Strategies for Livestock Research in the CGIAR: Report of the Steering Committee on Livestock Research
Towards a CGIAR Strategy for Genetic Resources
CGIAR Medium-Term Resource Allocation: 1994-98
Future Strategies and Structure for the CGIAR
The External Review Process: Impressions of an External Review Panel
Future Reviews
King Baudouin Award 1994
Future Meetings
TAC discussed the report of the Steering Committee on International Livestock Research chaired by Dr. Lucia Vaccaro. TAC Members were complimentary about the rapid progress that had been made by the Committee. The discussion focused on the links between global and ecoregional research, the respective responsibilities of the Implementing Group and the proposed task forces, the strategic planning process and the regional priorities of livestock research. It was agreed that, while the expertise of the existing centres should not be ignored, this expertise should not be allowed to dominate the new Centre for International Research on Livestock (CIRL).
TAC considered and endorsed a proposal to commission a stripe study of genetic resources in the CGIAR with a focus on the conservation aspects. It would be conducted by an external panel which is expected to consult broadly with donors, FAO, UNEP, NARS, regional organizations, NGOs and the private sector, largely through correspondence. The terms of reference for the study are: to study the ways in which the CGIAR discharges its responsibilities for genetic resources conservation; and, as appropriate, to recommend options to TAC for a change in CGIAR strategy which recognises its place in a global system of biodiversity. The panel's report would be considered by TAC in March 1994 and by the CGIAR at MTM'94.
TAC Members reviewed the Report on CGIAR Medium-Term Resource Allocation: 1994-98 which had been submitted to ICW'93. They considered that it accurately reflected their discussions at TAC 61. Further consideration was given to responses received from ILRAD, CIP and ICRAF.
TAC also considered the impact of budget shortfalls on centres between 1990 and 1993. It noted that funding for the 13 pre-expansion centres had declined by 26% in real terms. Centres had responded to this in three ways: reductions in the number of staff and in the scope and number of programmes; contingency actions, running down reserves and working capital; and a constrained rate of growth.
TAC Members endorsed the revised Chapter 13 of the Report on CGIAR Priorities and Strategies as submitted to the Group. Discussion took place on the accountability issue of ecoregional programmes associated with their implementation, and the need for greater attention to priority setting in ecoregional initiatives.
Chapter 5 of the report of the 1993 ICARDA External Review had raised issues on several aspects of the review process, particularly: panel size and the role of resource persons; trade-offs between efficiency, efficacy and expediency elements; the scope of the review in relation to NARS-oriented issues, and the survey instruments used. The item was initially discussed by TAC alone and then in a joint session with Centre Directors and Board Chairs. The discussion highlighted the trade-offs involved in the review process, and the difficulties in dealing with NARS-oriented issues. While no easy solutions emerged from the discussion, it was agreed that TAC should experiment with new ideas to strengthen the external review process.
TAC noted that the initial phase of the IIMI Review would be from 7 to 11 November 1993, followed by field visits in Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso. The main phase of the Review would be conducted from 17 February to 8 March 1994.
The Committee noted the timing and arrangements for the Fourth External Reviews of CIP, CIAT and IITA. The main phases of the Reviews of CIP and CIAT were planned for January/February 1995, and of IITA for April 1995. The Reviews would be conducted by small panels and supported, as appropriate, by consultants and resource persons. TAC also noted the progress made in: the planning of inter-centre studies on public policy and public management research; CGIAR delivery mechanisms in West Africa, to be conducted also in 1994; and the Inter-Centre Review of Roots and Tubers, to be conducted simultaneously with the External Reviews of CIP, CIAT and IITA in 1995.
The Mid-Term Review of ICLARM would be conducted in early 1995.
TAC reviewed the criteria to be applied for assessing the 1994 submissions for the King Baudouin International Agricultural Research Award. The Committee revised the criteria to emphasize scientific quality and relevance, and to make them consistent with the mission and goals of the CGIAR. Centres were invited to make submissions by 15 March 1994 for consideration by TAC. The winning entry would receive the Award at ICW'94.
The following dates and venues were considered and approved:
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TAC 63: |
21-27 March 1994, FAO, Rome, Italy |
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TAC 64: |
20-26 June 1994, WARDA, Bouaké, Cote d'Ivoire |
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TAC 65: |
17-22 October 1994, IFPRI, Washington D.C., U.S. A |
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TAC 66: |
14-25 March 1995, CIP, Lima, Peru |
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TAC 67: |
a seven-day window between 11-25 July 1995, IRRI, Manila, Philippines |
