cgiarNews w w w . c g i a r . o r g N o v e m b e r 2 0 0 3 Nourishing the future through scientific excellence In this Issue Kenya hosts AGM'03 1 Message from the Chairman and Director 2 Gulf Cooperation Council joins CGIAR 3 Right to left: Ian Johnson, CGIAR Chairman; Hon. Susan Whelan, Canada; Hon. Kipruto Announcements 3 arap Kirwa, Min. of Agriculture, Kenya; Hon. Moody Awori, Vice President of the Republic of Kenya, and Dr. Romano Kiome, Director General of the Kenya Agriculture Cassava Production in Nigeria 3 Research Institute at AGM03. News and Views from CBC 4 ISNAR-IFPRI Alliance 4 Kenya Hosts Annual General CGIAR Ministerial Roundtable 5 Meeting 2003: Ringing Crawford Memorial Lecture 2003 6 World Food Situation: IFPRI Analysis 7 Challenge Program Update 7 Endorsement for CGIAR's Mission CGIAR Science Awards 2003 8 CGIAR Communication Awards 2003 9 CGIAR Annual General Meeting 2003 (AGM'03) -- the first to be held in Africa Innovation Marketplace 2003 9 -- was hosted by the Government of Kenya and held at the United Nations Parliamentarians and CGIAR 10 Office in Nairobi (UNON). The meeting brought together nearly 1,000 stake- IRRI Wins Green Apple holders, who share a commitment to promoting growth and sustainable devel- Environmental Award 11 opment in Africa. Indonesian President Thanks CIFOR 12 The meeting was opened by Hon. Moody Awori, Vice President of the Republic ICRAF's 25th Anniversary 13 of Kenya. "Agriculture and rural development is crucial for the structural trans- CGIAR Information formation and sustained economic development of Africa," he said, setting the Managers Consortium 13 bar high for the proceedings. "This meeting provides an opportunity for mobi- CGIAR System Office Workshop 14 lizing experiences and ideas in agricultural science and technology, necessary World Bank Managers Study Visit 14 for reducing poverty on the continent of Africa." AGM'03 broke new ground in several areas. Notably, it provided a forum for the open exchange of ideas, increasing space for optimal interaction among Members and CGIAR scientists and staff. An informative set of field visits pro- vided stakeholders with an opportunity to view first-hand the beneficial impacts of research. The Innovation Marketplace celebrated and recognized innovative projects being implemented by farmer groups and civil society organizations. Finally, a CGIAR Ministerial Roundtable brought together African Ministers from Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, and Mali for a substantive discussion on consolidating an African vision for agricultural research and development. Other participants CGIAR Continued on page 14 C O N S U L T A T I V E G R O U P O N I N T E R N A T I O N A L A G R I C U L T U R A L R E S E A R C H CGIAR Chairman Ian Johnson Message from the Chairman and Director CGIAR Director Francisco Reifschneider CGIAR Members African Development Bank Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development Asian Development Bank Dear Colleague: Australia Austria Bangladesh We are pleased to present you with "CGIAR News," the fall/winter edition. For Belgium your convenience, an e-version is also available at www.cgiar.org Brazil Canada China This issue provides an overview of the various events and significant outcomes Colombia of Annual General Meeting 2003 (AGM'03), hosted by the Government of Commission of the European Community Côte d'Ivoire Kenya at the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON). Denmark Arab Republic of Egypt The meeting was a landmark event, the first Annual General Meeting held in Finland Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Africa. We believe it will not be the last. Ford Foundation France Germany Innovation is a maxim that best describes AGM'03. In consultation with CGIAR Gulf Cooperation Council Centers, Members, and Partners, the format of the meetings were designed to India maximize interaction and cross-fertilization of ideas while making sure that the Indonesia Inter-American Development Bank business of the CGIAR progressed. We pay tribute to our colleagues at Kenya International Development Research Centre Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), United Nations Environment Programme International Fund for Agricultural Development Islamic Republic of Iran (UNEP), ILRI and World Agroforestry Centre for ensuring the smooth conduct of Ireland the meetings. A revamped program of field visits allowed stakeholders to view Israel first-hand the beneficial impacts of research efforts by CGIAR and partners. A Italy Japan new Science Council has been appointed. The reform program is on track. An Kellogg Foundation Innovation Marketplace was launched, and a CGIAR Ministerial Roundtable was Kenya Republic of Korea held. In a growing signal of confidence in the CGIAR, we welcomed the Gulf Luxembourg Cooperation Council as the 63rd Member. And, for the first time ever, the Malaysia CGIAR financing plan topped $400 million. Mexico Morocco Netherlands Through these pages, we are delighted to share these good tidings with you. New Zealand We hope these are of interest and would welcome comments which may be Nigeria Norway sent to cgiar@cgiar.org. OPEC Fund for International Development Pakistan Peru With best wishes for the upcoming holiday season. Philippines Portugal Cordially, Rockefeller Foundation Romania Russian Federation South Africa Ian Johnson Francisco Reifschneider Spain Sweden CGIAR Chairman CGIAR Director Switzerland Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture Syrian Arab Republic Thailand Uganda United Kingdom United Nations Development Programme United Nations Environment Programme United States of America World Bank 2 cgiarNews Gulf Cooperation Council is Announcements CGIAR's Newest Member Welcome to New Center Board Chairs: Eugene Terry, ICRAF-World Agroforestry At the Annual General Meeting Presidency of the GCC. Separately, Centre, succeeding Lucie Edwards 2003, the Gulf Cooperation Council the GCC delegation met with Mr. Isher Judge Ahluwalia, IFPRI, succeeding Geoff Miller (formally known as The Cooperation Johnson and Francisco Reifschneider, Council for the Arab States of the CGIAR Director, to discuss further Honor Roll Gulf) joined the CGIAR by acclama- strengthening of CGIAR research A comprehensive list of honors, awards, and tion. This brings to 63 the total num- activities in the dry areas. The deci- scientific recognition