s partners. At ICW96, the particulars of the planned review were endorsed. Chaired by Mr. Maurice Strong, the review will be undertaken by an independent panel of experts. It will be forward looking in focus, and will concentrate on issues pertaining to science, strategy and structure, and governance and finances. The review will examine the CGIAR’s role in the global agricultural research system, specifically how the CGIAR should position itself in an evolving world situation that foresees stronger national agricultural research capacities, where farmer associations and NGOs play an increasingly important role, where questions of indigenous knowledge receive greater recognition, and where there is greater involvement with other actors, including advanced research institutions and the private sector. The review panel will begin its task in 1997. A final report on its findings could be submitted to the CGIAR membership as early as the 1998 Mid-Term Meeting. CGIAR Chairman Serageldin has emphasized several aspects of the review. • The review should take the CGIAR’s mission—contributing, through its research, to promoting sustainable agriculture for food security in developing countries—as a “given,” and examine how successful the

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system has been in carrying out this mission and what it needs to do to further strengthen its performance. • Because the business of the CGIAR is science, the review team should outline the scientific challenges that the system will need to address in the twenty-first century, and provide an opinion on the quality and relevance of the science practiced at the centers.The team should also examine the system’s strategy, structure, governance, and finances. The review must be conducted by independent, strategic thinkers of acknowledged stature who are sensitive to issues of development and the role scientific research can play in addressing them. The review should be completed in a reasonably short time, but not at the expense of compromising quality or coverage.

•

•

New

CGIAR Members in 1996

I

n 1996 three new members joined the CGIAR, all from the South. At the Mid-Term Meeting in May, Syria and Pakistan were admitted into the CGIAR. At International Centers Week in October, South Africa was welcomed into the Group. This brings the total number of members from the South to seventeen, further realizing the CGIAR’s efforts to expand membership from the South to ensure full South-North ownership of the CGIAR.

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COMMEMORATION IN PICTURES

Our Ann

197 19
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niversary

71-1996
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

C
A t the commencement of the MidTerm Meeting in May 1996, there was concern over the financing of the 1996 research agenda. Several members, most notably Denmark, provided additional resources of about $10 million to the five centers facing the brunt of the problems.

GIAR members support centers and programs of their choice within a research agenda agreed to by the CGIAR membership as a whole, and each center directly receives and spends funds. Thus, the CGIAR financial outcome for 1996 discussed here is consolidated from the financial results of the sixteen independent CGIAR centers.The results are reported in US dollars. CGIAR financial highlights for 1992 to 1996 are shown in Table 1. Further details are provided in the CGIAR 1996 Financial Report, a separate publication available from the CGIAR Secretariat.
Table 1. CGIAR Research Agenda: Financial Highlights, 1992-1996 (in $ million and percentages)
1992 1992 1993 1993 1994 1994 1995 1995 1996 1996

Member Contributions (in $ m) Annual change (%) Composition of Membership Support (in $ m) DAC Countries: Europe Pacific Rim North America Developing Countries Foundations International and Regional Organizations Non-CGIAR donors No. of Contributing CGIAR Members CGIAR Contributions as % of ODA Composition of CGIAR Investments by Undertakings (%) Increasing Productivity Protecting the Environment Saving Biodiversity Improving Policies Strengthening NARS Center Operating Expenditures (in $ m) Distribution by Object of Expenditure (%) Personnel Supplies/Services Travel Depreciation Allocation by Region (%) Sub-Saharan Africa Asia Latin America and the Caribbean West Asia and North Africa
a Estimate.

247 7%

235 -5%

268 14%

270 1%

304 13%

93 31 66 2 3 53 36 0.41%

81 37 56 2 3 56 38 0.42%

100 41 48 3 4 71 0 40 0.45%

107 39 45 5 4 68 1 41 0.46%

132 43 45 8 6 65 5 44 0.51%a

49% 11% 8% 10% 22% 259 57% 30% 6% 7% 39% 33% 16% 12%

48% 14% 6% 10% 22% 254 59% 28% 6% 7% 37% 34% 15% 13%

46% 15% 9% 10% 20% 265 56% 31% 6% 7% 39% 32% 18% 11%

47% 16% 10% 9% 18% 286 55% 31% 7% 7% 39% 32% 17% 12%

40% 16% 11% 12% 21% 325 53% 34% 7% 6% 38% 32% 17% 12%

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R e n e w a l : M a i n t a i n i n g

