CGIAR SCIENTISTS AWARDED NEW CGIAR MILLENNIUM WORLD FOOD PRIZE CHAIRMAN Two CIMMYT scien- Dr. Villegas is the first W o rld Ian Johnson, tists have been awarded woman ever to receiveh w orldvBankeVice the Millennium World the World Food Prize. President for Food Prize for three Environmentally decades of ardent "This is people-centered and Socially research effort to science at its very best, .'Sustainable produce a higher providing better nutri- Development, yilding, mr w - - tion while fostering was named soyne type of co le- economic growth for Chairman of quality protein maze- the world's poor," said CGIAR. He quality proteing to maiz the food-and nutri-CGIAR Chairman Ian takes on the CGIAR leadership role in thatisn helping to meetis te food a . ntri- Johnson. "We salute our colleagues at addition to his regular responsibilities. tion needs of millions of poor people. Dr. CIMMYT for overcoming long scientific Evangelina Villegas, a Mexican odds to develop, test, and distribute to "Ian Johnson has the unique combi- biochemist, and Dr. Surinder K. Vasal, an developing countries varieties of high nation of substantive knowledge, Indian plant geneticist, received the quality protein maize that are preventing passionate commitment to development, $250,000 prize at ceremonies October 12 malnutrition worldwide." and leadership skills to head the in Des Moines, Iowa. CGLAR," announced World Bank Continued on page 2 President James D. Wolfensohn. "A strong environmentalist, he has been an important member of my management team and was one of the architects of the NEW CGIAR DIRECTOR APPOINTED Global Environment Facility He brings to the task a deep understanding about Francisco Reifschneider, currently ment of agriculture, the Frederico de M. the need tofight poverty by promoting Head of International Cooperation, Veiga Prize. He has been widely rural development, improving natural Brazilian Agricultural Research published. He was awarded his first resource management, and increasing Corporation (EMBRAPA) has been chosen degree, in agronomy, at the University of poor people's capacity to improve their as the new CGIAR Director to succeed Brazil, and his Ph.D. in plant pathology, at own lives.' Alexander von der Osten who will be the University of Wisconsin. At the "It is an honor to accept this retiring in November 2000. CGIAR his connections are strong, having appointment," Johnson said. "The Francisco has had extensive national been associated with the Consultative CGIAR is one of the best examples of and international experience, collabo- Council, as member of the Finance a successful partnership to improve rating with FAO and the World Bank, and Committee, and Vice Chairman of agricultural development in some of with several national institutes outside CIFOR's Board of Trustees. the world's poorest, ecologically fragile Brazil. He received Brazil's highest award 4 areas. Co for major contributions to the develop- Visit our website www.cgiar.org and www.futureharvest.org CGIAR NEWS - PAGE 1 MILLENIUM WORLD FOOD 2000 Sir John Crawford PRIZE Continuedfrom page 1 Memorial Lecture Ambassador Kenneth M. Quinn, Executive Director of the World Food This year's star speaker is Mr. J. Craig Prize Foundation, praised the Venter, President, Celera Genomics, "painstaking scientific detective work that who will speak on "Genomics: From finally achieved the breakthrough Microbes to Man" on Thursday, discovery of how significant amounts of October 26, 2000 at 5:30 pm in the additional protein could be added to low World Bank's 'H' Auditorium. nutrition maize." Mr. Venter led the hugely-successful Quality protein maize looks and tastes private sector effort to decode the like normal maize, but it contains twice human genome. A friend and ardent the amount of essential amino acids, supporter of the CGIAR, he donated the lysine and tryptophan. The nutritional entire proceeds of the prestigious 2000 value of quality protein maize approaches King Faisal International Award to that of protein from skim milk. Children support ILRI's collaborative efforts with Mr. Craig Venter can meet 90 percent of their daily protein needs by eating only 175 grams. In roural The Institute of Genomic Research Government as part of CGIAR Guizhou, China's poorest province, the (TIGR), a prvate non-profit research International Centers Week. Sir John lives of poor people have been almost institute to develop a vaccine for East Crawford was a distinguished civil miraculously transformed after the intro- Coast Fever. servant, educator, and agriculturist who duction of quality protein maize as part of The Sir John Crawford Memorial was one of the founders of the CGIAR. a government program to alleviate Lecture is sponsored by the Australian hunger. Dr. Villegas, from Mexico, joined CIMMYT in 1967 and was named head of the General Services laboratory in 1972, a position she held until her retirement in NEWV C GIAR CHAIRMAN Continuedfrom page 1 1989. She holds a doctorate in cereal chemistry and plant breeding from North Dakota State University. Ian Johnson joined the World Bank in environment: biodiversity