Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
Technical Advisory Committee and CGIAR Secretariat
TAC SECRETARIAT
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
March 1996
TAC Commentary on the Fourth External Programme and Management Review of IITA
IITA's Response to the Report of the Fourth External Programme and Management Review
Transmittal Letter from Panel Chairman to TAC Chairman and CGIAR Executive Secretary
CHAPTER 1 - BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
1.1. Challenge of Food Security and Sustainability in Tropical sub-Saharan Africa
1.2. Origin and Evolution of IITA
1.3. Current Mandate and the Role of IITA
1.3.1. IITA's Operational Mandate
1.3.2. Role and Relevance of IITA1.4.1. IITA Headquarters and Other Main Locations
1.4.2. Programme Strategy and Structure
1.4.3. Funding
1.4.4. Staffing1.5. IITA's Response to the Recommendations of the 1990 External Review
CHAPTER 2 - RESEARCH PROGRAMMES
2.1.1. Grain Legume Improvement Programme (GLIP)
2.1.2. Root and Tuber Improvement Programme (RTIP)
2.1.3. Plantain and Banana Improvement Programme (PBIP)
2.1.4. Maize Research Programme (MIP)
2.1.5. Overall Assessment2.2.1. Overview and Evolution of the Programme
2.2.2. Biological Control Programme (BCP)
2.2.3. Host Plant Resistance Programme and Habitat Management Programme
2.2.4. Overall Assessment2.3. Resource and Crop Management Research
2.3.1. Evolution of Resource and Crop Management Research at IITA Since 1990
2.3.2. Achievements
2.3.3. IITA's Current Resource and Crop Management Research
2.3.4. Assessment2.4. Cross-Divisional Integration
CHAPTER 3 - INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Cooperation with National Programmes
3.2.1. Special Projects and the Resident Scientist Scheme
3.2.2. Research Liaison Scientist Scheme
3.2.3. Networks3.3.1. Introduction
3.3.2. Activities and Achievements
3.3.3. Assessment
CHAPTER 4 - GOVERNANCE AND RESEARCH MANAGEMENT
4.1.1. Overview of the IITA Board of Trustees
4.1.2. Size and Composition of the Board
4.1.3. Frequency of Board Meetings
4.1.4. Management of the Board
4.1.5. Selection, Orientation and Development of Trustees
4.1.6. Research Policy and Programme Oversight
4.1.7. Management Policy and Operations Oversight4.2. Leadership and Organization
4.2.1. Continuing Evolution
4.2.2. Assessment of DG's Leadership Style
4.2.3. Assessment of the Research Culture
4.2.4. Assessment of Structure of Scientific Leadership
4.2.5. Assessment of Structure for International Cooperation
4.2.6. Assessment of Divisional Structure
4.2.7. Assessment of Decentralization
4.2.8. Management of the Ecoregional Consortia Initiative4.3.1. IITA's Research Planning and Management Process
4.3.2. Plans to Introduce Project-Based Research Management
4.3.3. Assessment and Future Evolution of the Research Management Process
4.3.4. Assessment of Other Research Management Aspects
CHAPTER 5 - ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATIONS
5.1. Management of Human Resources
5.1.1. Introduction
5.1.2. International Staff
5.1.3. National Staff
5.1.4. The Human Resources Function - Staffing and Approach
5.1.5. Other Human Resources Services5.2.1. Financial Condition and Budget Strategy
5.2.2. Financial Management System
5.2.3. Auditing
5.2.4. Integrated Planning and Budgeting5.3. Information and Computer Services
5.4. Physical Plant and Administrative Services
5.4.1. Physical Plant Services
5.4.2. Administrative Services
CHAPTER 6 - INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
6.1. Host Country Relationships
6.2. National Institutions
6.3. CGIAR Centres and Other International Organizations
6.3.1. Introduction
6.3.2. CGIAR Centres
6.3.3. Non-CGIAR Centres and Others
8.1. Major Long-Term Accomplishments
8.2. The Last Five Years
8.3. Current Directions
8.4. IITA's Future Role
Appendix I - Composition of the Panel and Biographical Information
Appendix II - Terms of Reference for External Reviews of CGIAR Centres
Appendix III - List of Institutions Visited and Persons Met
Appendix IV - Survey on IITA Programmes
Appendix V - Documents Provided to the Review Panel
Appendix VI - Assessment of IITA's Progress in Implementing the Recommendations of the 1990 External Review
Appendix VII - Glossary of Acronyms