Implications of Centre Proposals for CGIAR Priorities
TAC Commentary on Centre Proposals
78. The Chairman introduced the discussion recalling that at the Mid-Term Meeting (MTM) in May 1997 in Cairo, the Group endorsed Centre proposals and TAC recommendations on medium-term resource allocation for 1998-2000. At that time, the Group also agreed that Centre Medium-Term Plans (MTPs) should be three-year plans with a rolling annual horizon. To this end, every year, Centres should submit a revised plan, thus ensuring a regular update of the relatively short-term financial forecast while maintaining their longer-term research perspective. Subsequently, Centres submitted their proposed programmes and budgets for 1999, along with their intentions for 2001, for discussion at TAC 74.
79. After discussion with TAC Members and observers, the TAC Chair concluded that the Committee's assessment of Centre proposals for 1999 and 2001 would start from the formal endorsement of the Committee's recommendations on the 1998-2000 MTP process at MTM'97. The Committee subsequently followed three steps. The first step was to review the Centre proposals for 1999, in particular whether new projects or activities - as compared to the 1998-2000 proposals endorsed at MTM - had been put forward. If Centre proposals were simply an implementation of what had been agreed in last year's MTP, TAC did not proceed with further analysis. On the other hand, if the proposals included new activities or projects then the Committee screened them against the criteria for support by the CGIAR. Particular importance was given to whether the proposed new work would: yield international public goods, contribute directly to the CGIAR goals of poverty alleviation and protection of natural resources, not be available from satisfactory alternative sources of supply, have adequate probability of success, and be comprised of research or research-related activities. In addition, attention was given to shifts among Centre activities; where these were relatively large, TAC sought justification in terms of the criteria described above. Thereafter, TAC reviewed the initial proposals for the year 2001 and screened these against the criteria for CGIAR support as already specified.
80. The focus of TAC's work was on programmatic, rather than financial, analysis. The Committee was particularly interested in the extent to which Centre proposals could be incorporated into the CGIAR Research Agenda.
81. Subsequently, in order to guide bilateral negotiations between members and centres, the Committee examined the implications of Centre proposals for CGIAR resource allocation with respect to priorities as agreed by the Group at MTM'97. Consideration was given to the implications of Centre proposals when aggregated for recommendations on priorities by undertaking, production sector and commodity. In doing so, TAC gave emphasis to the extent to which there was conformity to the MTM'97-endorsed trend rather than to the actual number. In line with the schedule for the CGIAR's new financing arrangements, at TAC 75 in September 1998, the Committee will consider the implications of individual Centre financing plans for CGIAR priorities.
82. Overall, the Committee was pleased that there was considerable congruence between the profile endorsed and Centre proposals. It was noted, however, that the CGIAR is still under-investing slightly in activities for increasing productivity, in particular in germplasm improvement. Members of the Committee also pointed out that investment in areas such as documentation, publications and training for professional development, was somewhat against the trend endorsed by the Group at MTM'97.
83. With respect to sectors and commodities, TAC noted that work on fish and forestry was proceeding towards the 2000 targets endorsed by the Group at MTM'97, but livestock remained below the trend projected while, as a compensating category, the 1999 proposals would lead to crops being relatively oversubscribed. TAC Members were more concerned, however, about projected shortfalls in investment in water management and expressed regret that the current classification system did not allow for a quantification.
84. With respect to crop commodities, TAC noted that the centre proposals for bananas/plantains, cassava, coconut, groundnut, and yam implied levels well below those endorsed at MTM'97 and were not evidently on trend towards those levels. At the same time, a number of crops were relatively well above the trend line towards the Group-endorsed 2000 levels, including barley, cowpea, maize, potato and wheat. TAC emphasized that the latter were above the relative levels endorsed in 1997.
85. The TAC Chair concluded by saying that TAC would revisit these themes in its ICW'98 presentation to the Finance Committee and to the Group. Finally, the TAC Chair thanked TAC Members for their contributions and the CGIAR Secretariat for strong analytical support.
86. After further consideration, TAC prepared the following commentary on the Centre proposals.
CIAT
87. TAC encourages CIAT's continued efforts to better integrate GIS capacity into breeding and IPM programmes, wonders if biotechnology has been adequately utilized as a tool in crop improvement, and commends CIAT for maintaining its programme thrusts in the face of major restructuring. The planned increase in momentum in the methods of participatory research and community management of watershed resource projects, in particular, indicate an emergence from restructuring with strong support for the new lines of work endorsed at MTM97.