loss, climate Dr. Vasal, from India, joined CIMMYT 1980 as a Young Professional. Since 1998, change, degradation of international as a post-doctoral fellow in 1970. He has he has been the World Bank Vice President waters, and ozone depletion. During held numerous research positions at the for Environmentally and Socially Sustain- 1992-1996, he served as GEF Center and in 1992 was promoted to the able Development, one of the Bank's largest Administrator and Assistant Chief rank of distinguished scientist and Team departments responsible for rural and Executive Officer. Johnson, a British Leader of CIMMYT's Asian Regional social development and the environment. national, was educated at the University of Maize Program in Thailand. He earned Before that he held appointments as energy Wales, University of Sussex, and Harvard university education and academic economist, principal economist, assistant University. degrees from various institutions in India. CEO of the Global Environment Facility, Johnson succeeds Ismail Serageldin, Six World Food Prize Laureates have and senior manager of the Bank's who led the CGIAR from 1994 untilJuly been associated with CGIAR research: Environment Department. 10, 2000, when he stepped down as World M. S. Swaminathan (IRRI), Robert E Johnson helped found the Global Bank Vice President and as CGIAR Chair. Chandler (IRRI), John Niederhauser Environment Facility (GEF), which was ^ (CIP), Hans Herren (IITA), Henry M. established after the Rio Earth Summit to Beachell (IRRI), and Gurdev S. Khush combat four critical threats to the global (IRRI). I& PAGE 2 & CGIAR NEWS INTERNATIONAL CENTERS WEEK 2000 Hundreds of CGIAR members, scien- ture. The practice of holding a Centers' I N T H I S I S S U E tists, and agricultural researchers will Forum - a series of Center presentations attend CGIAR's International Centers under a unifying theme and spread out Week (called ICW2000) from October 23 across ICW - will be continued. This CGIAR Scientists Win World - 27, 2000 in Washington, DC. Titled year's Forum will run from October 24 to "Charting the CGIAR's Future - Reshaping 27, and highlight Center efforts and 1 New CGIAR Chairman CGIAR's Organization," the meeting will impacts in mobilizing frontier science be inaugurated by Ian Johnson, CGIAR to produce global public goods that 1 New CGIAR Director Appointed Chairman and World Bank Vice President. benefit all. 2 2000 Crawford Lecturer: Building on the momentum of the Other highlights include a special J. Craig Venter Dresden Mid-Term Meeting, which session on October 25 "The CGIAR in unveiled a new vision emphasizing both the New Millennium: From Renewal to 3 International Centers Week 2000 the poverty aspect of CGIAR research and Rebirth" to honor former CGIAR 4 Tapping into the CGIAR the opportunities offered by modem chairman Ismail Serageldin,. The tradi- science, ICW2000 will discuss: tional Sir John Crawford Memorial 6 Cornuc ors * Vision and Strategy, Organizational Lecture will be held on October 26 and Structure and Governance issues; this year's star speaker is J. Craig Venter, 7.Top U.S . Official visits IlTA - Long-term financing strategy, President, Celera Genomics, who will 7 Top U.S. Official visits IITA * Long-term financing strategy, speak on "Genomics: From Microbes to 8 Seven Science Academies laud including proposals on a public Man." CGIAR research awareness and resource mobilization initiative to support the strategy's A special exhibit built around the 10 New WARDA Rice implementation, and overarching theme "Science and Technology for Development" will be held 11 World Bank Support for CGIAR * Continuing CGIAR business, in the impressive, 13-story high Atrium of including discussion and approval of the World Bank's main complex building. 11 Announcements the 2001 financing plan and 2002 ChairmanJohnson and Robert research directions. Thompson, World Bank Rural A special seminar "Frontier Science, Development Director and CGIAR Editor: Sarwat Hussain Global Public Goods and the CGIAR," Cosponsor representative, will launch the Issued by the CGIAR Secretariat will be inaugurated by World Bank event with a ribbon-cutting as part of 1818 H Street, NW, President James D. Wolfensohn on the opening day ceremonies. A large number Washington DC, 20433, USA afternoon of October 23, and will feature of Bank staff, visitors, and international Tel: (1-202) 473-8951, prominent speakers such as Jeffrey Sachs development professionals are expected to Fax: (1-202) 473-8110 of Harvard University and Per Pinstrup- view the exhibit and see how CGIAR Andersen of IFPRI, among others. On efforts are helping to improve the lives of Ewmaiww cgiar.cgiarg rg October 24 morning, Robert Watson, farming communities worldwide. E-mail: cgiar@cgiar.org World Bank Chief Scientist will present an Additional information and update on climate change, and on registration materials are available at October 25 afternoon, Hans Binswanger, www.cgiar.org. as the Bank's Sector Director for Rural Development in Africa will discuss the impact of HIV/AIDS on African agricul- CGIAR NEWS e PAGE 3 TAPPING INTO THE CGIAR Ian Johnson