received by CGIAR scien- tists was distributed at Annual General ber of CGIAR members, including 25 sion to join the CGIAR was unani- Meeting 2003. A copy is available on the developing and 22 industrialized mously reached by the Ministers of CGIAR website, www.cgiar.org countries. GCC is a regional organiza- Agriculture (with approval from the tion created in May 1981 by Bahrain, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and sub- In Memoriam Wilfried Thalwitz, Fifth CGIAR Chairman Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia sequent budgeting of the contribu- and World Bank Vice President, passed away and United Arab Emirates. tion by the Ministers of Finance) of in Brussels. In a tribute, Ian Johnson, CGIAR Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Chairman, dedicated his opening address to "We are delighted to welcome the Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and the Annual General Meeting 2003 to the memory of Mr. Thalwitz. His legacy is being Gulf Cooperation Council as a CGIAR Bahrain. ICARDA's Arab Peninsula nurtured through a Wilfried Thalwitz Member," said Ian Johnson, CGIAR Regional Program (APRP) based in Fellowship for Young Scientists. Chairman and World Bank Vice Dubai has been identified as a priority President for Sustainable area for investment. Walter Rill, Austrian Representative to the CGIAR. Mr. Rill had a distinguished career of Development. "It is a signal of confi- public service at the Ministry of Finance and dence, both in the CGIAR and its Discussions are underway for national previously as an Executive Director of the World ability to deliver science-based solu- and local institutions to invest in Bank. In the latter role, he was instrumental in tions geared to the special needs of future CGIAR-related programs tar- strengthening Austria-CGIAR relations and ensuring sustained Austrian support to CGIAR. poor farming communities." geting the GCC's region's priorities, as well as for the expansion of key Derek Tribe, Australian Representative to the The GCC delegation was led by Mr. partnerships with institutions such as CGIAR, founder of The Crawford Fund, and Hilal Saud Al-Busaidi, Director of Dubai-based International Center for author of such classics as Doing Well by Doing Good and Feeding and Greening the World. Water and Agriculture, and included Biosaline Agriculture and the Islamic the representative of Qatar which Development Bank. The entire CGIAR family mourns the passing of presently holds the rotating these strong supporters. Public-Private Partnership to Boost Cassava Production in Nigeria The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (Shell) announced a $20 million sustainable development partnership in Nigeria. The agreement was announced in Washington D.C. by Andrew S. Natsios, USAID Administrator, and Sir Philip Watts, Chairman of the Committee of Managing Directors of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies. USAID and Shell initially plan to focus their work on food security through a cassava cultivation support program; the prevention of malaria; and supporting the shrimp export industry. The cassava project will be implemented by IITA, a key partner with the Government of Nigeria in implementing the Nigerian Presidential Cassava Initiative. The cassava project is expected to be the first to commence by the end of 2003. Its aim is to provide greater income for cassava farmers in 11 Nigerian states. Continued on page 11 November 2003 3 News & Views From the Chair -- CBC New ISNAR-IFPRI The Committee of Board Chairs (CBC) works closely with the Alliance System Office to enhance the corporate spirit between the 16 independent Centers, Members, and Stakeholders that together At AGM'03, the CGIAR requested that the Boards comprise the CGIAR System. For example, we have: of ISNAR and IFPRI carry out a transfer of gover- nance and relocation of ISNAR's programs to IFPRI. Developed model guidelines of grievance procedures Developed a process to increase Members' inputs into the This move will further strengthen agricultural selection of CGIAR nominees to Center Boards research and innovation in developing countries. Established terms-of-reference for a comprehensive study of The new ISNAR program will relocate to Africa in remuneration packages across the Centers Addis Ababa under IFPRI governance. Developed a new board orientation programme that is dynamic and in line with the changing needs of governance Agricultural research in developing countries is facing new challenges that require new institutional We also want to add our collective voice to key issues and arrangements. Researchers need to consider the challenges confronting the CGIAR System. There are two important ongoing globalization and its effects on agricultural advances that CBC believes are critical to helping CGIAR fulfill its trade. Concerns with the environment and with mission effectively and efficiently. health issues have to be balanced with productivity goals. To address rural poverty, agricultural research The first is the Science Council (SC), arguably the most important needs to increase the value added of crop, live- driver of our science-based agricultural research system, in addition stock, fisheries, and forestry production. "ISNAR's to being its most important "check and balance." CBC will contin- alliance with IFPRI will enable us to better fulfill our ue to work to maintain and strengthen the SC's role as a powerful mandate of strengthening agricultural research in and independent source of advice to the System, operating with- developing countries," says Jacques Eckebil, out fear or favor. The SC has some urgent tasks on hand: Interim Director General of ISNAR. More rigorous comparative analysis of Challenge Programs Relocating the new ISNAR Program in sub-Saharan Developing performance indicators to increase System effectiveness Africa brings it into closer contact with its main Completing the strategic planning and priority-setting exercise target region, and it will be an identifiable entity Taking the lead in the proposed African Task Force while ensuring within IFPRI. The new Program aims to work in that it is science-driven and recognizes FARA as a key partner partnership with national and regional organiza- tions and the CGIAR Centers. The primary theme The second is the evaluation of CGIAR by the World Bank's of the Program will be to produce