S t a b i l i t y

At its Mid-Term Meeting in May 1994, the CGIAR launched a program of renewal in response to a major crisis it confronted, which was manifested by severe financial problems.The eighteen-month renewal program was underpinned by a short-term financial stabilization program, the cornerstone of which was an exceptional financial offer by the World Bank. By the conclusion of the renewal program at end-1995, the financial targets of the stabilization program had been fully met. The 1996 financial framework was set against this backdrop of success. At International Centers Week in October 1995, resource requirements to fully finance the research agenda, which comprises the bulk of CGIAR center projects and activities, were approved at a level of $300 million for 1996. Shortly thereafter, however, it became evident that a mini-crisis was pending, threatening to jeopardize the financial stability achieved in the renewal process. At the commencement of the Mid-Term Meeting in May 1996, there was concern over the financing of the 1996 research agenda due to several emerging financial developments. The agenda appeared to be at risk of being underfunded by about $20 million at the aggregate level. Furthermore, the potential funding shortfall was unevenly distributed among centers, placing the execution of the agenda by some centers in danger.The potential underfunding also put the World Bank’s matching contribution in jeopardy, raising the possibility that a refund of part of the Bank’s contribution would be required, thereby worsening the financial situation. Discussions at the Mid-Term Meeting on these developments led to the implementation of some immediate measures to resolve the crisis in 1996, as well as modifications in the CGIAR’s financing arrangements to avoid a recurrence of similar financial problems in future years. Several members, most notably Denmark, provided additional resources of about $10 million to the five centers facing the brunt of the problems. Centers, TAC, and members worked together to further realign resources in support of the research agenda from earlier commitments to activities outside of the agenda. The centers concerned initiated actions to curtail spending, including reductions in staff at four centers. The 1996 financial results reflect the impact of these decisions. The actual funding for the agreed agenda amounted to $304 million. Full access to the Bank’s matching contribution was thus ensured, as this amount represented full financing

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of the agreed agenda resource requirements, as estimated in October 1995. Four centers implemented steps to reduce costs through staff separations that will result in cost reductions of well over $10 million in future years. While these steps represent responsible management actions to reduce the financial imbalance and to reposition the system, they were quite painful for center staff, especially in instances where as much as a 25 percent reduction in staff took place.

Today, the overall
finances of the CGIAR are strong and healthier than they have been in many years. By 1996, the level of annual support for the research agenda had expanded by some 25 percent, from $236 million in 1993 on the eve of the renewal program.

Today, the overall finances of the CGIAR are strong and healthier than they have been in many years. By 1996, the level of annual support for the research agenda had expanded by some 25 percent, from $236 million in 1993 on the eve of the renewal program. The refinements introduced at the 1996 Mid-Term Meeting completed the package of new financial instruments and procedures implemented during the program of renewal, and are more consistent with the CGIAR’s decentralized and informal financial structure. These two outcomes should result in the stability of the CGIAR’s finances in the future. D i s b u r s e m e n t S c h e d u l e

At the beginning of the year progress continued toward meeting the disbursement targets set under the stabilization program—50 percent of commitments disbursed in January and the balance by mid-year. In the first quarter of 1996, 27 percent of resources were made available in comparison with 23 percent in 1995. For the rest of the year, however, although disbursements maintained pace with 1995 in dollar terms, there was a slippage in percentage terms. Consequently, by the end of the third quarter the disbursement lagged 11 points behind 1995, when 75 percent had been disbursed by early October. Part of the explanation for the slippage can be found in the funding gaps faced by some centers at mid-year. Although financing was found to meet the gaps, actual release of funds against these extraordinary commitments was not possible until the last quarter of the year. C o n t r i b u t i o n P r o f i l e

Contributions from members in support of the agreed research agenda totaled $304 million in 1996. Forty-four members—three more than in 1995, with contributions from Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Kellogg Foundation—provided support for the CGIAR research agenda. For analytical purposes only, these members can be placed into four distinct groups: industrial countries (19); developing countries (11); foundations (3); and international and regional organizations (11). Industrial countries can be further subdivided along geographical lines into

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three subgroups: Europe; North America; and the Pacific Rim. It should be emphasized, however, that, as contributions to the CGIAR are voluntary and each member has the freedom to decide which centers to support and at what level, the trends emerging from any of the groupings should not be interpreted as policy decisions by the group concerned. As shown in Chart 1, contributions to the agenda in 1995 and 1996 by member groups indicate a continued decline in the North America group, while both the European and developing countries groups expanded their shares. This reflects the special efforts by individual members—Australia, France, Japan, Norway, and Sweden, in addition to the substantial effort by Denmark—to mobilize additional resources for the rescue package devised at the 1996 Mid-Term Meeting. It also reflects the initiation in 1996 of a substantial contribution by the European Commission to ICARDA. In addition to a first-time contribution by Côte d’Ivoire, several other developing country members stepped up their support in 1996. Indonesia increased its cash contribution to $0.5 million. Iran and the Philippines increased their agenda support as well. Through these efforts, contributions from developing countries increased by over 66 percent from 1995, increasing their share of the total from 1 percent in 1994 and 2 percent in 1995, to 3 percent in 1996.
Chart 1. Agenda Contributions, 1995-1996 (by member group in $ million and percentages)

