Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Donald Winkelmann, Chairman
16 April 1997
Dear Mr. Serageldin,
We are pleased to submit to you the report of the Third External Programme and Management Review of ISNAR which was conducted recently under the chairmanship of Mr. Samuel Paul of India. The review report and the written response of the ISNAR management and Board of Trustees were considered by TAC at its 72nd meeting in March in the presence of the Panel Chair. ISNAR was represented by the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Amir Muhammed, the Director General, Mr. Stein Bie, and the Deputy Director General, Mr. Howard Elliott.
In addition to the report of the panel, there are two attachments to this letter. The first contains the TAC commentary which summarizes TAC's and the CGIAR Secretariat's reactions to the panel's report and to ISNAR's response. The second attachment is the response of ISNAR.
We are pleased to note that the review found ISNAR to be well administered, that ISNAR's outputs have increased considerably over the last five years, both in terms of quality and quantity, and that NARS and other stakeholders have indicated high satisfaction with ISNAR's work and services. Nevertheless, we agree with the review's finding that some important directional changes will be required to help ISNAR respond more effectively to a rapidly changing external environment and to develop a more coherent research agenda. ISNAR should formulate a new strategic plan and carefully review its priority-setting process. We also urge that ISNAR develop a strategic research agenda and ensure that mechanisms are in place to guarantee high quality in all of its work.
Mr. Ismail Serageldin
CGIAR Chair
World Bank
1818 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20433
USA
355 E. Palace Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501 · (1-505) 988-1284 · FAX: (1-505) 988-1285 · [email protected]
We are encouraged that the Board and management have responded favourably to the recommendations of the review and that the incoming Director General will initiate a strategic planning process as soon as possible.
TAC agrees with the panel that ISNAR's mandate and mission continue to be relevant. With the directional changes proposed and a more coherent research agenda, we believe that ISNAR will continue to have a prominent place within the CGIAR System. We recommend continued strong support to ISNAR by the CGIAR.
Yours sincerely,Alexander von der Osten
Executive Secretary, CGIARDonald L. Winkelmann
TAC Chair