new knowledge Operations Evaluation Department (OED). CBC believes the OED on institutional change that enhances the impact report is useful. We are prepared to contribute to the reforms rec- of agricultural research. The secondary theme will ommended in the paper. On organizational structure, we urge that be to enhance the performance of agricultural the federation model proposed earlier be re-examined and a writ- research institutions by strengthening their organi- ten CGIAR charter be developed. We encourage coordinated, zation and management. Joachim von Braun, inclusive change management processes to avoid the negative Director General of IFPRI, stresses that "while the impacts of change on Centers. main focus of attention of the new Program will be Africa, it will maintain its global mandate and We are committed to working with all partners in putting food remain active in Latin America and the Caribbean, production and poverty alleviation back on the top of the develop- Asia, and the West Asia and North Africa region." ment agenda. A Program Advisory Committee consisting of NARS leaders and specialists on the main themes will John E. Vercoe help guide these activities. Chairman, Committee of Board Chairs 4 cgiarNews CGIAR Ministerial Roundtable African Agricultural Research and Development: Designing the Way Forward Participants at the Ministerial Roundtable: H.E. Seydou Traoré, Min. A highlight of AGM'03 was a CGIAR Ministerial Roundtable of Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries, Mali; H. E. Ato Belay Ejigu, co-hosted by H.E. Kipruto arap Kirwa, Minister of Min. of Agriculture, Ethiopia; H.E. Susan Whelan, Min. of Int'l Agriculture, Kenya, and H.E. Susan Whelan, Minister for Cooperation, Canada; H.E. Kipruto arap Kirwa, Min. of Agriculture, International Cooperation, Canada. Kenya; H.E. Mammadou Koné, Min. of Scientific Research, Côte d'Ivoire; Ian Johnson, Chair CGIAR, and Mr. Kazuo Kodama, Designed as an open forum, the Ministerial Roundtable Deputy Director General, Economic Cooperation Bureau, Japan. brought together public leaders and leading development practitioners to discuss how to enhance the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of agriculture in Sub- Saharan Africa. Kawaguchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Japan) described Japan's efforts in fostering international research and coop- "Kenya is delighted to host the Ministerial Roundtable," said eration in rice development, and the promise held out by Minister Kirwa in opening remarks. "By featuring a broad the New Rices for Africa (NERICAs) developed by WARDA- range of perspectives, the Roundtable will help us to consoli- The Africa Rice Center. date an African vision for agricultural research and develop- ment, foster cooperation, and strengthen partnerships." Speaking on behalf of Prof. Wiseman Nkuhlu, Chairman of the NEPAD Steering Committee, Richard Mkandawire, NEPAD H.E. Ato Belay Ejigu, Minister of Agriculture, Ethiopia, spoke Agriculture Advisor spoke about the new opportunities being about the important role of science and technology in offered by NEPAD, especially the decision taken by African meeting Africa's developmental needs, noting the need to governments at the Maputo Summit to allocate at least 10 capitalize not only on conventional technologies, but also percent of their national budgets to agriculture within the on emerging, promising ones such as biotechnology and next five years. Given the political will demonstrated at the new information and communication technologies. highest levels of state and government, he said NEPAD provides the much needed policy environment and strategic- In his presentation, H.E. Seydou Traoré, Minister of oriented action approaches necessary for success. Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Mali, addressed the spe- cial challenges of arid agriculture, and lamented the declin- In a special address, Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, Director, Earth ing budgets being devoted to agriculture. He noted that Institute of Columbia University and Special Advisor to the Mali has made significant progress in this regard, and that U.N. Secretary General made a passionate plea for increasing its agricultural budget is second to that of education. development assistance for agriculture, health, and nutrition for achieving the Millennium Development Goals. His remarks The special challenges of fostering agricultural growth in resonated with the audience and drew repeated applause. countries recovering from conflict was of particular interest. H.E. Mammadou Koné, Minister of Scientific Research, After questions from the floor, an animated discussion Côte d'Ivoire, gave an extensive overview of his country's followed. Participants queried the Ministers and Prof. Sachs efforts in mobilizing science and technology for growth in about the role of local knowledge, the challenge of the agricultural sector. strengthening institutions, and the special needs of urban agriculture. Ian Johnson, CGIAR Chairman, summed up the Mr. Kazuo Kodama, Deputy Director General, Economic Roundtable, noting that a substantive discussion had taken Cooperation Bureau, Japan (representing H.E. Yoriko place, one that was wide-ranging and with all stakeholders. November 2003 5 Sir John Crawford Memorial Lecture 2003 "Fulfilling the Promise: the Role for Agricultural Research" was the theme of the 2003 Sir John Crawford Memorial Lecture delivered by Susan Whelan, Canadian Minister for International Cooperation at AGM'03. The lecture honors the memory of Sir John Crawford, a founding father of CGIAR and attracted a standing-room only audience at the United Nations Conference Center. "Agriculture has incredible power to promote sustainable development, and with sustainable development comes prosperity, peace and security," said Minister Whelan. "In rural areas, where most of the world's absolute poor live, agriculture is integrally linked to health, education, the private sector, water and the environment. There is a moral imperative to undertake agri- cultural research that will benefit the poor." Minister Whelan covered a substantive range of topics. Beginning with a survey of contemporary challenges facing scientists and policy makers, the lecture provided fresh insights on new, inclusive forms of partnership need- ed to meet the challenges of our times. While congratulating the CGIAR