hasn't wasted any time Johnson at a special convocation of tapping into the heart of the CGIAR CIMMYT scientists and staff. In his broad system. A week after taking office in mid- "Our farms have outline of the challenges and themes - July, Johnson and World Bank Rural human and environmental - that will Development Director Robert Thompson been sleeping influence the performance of research in visited CIMMYT, the flagship CGIAR the next two decades, Johnson empha- Center located outside Mexico City. The and they need sized management of both natural visit allowed Johnson to observe first- resources, a "measure of whether we hand how agricultural science is awaken ng, really are going to have a planet where promoting rural development and our children and their children can have reducing poverty. The two World Bank and we need a better life," and social capital, an officials (Thompson also serves as the "important determinant of social, Bank's CGIAR cosponsor representative) research. economic, and political stability." He spent two days in the fields and laborato- suggested that the CGIAR would play an ries at CIMMYT headquarters. We need help in increasingly significant role with respect Birthplace of the Green Revolution to each. that has transformed tropical agriculture, aw kening r In September, World Bank Chief CIMMYT has mobilized quality science to Scientist Robert Watson and Kenya help the poor in low-income countries farms." Country Director Harold Wackman joined develop more profitable, productive, and Johnson and Thompson for a four-day sustainable systems for growing maize -Damaris Akonya Abednego visit to the Nairobi-based ILRI and and wheat. The importance of these two ICRAE Scientists at both Centers crops cannot be underestimated: they _ _ _ discussed their laboratory research and provide 25 percent of the total food calo- hosted an all-day field trip to western ries consumed in poor countries and are an important source of income for poor farmers. Development of a higher yielding, more wholesome type of quality protein maize recently won CIMMYT scientists the Millennium World Food Prize (see accompanying story). During the Chairman's visit, the scientists demonstrated how they are using science to create: _ maize and wheat varieties that can thrive in drought-ridden soils; * pest-resistant maize that prevents large-scale losses in Africa, and * apomictic maize that reproduces asex- ually, enabling farmers to recycle even hybrid seed without incurring yield losses. "I truly believe in your mission and the centrality of your work for human well-being in the new century," said ICRAFs Chi. Ong demo-s-re-ts a te CGIAR Chairman laJoh-no,. R-ral De-Ieopmnen Dirclo, Robert Thompson and Chief Scientist Robern Watson PAGE 4 ;& CGIAR NEWS Kenya. The trip gave the visitors a :-~ powerful impression of how poor African farmers are grappling with serious soil 'ttA infertility, livestock health problems, and * - crop pests and disease that threaten their livelihoods and the future of their children. ICRAF-in collaboration with the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Kenya Forestry Research Institute, and other African organizations-has adopted innovative approaches to pressing prob- lems of poverty in the densely populated rural highlands of western Kenya. Instead c of imposing their own ideas about how on-farm trials should be managed, the w _ researchers are tapping the farmers' !, capacity for experimentation. A specific h w ha ,' R goal is to anchor research and develop- i ment in the local community and to empower local groups to conduct thesenege Pissi,. m ICAF fnl i-p; expei -r2 activities. In the Emuhaya Division of the Vihiga District, women farmners who have been ILRI scientists often worok- - with 'ubansalpero'oatside _ wresting with striga, a harmful weed Nairobi. Shown here (L to R) highly damaging to maize crops, are Chege Njoroge and his welcomed the Bank group with lively wife Grace Wairirnu who jointly manage an urban songs about the challenges they face. One homestead f i2 acres; and farmer, Damaris Akonya Abednego, Priscilla Ndegwa the local warmly thanked the guests for their agricultural xtension offic support with a special poem she wrote: op iourfanns have been sleeping and they need awakening, and we need research. We need help in awakening ourcfaros. Said Wackman, iiThese are first class a I examples of research being applied to improving productivity and increasing the incomes of farmers." - Th al-da fied tip ave he ank environmental demise of the world's At ILRI, the Bank officials were briefed Thecal allda fporuied tri geaveth Banku second largest freshwater lake and the on progress in eradicating tropical live- ofICiAls anoportuinit tovra lcarins Abot chief reservoir of the Nile River. In Luero stock disease. In collaboration with The Lake Victoria, ICRAF scientists discovered Village, the scientists are working with Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR), a plme o seimens cusin europhca- local farmers to test and deploy a based in Rockville, Maryland, ILRI seeks aion plue of shediment causesnf eutrphe - powerful combination of technologies to to sequence the DNA of one of Africa's tion, one of the major causes of the enhance soil fertility Continued on page 9 CGIAR NEWS I& PAGE 5 ROOTS AND TUBERS: A CORNUCOPIA OF CROPS ESSENTIAL FOR FOOD AND INCOME SECURITY Root and tuber (R&T) crops are and industry," says Mark Rosegrant of IMPACT model. The simulations of the undergoing a resurgence, and by the year IFPRI, and co-author of the report, "and economic value of R&T crops take into 2020, well over two billion people - many what is more, many of the developing consideration the production of nearly all living in the poorest parts of Africa, Asia, world's poorest look to these crops as an the major commodities in the global food and Latin America - will depend on them important source of food, nutrition, and system, including cereals, soybean, and for food, feed, or sources of income. cash income." meat. The share of R&T crops in the A new report, "Roots and Tubers in total value of these products is projected the Global Food System: A Vision Miultiple roles, steady growth rates to remain at roughly 11 percent. Statement to the Year 2020," jointly The projected annual growth rates in prepared by five Centers - CIAT, CIP, R&T crops will be many things to output are particularly strong for potato IFPRI, IITA, and IPGRI - takes an in- many people by 2020. Their adaptation (2.7 percent) and yam (2.9 percent). depth look at the role of R&T crops in to marginal environments, vital role in Production of cassava and sweetpotato is sustainable agriculture. Its principal promoting food security at the household expected to expand at a more modest level, and their flexibility in mixed conclusion: R&T crops will play increas- ' pace - 1.95 percent and 1.0 percent per ingly important roles, both in human frming system mkthem preerred year respectively. These projected growth diets and in promoting the welfare of consum e, and an farm ponen t rates actually represent a slowdown poor farming communities worldwide. consumers, and an important component compared to recent rates of expansion for of strategies to improve welfare of the teecos oeipratyftr Cassava, potato, sweet potato, and rural poor. these crops. More mportantly, future yams are some well known R&T crops. growth rates for cassava, potato, and yam Agronomically robust and physiologically The report's projections for R&T are expected to exceed those for rice and adaptive, the inherent hardy traits of R&T crops were generated using IFPRI's wheat (see figure). crops allow them to grow on marginal lands and produce harvests when other crops have failed. They are also abundant sources of dietary Projected prdc tion growl rates for major energy and nutrients. And rood crops in developing countries to 2020 extremely efficient in producing I . large amounts of edible plant Potato matter: 85 percent of the potato I I plant is edible, compared to only 50 Cassu'a percent for cereals. During 1995-97, I l farmers in developing countries Maize harvested nearly half a billion metric tons of the major R&T crops, with VVheet an estimated annual value of $41 billion, nearly one-fourth the value .5^voe ptato and Yam. of the major cereals. l "Acre for acre, R&T crops offer l I poor farmers opportunities to link C 0.5 1.5 2 2.5 3 with emerging markets, providing a diversified range of high-quality, A:4Grar I rf(.|.'th r t@ . competitive products for food, feed, PAGE 6 -& CGIAR NEWS TOP U.S. OFFICIAL VISITS IITA Contribution of the CGIAR Agricultural research - of the sort at which the CGIAR system excels - can help tackle the various challenges facing Of improvement of R&T crops. CGIAR contributions cover the entire food chain, from production through to utilization and policy CGIAR's particular strengths include well-characterized germplasm collections, plant varieties with value- added traits, collections of the major pests and pathogens and the beneficial organ- isms that control them. The CGIAR has accumulated knowledge spanning the entire production-to-consumption continuum, and has developed innovative research approaches that range from high- tech laboratories to community meeting halls in tiny villages, from the latest techniques in molecular biology to the A,,go Abdullahi, Nigerias Presid-ntial Adviser on Agriculture and Food Security. shows a Maruca-rearng cage to Secretary Glickman (center) and newest methods of farmer participation Gus Schumacher (Ief). in research. In 1998, CGIAR activities on R&T U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Dan close-up look at how IITA scientists are crops were conducted by five Centers Glickman recently visited the Ibadan helping tackle some of the most pressing through some 35 projects at an approxi- campus of the International Institute of agricultural development problems facing mate cost of $44 million. This amounts Tropical Agriculture (IITA) as part of a Sub-Saharan Africa. to 14 percent of the total CGIAR budget, week-long trip to Africa to learn about The high-level delegation included the and a series of impact studies have shown hunger, infrastructure and health care