88. Overall, TAC certifies that shifts from MTM97 in CIAT's project portfolio have been minor and that no new projects have been proposed.
CIFOR
89. TAC commends CIFOR for its innovative approaches to collaboration and to the way in which research staff have been assembled from multiple partners by secondment or through research collaboration. The four staff scientists from the Government of Indonesia and the two Rockefeller Foundation postdoctorals are but two examples.
90. Overall, TAC certifies that no significant shifts in activities from the MTM97 endorsed MTP have occurred and that new projects incorporate work reflected in other places in the MTP, and hence CGIAR criteria.
CIMMYT
91. TAC notes CIMMYT's concern for the increasing demand for wheat and maize, and the role of these crops in alleviating rural and urban poverty.
92. Overall, TAC certifies that CIMMYT's workplan includes no significant shifts from the MTP endorsed at MTM97 and no new projects.
CIP
93. TAC noted CIP's request to revisit the quantitative analysis on priorities for potato and sweet potato research. TAC recalls that in its 1997 analysis it already undertook a sensitivity analysis of FAO data for the particular situation of potato and sweet potato. However, it will investigate the extent to which there have been further updates in official databases on potato and report on its findings at TAC 75. Overall TAC certifies that shifts from the MTP for 1999 endorsed at MTM97 are justified and that the case for dropping two projects is effectively made. TAC looks forward to receiving in due course CIP's rationale for the changes implied by the Centre's expectations for 2001.
ICARDA
94. ICARDA has made encouraging efforts to develop a more transparent priority-setting process. The Committee also commends ICARDA for its efforts to integrate sustainability concerns in its strategic germplasm research.
95. Overall, TAC certifies that ICARDA's 1999 proposal has adequately justified shifts among projects and that its proposal for 2001 is a consistent extension of the MTP endorsed at MTM97.
ICLARM
96. TAC certifies that ICLARM's proposals for 1999 and 2001 are in line with the MTM97 endorsed 1998-2000 medium-term resource allocation process.
ICRAF
97. TAC notes ICRAF's continuing rationalization in its project portfolio, its re framed regional balance, and its more effective tracking of project activity. The period of consolidation and the reassessment of growth rate are appropriate. TAC continues to urge ICRAF to further define its milestones, adding quantities and dates to those indicators as the projects evolve. This should be possible as outputs become more clearly defined. TAC looks forward to the results of the ongoing EPMR, and of any suggestions for change coming from it.
98. Overall, TAC certifies that ICRAF's proposals convey convincing arguments for the changes made from its MTM97 endorsed MTP.
ICRISAT
99. Although the emphasis of some ICRISAT projects will shift to SSA, the projected resource allocation is below the 50% recommended in the EPMR. The Centre emphasized that additional resources currently utilized at Patancheru (about 20%) are also dedicated to support research in Africa. However it is unclear how much of the work will actually be developed in Africa. It was indicated that a number of projects are restricted and have to be implemented in SSA but a clear understanding could not be reached in terms of percentage. Work in breeding will shift somewhat to SSA. There, in the near term, work in the seven SSA locations will be consolidated into two areas, resulting in a net loss of about 139 staff positions during MTP plan period. In addition a further reduction of 7 IRS and 8 research fellows is projected.
100. ICRISAT has been through a difficult time and the management of ICRISAT has to be commended for bringing about and continuing with the process of implementing the necessary changes.
101. Overall, TAC certifies that the shifts and changes in ICRISAT's proposals for 1999 and 2001 are justified in its planning document and in line with overall CGIAR criteria.
IFPRI
102. TAC brings to the attention of the members of the Group the high priority allocated to research on water policy and on agricultural research indicators and notes with concern that to dale funding has been inadequate to support these activities. IFPRI and ISNAR have now submitted revised and scaled-down proposals on work on agricultural research indicators. TAC calls the attention of the members to the need of support for these themes.
103. Overall, TAC certifies that the shifts in IFPRI's portfolio from the MTM97-endorsed allocations have been adequately justified and that its projects meet overall criteria for CGIAR support.