on its achievements, Minister Whelan chal- lenged the scientists to rise to even higher levels of performance. Saying that experiences of the past must generate wisdom about the future, she questioned whether CGIAR's organization model -- based mostly on com- modities and agro-ecologies -- was still the optimal one for addressing Agriculture has complex system dynamics common in smallholder agriculture? Concluding on a philosophical note, she noted that investing in research is incredible power to an act of faith; faith being "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." She underscored Canada's continuing faith in the promote sustainable CGIAR's research, and announced details regarding Canada's contribution to CGIAR -- an increase of $5 million to the yearly $12 million Canadian con- tribution to CGIAR's core funding. development, and In his remarks, Ian Johnson, CGIAR Chairman noted that "The raison d'être with sustainable of the Crawford Lecture is simple. It seeks to challenge all those involved in agricultural research and development to think outside the proverbial box. I am delighted that Minister Whelan has accomplished the task so well," development comes he concluded. At the conclusion of the lecture, Minister Whelan received a standing ovation. prosperity, peace Full text of the lecture is available at www.acdi-cida.gc.ca and security. 6 cgiarNews World Food Situation: IFPRI Analysis IFPRI presented its new report, Food Security: New Risks and Expanding investment in agricultural research New Opportunities at AGM'03. The findings are illuminat- Higher levels of investment in education, social services, ing, and call for urgent actions now. and health Improving irrigation efficiency By 2050, the percentage of the world's children who are malnourished could drop dramatically from the current 31 The "progressive policy" scenario projects that after 2015 percent to 11 percent, if policymakers respond to the global child nutrition will improve steadily in all developing regions challenge of hunger. However, the report warns, rates will of the world, including sub-Saharan Africa. Latin America, drop only modestly if there are serious policy or technology the Middle East, and China virtually eliminate child malnutri- failures in the next half-century. tion by 2030. "We have come to a major crossroads for the world food The paper also provides two pessimistic scenarios, which situation," said Joachim von Braun, Director General of the leave 135­140 million children malnourished in 2025 under International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and lead "policy failure" and "technology and resource management author of the report. "Fifty years from now, one child in failure" scenarios. four could be suffering from chronic hunger, or it could drop to one child in ten. The outcome depends on decisions "While pessimistic, these scenarios are possible, if current made now and in the next few years." trends worsen," warns Mark Rosegrant, report co-author and director of Environment and Production Technology at Progressive policy actions that are needed include: IFPRI. "These projections should raise alarm bells for govern- Increasing public spending on agricultural and rural devel- ments in both developing and industrialized countries." opment by both developing and industrialized countries For more information, visit www.ifpri.org Challenge Programs Gather Momentum: Gates Foundation Awards $25 Million Grant to HarvestPlus The CGIAR Challenge Programs staple foods in developing countries. Water and Food launched over the past year are making The first crops to be developed by the With the completion of inception steady progress. HarvestPlus initiative include those most phase, the research agenda of "Water widely consumed in the developing and Food" Challenge Program was HarvestPlus world, such as rice, wheat, maize, launched in Nairobi at a special confer- In a significant development and vote beans, cassava, and sweet potato. ence held at United Nations Office in of confidence for the Challenge Nairobi (UNON). The meeting gathered Program concept, the Bill and Melinda Speaking about the special nature of scientists, policy makers and interest Gates Foundation announced a $25 development challenges to be addressed groups from across the globe to debate million grant to HarvestPlus (formerly by HarvestPlus, Howarth Bouis, Director water, food and environment chal- known as the Biofortification Challenge of HarvestPlus noted that those most lenges, and to set the research agenda Program). The award was announced affected by malnutrition, the rural poor, for the coming years. at the National Press Club in are also the most difficult to reach with Washington, DC. Ian Johnson, CGIAR traditional nutrition programs. The Water and Food Challenge Program Chairman, Joachim Voss, Director "Biofortified crops have the potential to has received strong signals of support. General, CIAT, and Howarth Bouis, transform the health of these communi- More than one-third of the $100­120 Director, HarvestPlus, briefed journalists ties by allowing them to grow crops that million goal for the initial six year about the research program to combat are naturally fortified with essential research phase has already been com- malnutrition, a leading cause of child micronutrients" he explained. mitted by The World Bank, Netherlands, deaths in the developing world, by France, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark For more information, visit improving the nutritional quality of www.harvestplus.org and Norway. Continued on page 14 November 2003 7 CGIAR Science Awards 2003 Every year, a much-anticipated highlight of the Annual General Meeting is the announcement of winners of CGIAR Science Awards. This year was no different, except that the occasion was made all the more memorable with Hon. Moody Awori, Vice President of the Republic of Kenya, presenting the awards to Recipients of CGIAR Science Awards 2003 the winners. Standing (L to R): Rejab Ssetyabula, farmer, Outstanding Partnership Award; Y.Y. Gong, Outstanding Scientific Article; Olivier Hanotte, Outstanding Scientific Article; Jowelia Ssekiyanja, farmer, Outstanding "Science and technology are shaping our lives in myriad Partnership Award; Jonathan Crouch, Promising Young Scientist; Salome ways," said Ian Johnson, CGIAR Chairman and World Bank Gamelenga, farmer, Outstanding Partnership