Governor of Oyo State; Ango Abdullahi, that these investments have paid very issues facing the continent. Presidential Adviser on Agriculture and high rates of return. "I want to shine a spotlight on the Food Security; August "Gus" Schumacher, Given the projected importance of desperate urgency of the development Jr., Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign R&T crops in developing countries to challenges in Africa," Secretary Glickman Agricultural Services; Shirley R. Watkins, 2020 and beyond, it is essential to retain had said before embarking on the trip. At Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and these crops as an integral part of a global IITA, he saw first-hand how agricultural Consumer Services; Jill L. Thompson, strategy to increase food production and research was helping to alleviate hunger Under Secretary for Rural Development, utilization in Africa, Asia, and Latin and malnutrition in Africa. From and Tom Hobgood, Country Director America in the decades ahead. CGIAR sampling food products made from maize, USAID. Highly impressed with IITA research efforts will continue to play an cassava, and soybean, to seeing how research efforts, Secretary Glickman important role in ensuring the availability molecular sciences are being deployed in promised to continue to seek ways of R&T crops for the two billion plus the fight against Maruca (a serious pest of through which the United States could people who rely on them for food and cowpea plants), to visiting IITAs expand its support to IITA and to agricul- livelihoods. 4 genebanks where 40,000 plant samples tural research and development for Africa. are stored, the distinguished visitor got a L CGIAR NEWS I PAGE 7 CGIAR'S ROLE IN ALLEVIATING WORLD HUNGER AND POVERTY LAUDED BY WORLD'S TOP SCIENCE ACADEMIES Agricultural research has been an GM Technology and World Agriculture important driver of technological change, According to the paper, most GM boosting agricultural productivity and Tlhe revolution in technology has not been developed with making modem day agriculture the most molecular biology Third World needs in mind. Rather, these productive in human history. However, techniques were developed primarily for relentless pressures - burgeoning popula- provides the large-scale agriculture in the industrial- tion growth, agriculture's growing ized world. There are concems that a 'ecological footprint' on the natural developing world growing backlash against GM technology resource base, and rising rural and urban will completely overshadow all the poverty - are combining to make the task with some important promise that the technology offers. The of improving agriculture ever more paper urges govemments to base their urgent. Recent spectacular advances in new tools for feeding decisions regarding biotechnology on biotechnology such as the decoding of the human genome, mapping of the rice and caring for its sound science, and strongly encourages genome, the development of beta-carotene people. It will be institutions to share their technology with enriched rice, and others have raised scientists and farmers in developing coun- hopes that modem science can tackle and critical to use the best tries who desperately need it. accelerate the fight against age-old prob- lems of hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. science to make wise On the important issue of achieving In a major development, seven presti- roles, the report points out that funding gious academies of science from around choices with respect to for agricultural research in general, and the world, including five from developing GM technology in particular, has shifted countries (Brazil, China, India, Mexico, fthe applicaotio of Gm the public sector to private corpora- and Third World Academy of Sciences),.' ahvndeThird Worald Academy of Scinces), these technologies.' tions, with an eye toward creating the venerable Royal Society of London, profitable products. Concurrently, public and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences adnncmeca eerhefrshv * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~and non-commercial research efforts have recently released a White Paper - -Bruce Alberts waned. Private companies today can "Transgenic Plants and World Agriculture" obtain plant varieties - free of charge - - that spells out the promise of agricul- from farmers and non-commercial institu- tural biotechnology for alleviating hunger tions such as the CGIAR, add one or and poverty in developing countries. In a direct reference .to the important more proprietary traits and then release role of agriculture in reducing hunger and moepprtayris,ndhnrlae "The revolution in molecular biology pove - importan pis CgAr seed with a variety of forms of legal or provides the developing world with some researc - trportanotes "It A technical protection against copying, farm important new tools for feeding and retention, and farm-to-farm transmission. caring for its people," says Bruce Alberts that we improve food production and GM technology intensifies the dilemma President f ts pol, saysoruc Acbers distribution