Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research - CGIAR
From: The Secretariat
December 1998
International Centers Week
October 26-30, 1998
Washington D.C., USA
Second External Programme and Management Review of ICRAF
Mr. Elias Fereres, TAC member, presented an overview of the review report, ICRAF's response, the TAC commentary, and the suggested actions to be taken by the CGIAR. The Review Panel Chair, Jochen Heuveldop, and ICRAF representatives Yemi Katerere, Board Chair, and Pedro Sanchez, Director General, responded, followed by broader discussion. The Chair of the parallel session, Roberto Lenton, summarized the conclusions and recommendations.
Comments and Issues
The members concurred with the overall conclusion that ICRAF has successfully transformed itself into a major agroforestry research institution. They expressed serious concern that the ratio of restricted to unrestricted funding (65:35 percent) seriously limits ICRAF's flexibility to carry out its mandate. This is an urgent issue for CGIAR members.
There was no consensus on the Panel's recommendation that ICRAF undertake research in new areas such as vegetative propagation, and market development and strategic planning for value-added activities. It was noted with satisfaction that ICRAF's Board has taken steps to implement the Panel's recommendation on strategic oversight of its programme.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The CGIAR:
· Recognized the Review Panel's positive assessment of ICRAF, endorsed its recommendations, and thanked the Panel for its excellent report. It largely supported TAC's comments on the Review report.· Expressed serious concern about the low level of ICRAF's unrestricted funding and the lack of full recovery of overhead costs charged to projects, both of which threaten the viability of ICRAF's research programmes.
· Recommended that the Finance Committee and the donor community collectively address the urgent systemwide issue of low levels of unrestricted funding and overhead recovery.
· Commended ICRAF for its outstanding achievements during the review period and urged donors to provide continued strong support to the Centre.