Award; Manuel Lantin, Vice President for Sustainable Development. "This year's CGIAR Secretariat; awards demonstrate how CGIAR scientists are making tangi- Seated (L to R): Regina Kapina, VITAA Partnership Coordinator, ble improvements in the lives of farmers, adding to the stock Outstanding Partnership Award; Abdul Mujeeb Kazi, Outstanding Scientist; Flora de Guzman, Outstanding Scientific Support Award; Fina Opio, Chair, of knowledge that will increase incomes while promoting VITAA Steering Committee, Outstanding Partnership Award. prudent use of biodiversity and soil and water resources. The winners of the CGIAR Science Awards are: "African Pastoralism: Genetic Imprints of Origins and Migrations" by Olivier Hanotte, Daniel G. Bradley, Joel W. Dr. Abdul Mujeeb Kazi of CIMMYT was named Ochieng, Yasmin Verjee, Emmeline W. Hill, J. Edward O. Outstanding Scientist for generating and making available Rege and published in Science on April 12, 2002. The new genetic diversity for wheat improvement. He has creat- paper is the first continent-wide study of the genetic ed numerous complex combinations in the wheat family, diversity of cattle in Africa. Based on seven years of including interspecific hybrids across the wheat genomes. research, it represents a landmark in work to characterize, This wealth of genetic variation has been widely distributed conserve, and better use indigenous animal genetic and made available to the global scientific community. resources for the benefit of the continent's poor -- authors Hanotte, Ochieng, Verjee and Rege are Dr. Jonathan Crouch of ICRISAT was honored as from ILRI. Promising Young Scientist for leading an effort to develop the upstream biotechnology and genetic enhancement pro- The Outstanding Partnership Award recognizes the gram at ICRISAT. He has championed holistic, multidiscipli- Vitamin A for Africa program, coordinated by the CIP nary approaches to resolving previously intractable problems under its Director General, Hubert Zandstra, for its work through multi-sector biotechnology-based partnerships and with 44 local and international development organizations was instrumental in establishing the Applied Genomics implementing the program in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Laboratory at ICRISAT. Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. VITAA is a research and public health initiative that aims to The Outstanding Scientific Article was awarded jointly to combat widespread vitamin A deficiency by promoting the two papers: growth and consumption of new varieties of orange-fleshed "Dietary Aflaxtoxin Exposure and Impaired Growth in sweet potatoes that have high levels of beta-carotene which Young Children from Benin and Togo: Cross-sectional the body uses to make vitamin A, along with taste and tex- Study" by Y.Y. Gong, K. Cardwell, A. Hounsa, S. Egal, P.C. ture characteristics preferred by African consumers. Turner, A.J. Hall, and C.P. Wild published in the British Medical Journal on July 6, 2003. This research points to The Outstanding Scientific Support Award was given to the need to address aflatoxin contamination in stored IRRI's Genetic Resources Center Support Team and Ron food grains -- particularly maize and groundnuts -- in Cantrell for contributing to effective and efficient operation warm and humid areas of West Africa -- authors of IRRI's rice genebank, one of the largest in the network of Cardwell, Hounsa and Egal are from IITA genebanks supported by the CGIAR. The national support 8 cgiarNews team is primarily responsible for storing, testing, multiplying, characterizing, distributing, and documenting seed samples. Flora de Guzman received the award on behalf of the group. IRRI has received this award three years in a row. CGIAR Communication Awards Outstanding Journalism Award to Pallava Bagla, an Indian journalist, for his article "Drought Exposes Cracks in India's Monsoon Model" published in Science in 2002 and for a body of scientific articles published in mainstream media and reputed journals. Outstanding Communications Award to WorldFish Center for the Fish for All Campaign that placed on global and national agendas the critically important way fish contributes to the food needs of 1 billion of the world's poor, provides livelihoods to 120 million low-income wage earners and is challenged by a degrading natural resource base. Meryl J. Williams, Director General, WorldFish Center, received the award. Innovation Marketplace '03 Celebrates Spirit of Innovation The Innovation Marketplace '03 was launched in Nairobi to promote, expand, and strengthen relationships with civil society while catalyzing inno- vation across the CGIAR system. The winners of the Inaugural Innovation Marketplace '03 are: Best Innovative Partnership Program to Mr. Nyine Bithawa and Ms. Anke Weisheit of Rukararwe Partnership Workshop for Rural Development, in partnership with World Agroforestry Centre, for a pro- gram that is strengthening the capacity of herbalists in conservation and use of medicinal species. The prize carried a cash award of $15,000 and a scroll. The judges felt the program adopts an innovative approach that is enhancing prosperity, encouraging diversification, systems sustainability, and that addresses the critical issue of genetic resources conservation while contributing to health and livelihood improvements. Innovation Marketplace poster display. People's Choice Award to Mr. Wonwossen Diresse Bezabih of Tikurso Innovative Farmers Group. The prize carried a cash award of $5,000 and a scroll. These two winners were chosen from 10 finalists, who in turn were selected from 45 entries. The first round of evaluation was conducted by Milagre Nuvunga of Ford Foundation, Davinder Lamba of Mazingira Institute (a local NGO) and Erica Kanja, Innovation Marketplace Event Manager. The second round of evaluation was conducted by Luis Arango of CORPOICA (Colombian Corporation for Agricultural Research), Denis Despereaux (France), Mangala Rai (India), and Franklin Moore (USA). Innovation Marketplace '03 thanks all participants and representatives of civil society organizations who responded enthusi- astically to the call for nominations. November 2003 9 Parliamentarians and CGIAR: Strengthening our partnership with a vital constituency The Latin maxim, Vox populi Vox Dei, Carlos Seré, Director General, ILRI; H.E. Green Josiah, High Commissioner of Kenya; notes that the voice