in order to feed and free from because of the high level of skill and of Sciences. "It will be critical to use the hunger a growing world population, infrastructure that it requires. To of Sienes."Itwil becriica tousethe while reducing environmental impacts best science to make wise choices with compensate the report argues that public and providing productive employment in c respect to the application of these tech- I Key sector research, as practiced by the nologies." Mr. Alberts is no stranger to forward is responsible research, develop- CGIAR and by farcsers and national the CGIAR and was a member of the agricultural research systems, needs to be CGIAR Third System Review Panel led modification (GM) technology for wide- strengthened and provided with increased by Maurice Strong. spread agricultural use. resources and attention. PAGE 8 d& CGIAR NEWS TAPPING INTO THE CGIAR Continuedfrompage5 Among the White Paper's significant - recommendations: * Governments should fully recognize that there will always be public - interest/goods research requiring l public investment even in the market- driven economy;,S * It is imperative that public funding of research in this area is maintained at E least at its present level both in the CGIAR and in national research institutions; Harold Wachman, World Bank Country Dinectorfor Kenya, Pedro Sanchez, ICRAF Director General, Wilfred Mwangi, Kenya Ministry ofAgriculture * Governments, international organiza- and Rural Development, and Hank Fitzhugh, ILRI Director General review thefield trip to the highlands and Lake Victoria tions and aid agencies should acknowledge that plant genomics resarchkisoawledgeitiate pant importat most destructive cattle parasites. East "What I learned from these small research is a legitimate and important Coast fever threatens 24 million head of farmers has made a deep impression on results of such research should be cattle; in Africa, a cow dies of the disease me," Johnson reported at a seminar at insults th pubch domeain; should beevery 20 seconds. A vaccine would ICRAE "The world will depend on placed in the pubic domain; "inject" up to $300 million annually into dramatically increasing public investment * Innovative and vigorous forms of the economies of the 11 countries where in agricultural sciences and agricultural public-private partnerships are the disease is widespread and could have research. As I have learned on this trip, urgently required if the benefits of enormous implications for malaria and rural. development will take more than GM technologies are to be brought to cancer research. just pure research. It is about credit, rural the world's people; s w infrastructure, getting products to ILRI's work on dairy-processing mre,adtehat n elbigo * Incentives are needed to encourage options and marketing was in evidence market, and the health and well-being of commercial research companies to during a visit to a peri-urban farm just farmers. We need comprehensive rural share with the public sector more of outside Nairobi. The farm's owners, development - agriculture alone can't their capacity for innovation, and Chege Njoroge and Grace Wairimu, are solve rural poverty." * Care should be taken so that research part of the informal or "raw" milk Watson and Thompson echoed is not inhibited by over-protective markets that dominate the dairy sector in Johnson's comments. At a seminar on the intellectual property right regimes. developing countries. Of the 16 liters of ILRI campus, Watson said that he was As the debate about the safe and equi- raw milk that Njoroge and Wairimu get "impressed by the CGIAR's ability to take table use of biotechnology intensifies, it from their cows daily, they sell approxi- science from the laboratory all the way to is clear that the CGIAR's research mately 14 liters in informal markets, by poor farmers' fields." efforts will serve as important exam- far the most profitable enterprise on their "Farmers are the backbone of Africa's ples of how quality science can be 2 acre plot. ILRI research has shown that economies," Thompson said. "We have brought to bear on the problems of Kenya's informal dairy industry employs seen striking examples at these CGIAR tropical agriculture for the ultimate two to three people full time for each 100 Centers of how to involve farmers and benefit of all. liters of milk handled daily. Wages earned assure two-way communication between through milk vending are 50-100 percent farmers and researchers." 