Abstract
<p>Adequately equipped field stations are essential for any institution involved with applied agricultural research. The field station is particularly crucial to the functioning of the network of global international research centers. The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas addresses issues mainly related to dryland cropping system of the West Asia and North Africa region. It extends its effectiveness in northern Syria through a range of sub-stations and on-farm sites across the rainfall transect (150-600 mm). This article describes the environment and management of the Center that backstops its applied and adaptive research. Particular strengths of the station are highlighted. Unique features of the station that further the technology generation and transfer are described. While some aspects of international research station management are generic, there are considerations described that are specific to an evolving dryland research center in a rapidly changing region.</p>
Highlights
Despite the technological achievement in agriculture in the past century, which brought enormous benefits to mankind, the challenges we face are daunting
The field station is crucial to the functioning of the network of global international research centers
The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas addresses issues mainly related to dryland cropping system of the West Asia and North Africa region
Summary
Despite the technological achievement in agriculture in the past century, which brought enormous benefits to mankind, the challenges we face are daunting These challenges hinge on population growth rates and global resources. While Kirschenmann (2007) questioned the principles underpinning industrial agriculture of the past, he opined that the future should be based on a more diverse and complex system of food and fiber production Against this global imperative to produce more food, and to do it is a sustainable manner without determent to the earth's natural resources (e.g., soil, water, biodiversity), the research challenges for agricultural scientists have never been greater, especially in lesser developed countries that account for most of the world's population growth (Godfray et al, 2010). Greater investment is vital to ensure agricultural development, especially in funding international research institutions designed to promote development
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