of the people is Hubert Zandstra, Director General, Bruce Montador, Vice President, CIDA; the voice of God. As people's repre- CIP; Ian Johnson, CGIAR Chairman Carlos Sere, ILRI; Hubert Zandstra, CIP; sentatives, Parliamentarians are at the and Francisco Reifschneider, CGIAR Hon. Susan Whelan, Canada; Ian Johnson and Francisco Reifschneider, CGIAR front lines in the battle against Director, attended the briefing together hunger, poverty, and environmental with officials from Canadian degradation. They play critical roles International Development Agency in developing, supporting, and financ- (CIDA), and International ing public policies to achieve sustain- Development Research Centre (IDRC). able development. In a fortunate coincidence, Drs. Henri Carsalade and Louise Fresco of FAO In an effort to increase awareness and who were visiting Ottawa also attended visibility among this vital constituency, the briefing. two CGIAR briefings were held recently. A booklet on the Canada-CGIAR In Ottawa, a CGIAR briefing for Partnership was prepared for the Canadian Parliamentarians was hosted meeting and is available at by Honorable Susan Whelan, Canadian www.cgiar.org Minister for International Cooperation William Dar, Director General, ICRISAT, represented in the House of Commons. In addition In New Delhi, a CGIAR delegation led the CGIAR at a policy dialogue with Indian to the Minister, key public officials who by William Dar, Director General, Parliamentarians. attended the event included: Claude ICRISAT met with 12 Members of Duplain, Parliamentary Secretary, Parliament (from the Rajya Sabha and Agriculture and Agri-Food; Rose-Marie Lok Sabha, the Upper and Lower offered suggestions for future research Ur, Vice Chair of Standing Committee Houses of Parliament) for a policy dia- topics to be undertaken by CGIAR in on Agriculture and Agri-Food; Walt logue on key issues facing Indian agri- India. In his presentation, Suresh Babu Lastewka, Chair of Standing Committee culture. The meeting was co-hosted by of IFPRI highlighted the policy chal- on Industry, Science and Technology, IFPRI, the Confederation of Indian lenges facing India's agricultural sector. and Peter Stoffer of National Industry (CII) and Indian Farmers and Mr. Chengal Reddy of IFIA proposed a Democratic Party, among others. Industry Alliance (IFIA). potential model for institutionalizing the process of policy dialogue between Over lunch, the discussion focused on "India is a leading supporter of the Indian Parliamentarians and CGIAR. the role of public goods research, the CGIAR," said William Dar in opening challenges posed by intellectual property remarks. "We have begun a process of In addition to the Parliamentarians, rights, and special efforts needed to dialogue, one that will help spread senior scientists from India's national jumpstart agricultural growth in Africa. knowledge and raise awareness about research programs, policy makers, jour- the urgent need to mobilize food and nalists and CIMMYT and IWMI scien- Members of the diplomatic corps who environmental science in promoting tists attended the meeting. attended included H.E. Green Josiah, sustainable agriculture, both in India High Commissioner of Kenya, and globally." Overall, the briefings were successful in H.E. Samuel Odoi-Sykes, High initiating dialogue with key decision- Commissioner of Ghana, H.E. The meeting was structured as an inter- makers committed to agriculture and Amadou Diallo, Ambassador of active session. Parliamentarians asked rural development, and additional brief- Senegal, and others. From CGIAR, questions, sought clarifications, and ings are planned for 2004. 10 cgiarNews Innovative research preventing pesticide misuse wins British environmental award Rampant pesticide misuse by millions of farmers in develop- First, it clearly identified the damage caused by misapplied ing countries pollutes the environment, threatens the health insecticides that kill insect predators thereby encouraging of farmers and their families, and also sets the stage for sec- pests that would otherwise have been controlled. Second, it ondary pest infestations that cause devastating crop losses. developed innovative and effective methods of communicat- ing important scientific information to farmers. An innovative, IRRI-led research project to prevent pesticide misuse garnered Britain's Green Apple Environmental Award. In addition to Dr. Heong, key partners include Monina The project -- funded by the Swiss Agency for Development Escalada, a communications professor at the Philippines' Cooperation -- has encouraged millions of Vietnamese rice Leyte State University, now seconded to IRRI; Nguyen Huu farmers to reduce pesticide use. In addition to environmental Huan, the vice director general of Vietnam's Plant Protection and health benefits, the project is helping many farmers to Department; and Vo Mai, Dr. Huan's predecessor. reduce input costs by US$30­50 per season -- equal to a month's income in Vietnam. The project combined solid scientific research and innovative communication techniques. "We got a group of actors to play "This project has exposed only the tip of the iceberg regard- out a series of brief comedies, relating solid scientific facts ing the inappropriate use of agricultural pesticides in the through rustic situations to make the audience laugh," Dr. developing world," said K.L. Heong, IRRI entomologist and Heong explained. "We found these simple, humorous mes- leader of the award-winning project. "We convinced farmers sages fixed themselves in the minds of thousands of farmers." to reduce their pesticide use, but no sooner did the project end, the continued marketing of such products caused pesti- Subsequent surveys have confirmed the beneficial impacts. In cide use levels to climb again." project areas, insecticide use was halved (1.7 applications per season, down from 3.4 applications). The number of farmers According to Dr. Heong, major multinational pesticide corpo- who believed that insecticide use would bring higher yields rations act responsibly by organizing educational and aware- fell from a high of 83 percent to 13 percent. Equally impor- ness programs for farmers and other pesticide users. tant, the number of farmers who realized that insecticides However, the same cannot be said for local dealers in many killed natural enemies of rice pests rose from 29 percent to countries. It is local dealers who