4 The White Paper is available on the higher than the national average and well Web at: over the minimum wage. hlip://www.nap.edu/catalog/9889.html I o CGIAR NEWS 4 PAGE 9 WARDA'S NEW RICE WINS CGIAR'S KING BAUDOUIN AWARD The 2000 CGIAR King Baudouin development of the Third World, as also International Agricultural Research Award to solidarity and good relations between goes to WARDA for developing a new strain "NE RICA is helping to industrial and developing countries and of rice that is transforming agriculture in between their peoples." For the 2000 a large portion of West Africa, potentially meet multiple needs award, the Technical Advisory Committee benefiting 20 million rice farmers - led by EmilJavier evaluated submissions mostly women - of the region, and - food, nutrition, from seven CGIAR Centers. helping reduce crippling rice import bills. and income - for Participatory research is at the core of Dubbed NERICA (for NEw Rlce for the NERICA success story. A symbiotic AfriCA), the new rice combines the millions of people" relationship between scientists and ruggedness of local African (Oryza glaber- farmers was a key ingredient, as was a rima) rice species with the phenomenally virtuous cycle of communication. high productivity traits of Asian rice -Kanayo Nwanze Through a mechanism called (Oryza sativa) that was the mainstay of "Participatory Varietal Selection" (PVS), a the Green Revolution. communication dynamic was established and allowed farmers to grow several vari- The development of NERICA is fueled NERICA rice is a 'designer plant' in eties and provide valuable feedback to by the rapid advances in agricultural the best sense of the term. A progeny of scientists. In turn, the scientists were able science. WARDA scientists overcame a African-Asian crosses, NERICAs owe their to learn about the traits that were of most series of disappointing failures when they wide, droopy leaves that help smother value to the farmers and incorporate succeeded in crossing the two species weeds to African parentage. The impor- those preferences in breeding strategies. using a technique called "embryo rescue." tant trait of high productivity is gained The new rice, the product of an 'interspe- from the Asian rices, allowing NERICA CIAT, IITA and IRRI partnered with cific hybrid cross' in sciencespeak, panicles to hold up to 400 grains WARDA in the NERICA effort. Other smothers grain-robbing weeds like its compared to the 75-100 grains that is the partners included a broad range of stake- African parents, resists droughts and norm in African rice species. Further holders, from farmers, to national pests, and is able to thrive in poor soils. improvements in the plant's architecture - agricultural research programs in 17 The trait of higher productivity conferred longer panicles with forked branches, African countries, China's Yunan by the Asian rices mean that with a few strong stems, and panicles that hold grain Academy of Agricultural Science, and additional inputs, farmers using NERICA tightly and prevent shattering - allow the scientists at advanced research institutions rice can double production and raise new rices to outyield others, and produce such as Japan's International Research incomes. bountiful harvests with modest fertiliza- Center for Agricultural Science (JIRCAS), tion. The new rices mature 30 to 50 days The University of Tokyo, France's "Food means rice for many people in earlier than traditional varieties, allowing Institute for Research and Development, West Africa today, and demand for rice is farmers to grow extra crops of vegetables UK's John Innes Centre, and Cornell spiraling. NERICA is helping to meet or legumes. University. Generous support from The multiple needs - food, nutrition, and Rockefeller Foundation helped WARDAs income - for millions of people in the The King Baudouin International rice breeders to achieve success. humid tropics of West Africa, " says Agricultural Research Award is keenly Kanayo Nwanze, director general of coveted. Conferred in the form of a scroll More information on WARDAs efforts WARDA. "The new strain of rice is and cash prize of $10,000, the biennial to improve rice production in West Africa helping us move toward sustainable agri- prize rewards "persons or organizations, is available at www.cgiar.org/warda 6 culture in some of the most ecologically irrespective of nationality, which have fragile areas of the world." made a significant contribution to the PAGE 10 & CGIAR NEWS World Bank In Memoriam: Approves Support Mmes. Bichapu Gandamma, for CGIAR Ramdas, Mukkera Salamma, and Gulli Suguna Helping people to help themselves, sharing knowledge, building capacity, and On August 23, 2000, five female forging international partnerships are hall- temporary farm workers - Mies. Bichapu marks of the World Banks strategy to 'fight Gandamma, Peta Pentamma, LGalitha poverty with passion and professionalism Ramdas, Mukkera Salamma, and Gulli for lasting results.' In pursuit of its develop- Suguna - lost their lives in a rescue mental mission, the Bank's Development attempt when flash floods inundated large Grant Facility (DGF) provides grant parts of ICRISAT's Patancheru campus. financing to support selected global and The torrential rains also severely affected regional development initiatives that are of the neighboring city of Hyderabad, causing significant value for the Bank's borrowers, the worst flooding in more than 50 years. but cannot be adequately assisted through country lending operations alone. Through David Elliott Bell the DGI, the Bank assists a broad range of programs focusing on environmental, rural, David Elliott Bell, a Harvard University and social development, health, education, emeritus professor and friend of the finance, governance, and