IIMI
104. Overall, TAC certifies that the modest shifts in IIMI's portfolio have been adequately justified and that no new projects have been proposed. The Committee recalls the high priority allocated to research on water management issues and expresses concern about the limited support that IIMI has received for its proposed activities. TAC shares the concern about the low portion of funding IIMI receives as unrestricted, which compels the scientific staff to spend disproportionate amounts of their time on project preparation and fund raising. TAC urges the members of the Group to give serious consideration to these issues and to take the necessary steps to ensure that IIMI's research proposals can be implemented.
IITA
105. The Committee notes that despite minor adjustments IITA aims to maintain a well-balanced research for the humid and sub-humid tropics of sub-Saharan Africa. That IITA plays a leadership role in parasitic weed initiatives is appropriate. TAC notes that good progress has been made in the elaboration of milestones. As suggested by TAC 7 3, the project on technology transfer for Malawi has been treated as a non-agenda project.
106. Overall, TAC certifies that shifts from the IITA plan endorsed at MTM97 have been modest and that no projects are envisioned in the proposals presented.
ILRI
107. Overall, TAC certifies that shifts from the ILRI plan endorsed at MTM97 have been adequately justified for 1999 and 2001.
IPGRI
108. IPGRI's proposals reflect the Institute's positive response to responsibilities bestowed on it by the international community, particularly its role as convenor of the Systemwide Genetic Resources Programme. TAC certifies that the shifts in IPGRI's budget are adequately justified and that new projects fit CGIAR criteria.
IRRI
109. TAC certifies that the shifts envisioned from the IRRI portfolio of work endorsed at MTM97 are adequately justified and, where new work is contemplated, is in accord with CGIAR criteria.
ISNAR
110. TAC is grateful to the Director General of ISNAR, Dr. Stein Bie, for his clear presentation of the ISNAR proposals. The Committee considers ISNAR's 1999-2001 MTP to be broadly in line with CGIAR goals, priorities and strategies. The Committee is supportive of the broad vision outlined in the MTP, which has resulted from the development of a revised strategy by ISNAR, following the recommendations of the EPMR.
· TAC notes the similarity of the proposed ISNAR niche with the mission and goals of ISNAR as formulated in its revised 1989 Constitution. ISNAR's proposals are thoughtful and provide an adequate basis on which it can plan its work. The four proposed thrusts for proactive research are appropriate and worthy of strong support.· TAC notes, however, that the proposed thrusts are very broad and that more specific themes and issues, which will be subject of ISNAR's research activities, will need to be identified.
· The Committee also considers that ISNAR's new approach, which gives much more emphasis to proactive research, will require a change both in project portfolio and in mix of staff and skills. In this regard, TAC hopes that the management of ISNAR will make rapid progress in implementing the necessary changes. Most of the current projects are an amplification or continuation of earlier projects. The Committee also notes the limited skills in management research ISNAR has available even though the Centre is developing collaborations to help address the issues involved. TAC concurs with the concept of a programme of ISNAR associates that will enhance in-house capacity but notes that it cannot be considered as a substitute for improving the core skill mix of the Institute's staff.
111. TAC is encouraged by the progress ISNAR has made, particularly in developing a framework for its research, and emphasizes that the challenge now is to initiate the necessary changes to help the Institute implement that vision. The Committee would like to be kept informed about progress made in the transition and expects ISNAR to report on the implementation of changes at TAC 76 in March 1999. Finally, TAC reiterates its comments made on the IFPRI MTP with respect to the joint IFPRI/ISNAR agricultural research indicators project. It recalls the high priority assigned to this project and calls upon the members of the Group to provide strong support.
112. Overall, TAC believes that the 1999-2001 MTP presented by ISNAR is consistent with CGIAR goals and criteria, and that it fits well within the aggregate portfolio of work endorsed by the Group at MTM97.
WARDA
113. TAC considers that WARDA should continue to work towards greater overhead recovery from donors. While a significant portion of international staff are assigned from collaborating agencies, adding significantly to WARDA capacity, it should seek to recover full cost of this maintenance and support wherever possible. It is recognised that most of this work is a part of WARDA's MTP agenda.
114. TAC certifies that the WARDA proposals for 1999 and for 2001 do not depart significantly from the MTP endorsed by the Group at MTM97.
