Archives

Vol. 2 No. 9
May 1-15, 2001
CGIAR redefines role for 21st century
by Junelyn S. dela Rosa

In a strong move to redefine and reposition itself for the 21st century, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) launched a "change design and management initiative" during the International Centers Week (ICW 2000). The initiative consists of three over-arching goals: 1) to strengthen and improve the CGIAR's relevance and impact, 2) to sharpen internal efficiency and 3) to stabilize long-term financing.

Composed of 16 international centers and 58 members, the CGIAR has excellent resources, an impressive accomplishment and a long list of continuing successes spanning three decades. Much of CGIAR's success could be attributed to its policy of continuing efforts at self-improvement.

CGIAR Chair Dr. Ian Johnson said that the proposed change on structure and governance is deemed appropriate due to the growing concern that the research output of CGIAR's 16 independent centers are fragmented. In addition, there is a growing concern regarding duplication and systemwide inefficiency. Some CGIAR members have also tagged the unnecessary expense incurred by too frequent meetings of too many people and perhaps too many Centers, and the system has a confusing public image complicating public awareness programs.

ICW 2000 was preceded by a number of preparatory events including the formulation of a new vision by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), consultations among shareholders and stakeholders, proposals from Center Directors and Center Board Chairs, and an open electronic discussion on the possible direction and form of change.

To move the change process forward after ICW 2000, Dr. Ian Johnson set up a Change Design and Management Team (CDMT), guided by an ad hoc Steering Group (SG) of stakeholders. Dr. Johnson heads the Steering Group while Dr. Margaret-Catley-Carlson, former president of CIDA, chairs the CDMT.

The CDMT proposed changes were based on the principles agreed at ICW 2000. It was the SG that guided the CDMT in formulating its views and in crafting recommendations for action drawing on the many excellent studies done in the CGIAR System.

Since then, CDMT has had three meetings with the Steering Group, received many suggestions and comments from around the world in response to Web posting, and produced, discussed and revised three interim papers. This has made the year-long discussion a highly participatory process.

The final paper entitled: "Designing and Managing Change in the CGIAR" will be discussed by CGIAR stakeholders at the Mid-Term Meeting (MTM'01) on May 21-25, 2001 at the Royal Hall in Durban, South Africa. Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) Director and Steering Group Member, Dr. Eliseo R. Ponce, will represent the Philippines in this meeting.

The repositioned CGIAR is characterized as a system that will focus a major part of its efforts on Global Challenge Programs (GCPs) or large multi-institutional research programs that address specific problem areas using the expertise and competence of existing and new Center and other partners.

Also, most research programs will be identified through a process that incorporates suggestions of the on-the-ground partners and potential new allies. The approach to problems is defined within a vision of how the best science coupled with other knowledge, can address the most urgent issues of reducing and promoting development.

Another significant initiative will be that the work of the Centers whether in large GCPs or in their regular programs should be well coordinated and managed in a manner that it provides for economy of scale, coherence of approach to systemic issues, and a comprehensible dynamic public image.

Finally, the new CGIAR System's decision-making shall support the work of the Centers, including their work in the global programs, and the investors and stakeholders. The CGIAR System will be able to make decisions when they are needed, and have provisions for implementation and follow through and for organizing its work and planning processes. The CGIAR will attract new funding for its vital work.

The first order changes are: the adoption of the programmatic approach, the revitalization and redefinition of the role of TAC to become a Science Council, a determined fund-raising canvas of potential donors, the creation of an Executive Council, and a Systems Office with the Centers determining among themselves how they wish to improve the organization of services.

Dr. Margaret Catley-Carlson said, "the activity has revealed both apprehension about change, and excitement about potentially new ways of intervening to promote concerted and decisive interventions on crucial issues".

May 1-15 2001 Articles:

:: Farmers, private sector renew ties with BAR
:: PhilCorn institutional plan developed
:: BAR technical expert proposes scheme for public-private sector partnership
:: CGIAR redefines role for 21st century
:: A second look at biotechnology
:: 3 national team leaders take posts
:: PhilFruits establishment plan reviewed

::: More May 2001 articles :::