economic CGIAR passed away on September 6 in management. Cambridge, Mass. He was 81. David's On August 1, 2000, the World Bank's career spanned five decades, and in the Board approved $146.9 million to support 1960s he served as director of the U.S. 47 programs in the coming year, including Budget Bureau and then of the Agency for $50 million for the CGIAR. "Our contribu- International Development (AID). "The tion to the CGIAR helps to catalyze Bell Report" is widely acknowledged to partnerships, build coalitions, and have laid the foundations of a culture of encourage innovation in the fight against rigorous evaluation and review that perme- hunger," said Motoo Kusakabe, World Bank ates the CGIAR. Vice President for Resource Mobilization and Cofinancing. Other prominent programs receiving DGF support include Robert Kerr Cunningham the Consultative Group to Assist the Robert Kerr Cunningham passed away on Poorest (CGAP, a microfinance facility June 22. He was 77. Bob was a CGIAR modeled along the lines of the CGIAR), aficionado, and highly respected through- the Post Conflict Fund, the Onchocersiasis afic iona l rectdthrou- Program, the Convention to Combat out the interational agricultural develop- Desertification, the Critical Ecosystems ment community. He served on the boards Partnership Fund, and the Millennium Ecosystem Condition Assessment among others. All DGF-supported programs have strong financial backing from other part- ners. It is expected that the Bank's contribution to these programs will help to catalyze, with others, more than $1 billion in additional funds. The CGIAR acknowl- edges with gratitude the continued support of the World Bank. CGIAR NEWS 4o PAGE 11 CGIAR Chairman CGIAR CENTERS Ian Johnson International Center for Tropical * International Food Policy Research Agriculture (CIAT) Institute (IFPRI) CGIAR Executive Secretary CG*R ECali, Colombia Washington, DC, United States Alexander von der Osten Phone: (57-2) 4450000 Phone: (1-202) 862-5600 Web: http://www.ciat.cgiar.org Web: http://wwwcgiar.orglifpri Cosponsors * Center for International Forestry * International Institute of Tropical Food and Agriculture Organization of: Research (CIFOR) Agriculture (IITA) the United Nations the UieBogor, Indonesia Ibadan, Nigeria United Nations Development Programme Phone: (62-251) 622 622 (operator) Phone: (234-2) 2412626 Web: http://www.cgiar.org/cifor Web: http://wwwcgiar.org/iita The World Bank International Center for the * International Livestock Research CGIAR Members * Improvement of Maize and Wheat Institute (ILRI) (CIMMYT) Nairobi, Kenya Countries Mexico City, Mexico Phone: (254-2) 630743 Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Phone: (52) 5804 2004 Web: http://wwwcgiar.org/ilri Canada, China, Colombia, Cote d'lvoire, Denmark Web: http://www.cimmyt.mxI *. * ~~~~~~~~~~International Plant Genetic Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, * International Potato Center (CIP) Resources Institute (IPGRI) Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Lima, Peru Rome, Italy Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand Phone: (51-1) 349-6017 Phone: (39-06) 518921 Web: http://wxvw.cipotato.cgiar.org Web: http://wwwcgiar.org/ipgri Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, South * International Center for * International Rice Research Agricultural Research In the Dry Institute (IRRI) Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, Areas (ICARDA) Los Banos, Philippines Uganda, United Kingdom, United States of America Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic Phone: (63-2) 8450563 Phone: (963-21) 2213433 Web: http://www.cgiar.org/irri Web: httpl/www.cgiar.org/icarda Foundations * International Service for National Ford Foundation, Kellogg Foundation, * International Center for Living Agricultural Research (ISNAR) Rockefeller Foundation Aquatic Resources Management The Hague, The Netherlands (ICLARM) Phone: (31-70) 3496100 Penang, Malaysia Web: http://www.cgiar.org/isnar International and Regional Organizations Phone: (604) 641-4623 African Development Bank, Arab Fund for Web: http://wwwcgiar.orgficlarm * International Water Management Institute (IWVMI) Economic and Social Development, Asian * International Centre for Research Colombo, Sri Lanka Development Bank, European Commission, Food in Agroforestry (ICRAF) Phone: (94-1) 867404 and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Nairobi, Kenya Web: http://ww.cgiar.org/iwmi Phone: (254-2) 521450 Inter-American Development Bank, International Web: * West Africa Rice Development Development Research Centre, International Fund Association (WARDA) for Agricultural Development, Opec Fund for * International Crops Research Bouake, Cote d'lvoire Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics Phone: (225) 634514 International Development, United Nations (ICRISAT)Web: http://wwcgiar.org/warda Development Programme, United Nations Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh, India Environment Programme, The World Bank Phone: (91-40) 3296161 Web: http://wwwcgiar.org/icrisat PAGE 12 *& CGIAR NEWS Pnnted on Recycled Paper