SEVENTY-FOURTH MEETING OF THE TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
TO THE
CONSULTATIVE GROUP ON INTENATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
(ICRISAT, Patancheru, India - 23-27 March 1998)
Opening Session
External Programme and Management Reviews
1999 Research Agenda
First External Review of the Systemwide Genetic Resources Programme (SGRP)
Centre Commissioned External Review (CCERs)
CGIAR Logframe and Activity Classification
Reports from the Biotechnology Panels
CGIAR Study on Marginal Lands
Future Reviews
Future Meetings
Other Business
The TAC Chair, Dr. Donald Winkelmann, opened the meeting of TAC 74 by welcoming the 11 TAC Members present and recognizing the five new ones, Drs. Usha Barwale Zehr (India), Alain de Janvry (France), Elias Fereres (Spain), Michael Cernea (Romania), and Maria Antonia Fernandez-Martinez (Cuba); apologies were conveyed on behalf of Dr. Cyrus Ndiritu, TAC Member. He also noted with appreciation the presence of several Centre Directors General and Board Chairs, as well as observers from France, Germany, South Africa. The Netherlands, USA, and staff of the TAC and CGIAR Secretariats.
Dr. Shawki Barghouti. Director General, ICRISAT, welcomed the participants on behalf of the host centre. The Report of TAC 73 was adopted without amendments. There were no matters arising from the TAC 73 report. The agenda of TAC 74 was adopted without amendments. The Executive Secretary of the CGIAR, Mr. Alexander von der Osten, reported on the major developments in the CGIAR since ICW'97. He highlighted the progress being made in membership drive, partnership, financial support and the System Review. Mr. von der Osten noted that MTM'98, scheduled for Brasilia, will feature discussions on Biotechnology, the System Review, the EPMRs, the Research Agenda and Climate Change.
a) Fourth External Programme and Management Review of CIMMYT
b) Third External Programme and Management Review of IFPRI
c) Fifth External Programme and Management Review of IRRI
TAC discussed the report of the Fourth External Programme and Management Review of CIMMYT which was introduced by Dr. Graham Jenkins, Panel Chair. CIMMYT's response to the Review report was presented by the Board Chair, Dr. Wally Falcon, and the Director General, Dr. Timothy Reeves. The Panel's findings were favourable: CIMMYT conducts high quality science, has an impressive record of impacts and achievements, is well managed, and remains a flagship centre of the System. TAC endorsed the Panel's recommendations and prepared a commentary for consideration by the CGIAR.
TAC discussed the report of the Third External Programme and Management Review of IFPRI which was introduced by Dr. Samuel Paul, Panel Chair. IFPRI's response to the Review report was presented by the Director General, Dr. Per Pinstrup-Andersen. The overall impression of IFPRI was positive, as the Institute scored high in the relevance and quality of its science, its management, and in its strategic directions. TAC endorsed the Panel's recommendations and prepared a commentary for consideration by the CGIAR.
TAC discussed the report of the Fifth External Programme and Management Review of IRRI which was introduced by Dr. Bernard Tinker, Panel Chair. IRRI's response to the Review report was presented by the Board Chair, Dr. Roelof Rabbinge, the Interim Director General, Dr. Robert Havener and Dr. Kenneth Fischer, the Deputy Director General Research. The Panel's findings were positive: IRRI remains a flagship Centre in the CGIAR System with significant accomplishments during the review period; research of high quality and relevance; and the recent concerns about management have been largely overcome. TAC endorsed the Panel's recommendations and prepared a commentary for consideration by the CGIAR.
TAC discussed Centres' proposed programmes and budgets for 1999 along with their intentions for 2001. TAC was particularly interested in the changes in each Centre's proposed agenda as compared to the 1998-2000 MTP. Where changes were large, TAC assessed the justifications. The focus of TAC's work was on programmatic rather than financial analysis. Proposals for new activities or projects were screened against the general criteria for support by the CGIAR. As well, TAC reviewed Centre proposals for 2001 (as part of maintaining a 3-year planning horizon), assessing marked departures from trend and their justifications. TAC prepared a report on Centre proposals and on TAC's recommendations for discussion at MTM'98.
TAC was informed about the progress of the Review and future plans for the Panel's interaction with the various stakeholders at the MTM in Brasilia. Dr. Geoff Hawtin, Programme Leader for the SGRP and Chair of the Centre Directors Committee, considered that the focus of the Review was right, i.e., what is the global role of the CGIAR in genetic resources, and how should it interact with the international groups with whom it overlaps. He also pointed out that the level of funding needed and how to mobilize it was an issue and so was governance. The main phase of the Review is scheduled to take place in late July/early August 1998. It was noted that the ICWG-GR will draft a response to the Panel's final report in September and share it with the Centre Directors so that TAC would receive a collective response.
