TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Donald Winkelmann, Chairman
12 April, 1998
Dear Mr. Serageldin,
It is our pleasure to submit to you the report of the First External Review of ILRI which was conducted recently by a Panel chaired by Dr. Samuel Jutzi. We also attach ILRI's response to the Review report and the TAC commentary, which summarizes the Committee's reactions to the Panel's report and ILRI's response.
The Panel has conducted a constructively critical and strategically oriented review of the Centre, and has done so with the intent of helping the CGIAR set a tropical animal science research agenda consistent with the growing importance of the livestock sector to the future human food supply in developing countries. We agree with the Panel's observation that ILRI management, board, and staff have done notably well in unifying ILCA and ILRAD.
TAC concurs with the Panel's view that ILRI is well placed to carry out strategic research, especially in the areas of biotechnology and genomics applied to livestock, feed resources and animal nutrition, and integrated improvement of tropical animal health and production. As well, it strongly endorses the Panel's concept of a global animal science research agenda that contributes to the CGIAR's goals of poverty alleviation and environmental protection. Given the rapidity of changes in livestock science, technology and markets, we welcome the Panel's recommendation that ILRI give immediate attention to revising its strategic plan, including its programme structure, priority setting process, and partnership arrangements, in order to be better positioned to meet future challenges in the sector.
The Group should commend ILRI's Board and management for the progress which has been made since ILRI's foundation. We note, in particular, the Board's effectiveness in ensuring financial accountability and for its attention to Board procedures. As well, in a fast moving world, we note the need for a clearer delineation of responsibility for Board and management functions.
TAC notes the Panel's commendations about the chances that ILRI's output has significant potential for impact. We have no doubt that ILRI has considerable potential to be a world leader in livestock research and trust that, in implementing the Panel's recommendations, it will continue to warrant the strong support of the CGIAR.
We recommend that the Group endorse this review report. TAC plans to interact with ILRI during the implementation of the review's key recommendations.
Yours sincerely,
Alexander von der Osten
Executive Secretary, CGIAR
Donald L. Winkelmann
Chair, TAC