300 250
s Non-CGIAR Donors s Foundations s Developing Countries s North America s Pacific Rim s Int’l & Reg’l Orgs. s Europe

2% 2% 16% 15%

2% 2% 3% 15% 14%

200 150 100

21% 25%

43% 50 0 40%

1995

1996

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The support provided by the top ten contributors to the CGIAR in 1996 funded about three-quarters of the research agenda.Their contributions are illustrated in Chart 2. Japan maintained its standing as the largest contributor after the World Bank. Also notable is that Denmark and Switzerland became, for the first time, two of the top six contributors.
Chart 2. 1996 Top Ten Agenda Contributors (in $ million)
0 World Bank Japan USA EC Switzerland Denmark Germany The Netherlands Canada United Kingdom 10 20 30 40 50

Allocation of Agenda Support The allocation of resources in support of the research agenda is reviewed below from four perspectives: by undertaking; by object of expenditure; by center; and, by region. Investments in Undertakings Investments in the five principal CGIAR undertakings—increasing productivity, protecting the environment, saving biodiversity, improving policies, and strengthening NARS—for 1996 are shown in Chart 3. The overall distribution of resources is consistent with the investment pattern endorsed by the CGIAR. Although investments in “increasing productivity” continued to decline, nonetheless, “increasing productivity” continued to be the primary thrust of CGIAR activities, with crops

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the major focus, accounting for 72 percent of investments, followed by livestock at 18 percent, forestry at 8 percent, and fish at 2 percent.
Chart 3. 1996 CGIAR Investments by Principal Undertaking

Strengthening NARS

21%
Improving Policies

12% 11% 16%

40%

Increasing Productivity

Saving Biodiversity

Protecting the Environment

Expenditure by Object The trend in reduced spending on personnel noted in the past two years continued in 1996. Personnel costs amounted to 53 percent of total spending in 1996, compared to 55 percent in 1995, and an average of 57 percent from 1992 to 1994. Despite this decline, actual dollar amounts spent on personnel increased in 1996, reflecting the extraordinary costs associated with staff separation at several centers. There is no question that the reductions of international and national staff have been painful; however, they were necessary to enable the centers concerned to respond to changes in the research environment and priorities of the CGIAR. Distribution among Centers Chart 4 [see page 46] illustrates the distribution of 1996 agenda support among the sixteen independent centers supported by the CGIAR. Over the past several years, the distribution of resources has remained relatively stable among centers. Agenda funding expanded for all centers in 1996 over 1995 levels, increasing by over $1 million each for most centers. In 1996 CIAT, IRRI, CIMMYT, ICRISAT, ILRI, and IITA maintained their 1995 standing as the six largest recipients of CGIAR resources.

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Chart 4. Distribution of 1996 Agenda Support by Center (in $ million)

35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0
ICRISAT CIMMYT IPGRI ICLARM IRRI IFPRI ISNAR ICARDA WARDA CIAT IITA ICRAF CIFOR ILRI IIMI CIP

Allocation by Region The 1996 allocation of CGIAR resources by the developing regions of the world is shown in Chart 5.
Chart 5. 1996 CGIAR Allocations by Developing Regions
West Asia and North Africa

12%
Latin America and the Caribbean

17% 33%
Asia

38%

Sub-Saharan Africa

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The overall distribution of resources does not indicate significant shifts from 1995 and none are expected in the near future. Allocations for research targeted to Sub-Saharan Africa continued to be the major focus of CGIAR activities, with 38 percent of resources aimed at addressing research and training needs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Allocations for research targeted to other regions stabilized in percentage terms, and continued to increase in dollar terms for all regions. Almost all centers had activities aimed at Sub-Saharan Africa in 1996, with four centers—IITA, ILRI, ICRAF, and ICRISAT—accounting for over twothirds of the resources committed.The pattern was similar in Asia. A majority of the centers carried out activities in Asia in 1996, and four centers—IRRI, ICRISAT, CIMMYT, and CIP—accounted for the bulk of the allocations. On the other hand, over two-thirds of the allocations made in West Asia and North Africia continued to be made by ICARDA, while CIAT accounted for about half of the allocations made in Latin America and the Caribbean.

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