actively persuade poor farm- 79 percent. ers to use pesticides inappropriately. And many of them are very creative in their marketing and promotion. "We should be training extension workers to communicate more effectively with farmers and delivering accurate infor- First launched in 1994 in the Mekong Delta -- one of Asia's mation to farmers," Dr. Heong concluded. "We can't afford great rice bowls -- the IRRI-led partnership's research and to leave pesticide education to those who profit by spreading subsequent campaign marked a milestone in rice production. misinformation about these chemicals." Cassava Production in Nigeria continued The program will improve technology transfer to address cassava mosaic disease and to develop cassava processing. It will also help identify further commercial markets for cassava, such as ethanol production, livestock feed and use in baking. In addition to being a staple food, starch from cassava is already used in other industries including textile manufacturing. Mr. Natsios said, "Investing in people is perhaps the single most important factor in achieving long-term economic growth. USAID is proud to partner with Shell in the Delta region, particularly as we embark on implementing a new $350 million, five-year program of development and capacity building throughout Nigeria." Shell will contribute $15 million over the next five years to the partnership and USAID will contribute $5 million. For more information on USAID, visit www.usaid.gov For IITA's work on cassava improvement, visit www.iita.org November 2003 11 Indonesian President thanks CIFOR The importance of CIFOR's research received the Presidential seal of approval at CIFOR's 10th Anniversary celebrations at Indonesian President Megawati's Palace in Bogor. The ceremony celebrated CIFOR's tenth year in Indonesia and was attended by some 200 people, including the Indonesian President, Ibu Megawati Soekarnoputri, Dr. Muhammad Prakosa, President Megawati presents a small tree to a student from a local primary school. Indonesia's Minister of Forestry, Ambassadors, donor representatives and CIFOR partners. "I wish CIFOR a happy anniversary (and) success to shape the debate and providing crucial analyses of complex and and progress in its endeavors to achieve its noble often politically sensitive issues," Minister Prakosa said. objectives," said President Megawati. She con- gratulated CIFOR on its successes and for the "CIFOR thanks all its supporters for recognizing the importance of role its research plays in assisting Indonesian forest research in reducing poverty and protecting the environment," efforts to meet the challenges in the country's said David Kaimowitz, CIFOR's Director General. "Indeed, using forest forest sector. research to reduce poverty and protect the environment is really what CIFOR is all about. Put simply, CIFOR's mission is to find ways for rural Minister Prakosa also complimented CIFOR on its people to use forests sustainably to earn a living." achievements saying he was "pleased to see that in the 10 years since it was established, CIFOR has "In December1995 the Government of Indonesia designated 300,000 become a leading international research institution hectares of forest in East Kalimantan, to be developed as a model of in forestry." exemplary forest management. This is an example how the Government of Indonesia has supported CIFOR's research activities," "We, at the Ministry of Forestry, have also obtained Minister Prakosa said. benefits from CIFOR's presence here in Indonesia with collaborative programs to improve the capaci- David Kaimowitz described the Malinau Research Forest as "a living ty and capability of our research institution. A num- laboratory of all the social, economic, and biological changes taking ber of our staff have worked with international place in the world's tropical forests." researchers at CIFOR to gain experience and knowl- edge through joint research programs. "Undoubtedly Malinau is one of the world's most exciting forest proj- ects, and for that we need to thank the Government of Indonesia, the "CIFOR has also made significant contribution to Bupati of Malinau, Pak Marthin Billa, the Ministry of Forestry, and local us by generating new ideas, provoking dialogue villagers. We also thank important donors such as the ITTO, the and providing high quality analyses about the rela- MacArthur Foundation and the Governments of the United Kingdom tionship between forest and people. and Germany," Kaimowitz said. "I am confident that CIFOR will continue to make Some 30 journalists covered CIFOR's 10th Anniversary with stories an important contribution to both international appearing on the front page of Indonesia's major daily, Kompas, other and national dialogue on forest policy by helping major newspapers and on several TV bulletins. 12 cgiarNews ICRAF Celebrates 25th Anniversary For millennia, farmers have planted trees on their farms to agroforestry sites in the Nairobi vicinity, and a 3-day sci- for the benefits they provide. Yet, it was only 35 years ence forum was held to synthesize past achievements and ago that the term agroforestry was coined and gained provide `state-of-the-art' analyses on four themes: entry into the scientific lexicon. And for 25 years, ICRAF- World Agroforestry Centre has been at the forefront, Land and People: Partners using trees for productive advancing the frontiers of agroforestry science while landscapes and sustainable livelihoods. increasing awareness about the crucial role of trees in Trees and Markets: Conserving and domesticating trees enhancing food security, increasing income and assets for and connecting smallholders with markets. the poor, and in providing environmental services at local Environmental Services: Pro-poor agroforestry strategies to global levels. for local conservation and global benefits. Strengthening Institutions: Improving capacities for It was therefore fitting that the World Agroforestry Centre effective research development and education. celebrated its 25th anniversary by hosting a conference "World Agroforestry and the Future." Ian Johnson, CGIAR Looking to the future, the World Agroforestry Centre's Chairman, was on hand to kick off the celebrations, join- new frontier is to focus on the products, processing, and ing Eugene Terry, Chairman of the Board; Dennis Garrity, marketing of tree products and services. Director General, staff, and