TAC discussed possible refinements to the CGIAR External Review Process as part of its ongoing efforts to improve the review process. The discussion covered the following topics: appropriateness of the CGIAR external review model; reliance on CCERs; consistency of reviews; roles of TAC-CGIAR Secretariat staff; and cost of CGIAR reviews. It was noted that there was a need to be flexible in framing the guidelines for the external reviews, particularly now that the current model includes a self-assessment component by the Centres.
TAC discussed a progress report on the development of a CGIAR logframe based on the outcome of a Workshop that was held from 17-19 February in Feldafing, Germany. A final proposal on the CGIAR logframe will now be prepared by a small working group that will solicit comments from Centre Directors and other stakeholders. The final proposal will be discussed more fully at TAC 75 and revised for submission to the CGIAR for consideration at ICW'98.
a) Report of the CGIAR Panel on Proprietary Science and Technology
b) Report of the CGIAR Panel on General Issues in Biotechnology
The Committee discussed the report of the CGIAR Panel on Proprietary Science and Technology which was introduced by Mr. Timothy Roberts, Panel Chair. The report significantly advances comprehension of the issues confronting the CGIAR in dealing with intellectual property rights. In its discussion, TAC appreciated the wealth of synthesized information in the protection of intellectual property with respect to the CGIAR and the broad spectrum of opinions reflected in the report. The discussions and commentary were augmented by earlier views solicited from a range of experts. TAC reaffirmed the Panel's observations and recommendations and prepared a commentary for consideration by the CGIAR.
The report of the CGIAR Panel on General Issues in Biotechnology was introduced by Dr. Sam Dryden, Panel Member, on behalf of the Panel Chair, Dr. Richard Flavell. The Panel echoed the strong role for the CGIAR in genomics and bio-informatics, while recognizing the System's strength in germplasm collection, knowledge of mandate crops and collaborative arrangements. In its discussion, the Committee noted that the report was concise and thought-provoking, bringing out the clear perception of biotechology as a key instrument for genetic improvement. TAC noted that the Panel concentrated its study on the applications of biotechnology for germplasm improvement. The Committee endorsed the Panel's recommendations and prepared a commentary augmented by solicited views of several experts for consideration by the CGIAR.
TAC was informed about the progress made on the Marginal Lands study which is being wound up for submission to the Group. The study report will comprise the following: (i) a paper describing the origin and evolution of the study; (ii) the report of the Panel chaired by Dr. Mike Nelson; (iii) a paper describing a framework for classification of land types in relation to agriculture for use by the Group in discussing all types of land use issues, not just those pertaining to marginal lands; (iv) a paper on poverty and its relationship to agriculture, including land degradation.
TAC noted the progress in the implementation of the External Reviews of CIFOR (chaired by Dr. Jeff Burley), ICRAF (chaired by Dr. Jochen Heuveldop) and the Systemwide Genetic Resources Programme (SGRP) (chaired by Dr. Jaap Hardon). The Panel reports of these reviews will be considered at TAC 75. TAC noted the progress in the planning of the next set of external reviews of ICLARM (main phase February 1999), ILRI (March 1999). ICARDA (August 1999), IIMI and WARDA. The Committee also noted that its review of the ecoregional programmes was to be initiated in 1998.
TAC reconfirmed dates and venues for the following meetings:
|
TAC 75: |
20-26 September 1998 |
CIMMYT, Mexico, D.F., Mexico |
|
TAC 76: |
22-27 March 1999 |
FAO, Rome, Italy |
|
TAC 77: |
20-26 September 1999 |
ISNAR, The Hague, Netherlands |
|
TAC 78: |
19-25 March 2000 |
IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria |
Climate Change
The Committee was briefed by the TAC Chair on USAID's efforts to study climate change and its implications for the CGIAR. In support of this study, Dr. Alison Withey of USAID will visit Centres, compile information and share her findings at TAC 75.
Central Asia Proposal
The Central Asia proposal submitted by nine CGIAR Centres was discussed. Dr. Mohan Saxena of ICARDA, the convening centre, introduced the proposal on behalf of the Director General. TAC noted that much of the CGIAR research is relevant to the region and that a strong case could be made for support of an integrated programme that responded to the dominant opportunities there. The Committee identified four challenges in the region and opined that further efforts to develop an integrated programme of work would be more likely to meet those challenges than the present one.
King Baudouin Award
TAC reviewed and agreed on the criteria by which it will judge the Centre submissions for the 1998 King Baudouin Award to be submitted to TAC by 15 August 1998. The criteria are: (a) Direct or indirect, actual or potential impact on resource-poor farmers and low-income people; (b) Direct or indirect, actual or potential impact on sustainable production systems; (c) Innovation in science; and (d) Partners and collaboration.
ICRISAT's Progress in the Implementation of the Recommendations of the Fourth External Review
TAC considered ICRISAT's report on the progress in implementing the recommendations of the fourth EPMR. The Committee was impressed with the progress being made and outlined several areas where further efforts are required. TAC's commentary on ICRISAT's response to the recommendations of the external review is attached to this report.
