Dr. Jochen Heuveldop
Chair of World Forestry
University of Hamburg
Leuschnerstrasse 91
21031 Hamburg, Germany
Tel: (49-40) 7396 2100/101
Fax: (49-40) 7252 2665
10 July 1998
Dr. Don Winkelmann
Chair
Technical Advisory Committee
Mr. Alexander von der Osten
Executive Secretary
Consultative Group on. International Agricultural Research
Dear Dr. Winkelmann and Mr. von der Osten,
I am pleased to transmit to you the Report of the Panel that conducted the Second External Programme and Management Review (EPMR) of the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF).
Since entering the CGIAR System in 1991, ICRAF has worked hard and diligently at transforming itself into a full-fledged and well-managed CGIAR institution. It has now become a major force in research and development in agroforestry. The Panel strongly commends the Board, management and staff for this excellent accomplishment.
ICRAF's global and regional programmes have evolved rapidly since the last EPMR, and they address key needs and important topics. There is good evidence that the programmes are producing useful outputs with prospects for substantial impact in the near future. The Panel believes that ICRAF's activities are closely linked to its mission and goals, and to CGIAR goals. ICRAF's regionalized planning and priority setting processes are consistent with its decentralized matrix structure, and both of these are evolving. To give direction to their development, and to provide a coherent framework for the MTP preparation, the Panel has recommended that ICRAF update its Centre-wide strategy and prepare regional strategies. This should improve the correspondence between ICRAF's programme outputs and regional needs, as well as the generation of international public goods that relate to achieving its goals.
Agroforestry by definition involves mixing trees with crops and animals on farms and in landscapes. Such integrated land use systems are complex, knowledge intensive and situation specific. A research strategy aiming to improve such systems must be accompanied by an effective strategy for partnership with national programmes. The Panel commends ICRAF for fostering a collaborative approach to addressing key agroforestry needs. However, the Panel believes that, as ICRAF evolves, it should pay particular attention to encouraging partnerships with national programmes that are mutually reinforcing, and remain sensitive to the capacity strengthening needs of scientists in national programmes. Although ICRAF has a visible presence in the international research community, it is too early to judge the effectiveness of ICRAF's strategy on partnership with national programmes.
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ICRAF's governance and management functions have become more complex since it joined the CGIAR System. While in general the Board is well led, effective and takes its responsibility seriously, the Panel has concluded that the Board should increase its programme oversight.
Overall, the Panel considers that ICRAF's research, management and governance are of good quality. The leadership of the Centre is dynamic and committed to the Centre goals; and ICRAF's management systems and procedures are sound. The Panel has made recommendations and suggestions where it has seen potential for further improvement.
ICRAF's challenge for the future is to find the right balance in its research and development activities to satisfy multiple constituencies. ICRAF cannot be everything to everyone. The Panel considers that ICRAF is well positioned to meet the challenges ahead and to take advantage of the opportunities to contribute to poverty alleviation, food security and environmental protection and enhancement. We fully endorse the CGIAR's continued strong support for ICRAF.
Despite their different backgrounds and expertise, the Panel members worked as a team with great enthusiasm and sense of purpose. I thank you for assembling such a capable and experienced review team, and express my special personal appreciation to all the Panel members for their untiring effort, willing cooperation and dry sense of humour.
Amir Kassam from the TAC Secretariat, and Pammi Sachdeva from the CGIAR Secretariat served as resource persons and supported the Panel throughout the Review in an effective and exemplary manner. They, with their comprehensive knowledge of the CGIAR System and of the CGIAR external review process, ensured the timely completion of our assignment. To both of them we owe a special debt of gratitude.
ICRAF Board, management and staff cooperated in everyway and ensured that our working environment was optimal. We express our thanks to them.
Finally, all the Panel members join me in expressing appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the challenging task of conducting this Review. We hope that the Report will be useful to the CGIAR as well as to ICRAF and its partners.
Yours sincerely,
Jochen Heuveldop
Chair, External Review Panel
