Setting agricultural research priorities for the CGIAR

Abstract

The CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research) is a small but significant component of the global agricultural research system. With its limited financial resources, it has to be selective in its role and choice of research portfolio. An updated report on CGIAR priorities and strategies is produced every five years by TAC (Technical Advisory Committee to the CGIAR) to guide system-wide resource allocation taking into consideration an appropriate balance between centers, activities, commodities, regions and agro-ecological zones. In considering priorities, TAC is guided by several important factors such as the CGIAR mission and goal, emerging trends in world agriculture, and the evolution of scientific capacity in developing countries. The current approach has been modified to account for the expanded mandate of the CGIAR, greater emphasis on sustain-ability and resource management issues, allow for meaningful interactions with stakeholders, ensure transparency in decision making, and develop mechanisms which facilitate CGIAR priority setting as a continuing activity. The analytical framework used by TAC has three dimensions: first, an activities dimension, including the five categories of CGIAR research and research-related activities: second, a spatial dimension with nine agro-ecological zones and four geographic regions; third, a product dimension, with four main production sectors and their respective commodities. Quantitative tools have been used in addition to informed judgement and decision making. The implications of TAC's views on CGIAR priorities are discussed and conclusions made on outstanding issues and current TAC views on the future structure of the CGIAR.