The TAC Secretariat published, in December, 1994, a document entitled, "Review of CGIAR Priorities and Strategies." In this document, it was noted that the CGIAR has the ability "to continuously adapt to changing circumstances (which) should be seen as a strength..." This statement followed the observation that "TAC's review of activity balance, regional distribution of resources, and commodity congruence suggested that the 'founding fathers' of the CGIAR and its changing membership since have charted a course that allows for evolution and change, and continues to address high priority issues."
Specific to root and tuber crops, TAC recommended maintaining current efforts in cassava, sweet potato, potato, and yam, with the last commodity being reviewed for research effectiveness in the "next external review of IITA, which has the global mandate for this commodity."
Additionally, TAC noted the divergence between modified values of production and CGIAR allocations. "Nevertheless, TAC recommends maintaining current efforts in cassava and other root and tuber crops." Later on in the document, it was stated that, "TAC reaffirmed the priority it is currently allocating to the cereal and root and tuber crops," suggesting a linkage in priority setting between cereal crops and root and tuber crops.
The preceding information is important as background in understanding the approach and process that were used for conducting this Inter-Centre Review. During the EPMRs repeated reference was made to the review panels of misunderstandings and misperceptions regarding the appropriate priority and relevant, strategy for the root and tuber crops research within the CGIAR system. Given these stated concerns, it seemed appropriate for the Inter-Centre Review panel to involve appropriate IARC representation.