partners in celebrating this important milestone. Participants were taken on field trips For more information, visit www.worldagroforestrycentre.org ISNAR hosts CGIAR Information Managers Consortium As a knowledge-driven system, the CGIAR works at the portal to all other data and information objects produced frontiers of food and environmental science, developing by the CGIAR. In addition to increasing significantly the farming solutions geared to the needs of millions of small number of journals available electronically in the CGIAR farmers in developing countries. system, the Virtual Library will also facilitate access to other important sources of information such as the Web of How to better grasp the new opportunities offered by the Science and E-CAB. ongoing knowledge revolution was the topic debated and acted upon by CGIAR Information Managers at their annu- "The benefits of a Virtual Library will surpass our expecta- al meeting held at ISNAR. tions," says Luz Marina Alvaré of IFPRI. "It will enable CGIAR scientists and partners in far-flung corners to access Key objectives of the meetings were to: diverse information collections from a single platform." Review Consortium activities and plan for 2004 A highlight of the meeting was a visit to SWETS, a top Review on-going partnerships with other organizations journal aggregator located in Lisse, Netherlands. Members and explore options of the CGIAR Consortium negotiated better journal sub- Explore new issues and technical developments scription rates, and ways in which electronic accessibility Review ICT-KM Strategy (with emphasis on the proposal could be enhanced to gain access to more online resources for a Virtual Library). without extra costs. Efforts are underway to establish a CGIAR Virtual Library, Resource persons from FAO, Technical Centre for an important part of the newly-approved CGIAR ICT-KM Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), International Strategic Plan. It's basic function will be to integrate infor- Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications mation of all CGIAR libraries in a common referencing sys- (INASP), and the University of Amsterdam participated in tem, thereby providing rapid access through a resource the meeting. November 2003 13 CGIAR System Office Workshop As a global alliance, the CGIAR must operate as an integrated, cohesive and coherent system to be effective in delivering its mandate of mobilizing science in the service of poor farmers. System Office Workshop Participants At the 2nd System Office (SO) meeting held in Washington, DC, efforts to develop com- plementary business plans and implement a performance management system received a boost. Representatives of SO units gathered to report on the implementation of the Integrated Operating Plan 2003, and to streamline and develop unit work plans for 2004. All System Office units were represented. The System Office Steering Committee was represented by Meryl Williams, Director General, WorldFish Center and Francisco Reifschneider, CGIAR Director. Adel El-Beltagy, Director General, ICARDA will repre- sent the Center Directors Committee (CDC) on the System Office Steering Committee in 2004. The SO Steering Committee and the CDC Chair guided the discussion and helped to further clarify the vision for a future SO governance structure. On the second day, participants dealt with the question of how to move ahead with performance management of the System Office. A number of targets were set and processes established, including a common budgeting and reporting format for 2003 and 2004. For more information, visit www.cgiar.org Nairobi hosts Annual General Meeting 2003 continued included a representative from the New Partnership for Establishment of two Task Forces -- to decide on appro- Africa's Development (NEPAD), and Jeffrey Sachs, Director, priate CGIAR programs and configuration of Centers Earth Institute of Columbia University and Special Advisor to A preliminary CGIAR budget for 2004 of $400 million -- the U.N. Secretary General. the highest so far Increased collaboration between Centers (e.g. CIMMYT "This is the first AGM being held in Africa, and it will not be and IRRI, CIFOR and World Agroforestry Centre) the last," said Ian Johnson, CGIAR Chairman, in opening Launch of a "Biosicences Laboratory" at ILRI and funded remarks to the stakeholder meeting. "A dynamic response by Canada (C$ 30 million) from CGIAR requires that we give Africa a central place in Strong and continuing support for Challenge Programs -- our efforts, but also be attentive to the pressing needs of which are bringing additional resources (human, technical, other developing regions as well." His remarks titled "An and financial) including from the private sector such as the Ever Evolving CGIAR" drew applause from the participants. Gates Foundation Notable outcomes of AGM'03 include: "The Government of Kenya, especially Minister Kirwa and his Endorsement of the ongoing reforms which are on track colleagues at Kenya Agricultural Research Institute have been Approval for the IFPRI-ISNAR Program alliance remarkable hosts," said Francisco Reifschneider, CGIAR Director. Establishment of a high-level Science Council to guide the "The CGIAR owes them our collective gratitude, both for their CGIAR's scientific efforts hospitality and for ensuring the smooth and effective conduct Rise in membership: the Gulf Cooperation Council formally of the meetings. The assistance of ILRI and World Agroforestry joined the CGIAR, increasing the number of members to Centre is noteworthy and gratefully acknowledged." 63 (25 developing countries and 22 industrialized counties) For more information, visit www.cgiar.org Challenge Programs continued Through a major competitive selection process, 50 research projects have been approved for funding. On average, each project includes 7 institutions. The approved projects will contribute to achieving impact on the ground by focusing on nine benchmark river basins, working closely with local water managers and farmers. Overall, 15 CGIAR Centers, 162 national programs, 20 NGOs, and 31 advanced research institutions are participating in the projects. The Nairobi conference was covered by international and local media. For further information, visit www.waterforfood.org and www.cgiar.org 14 cgiarNews CIMMYT Hosts World Bank Managers for Study Visit Twenty-one World Bank managers traveled to Mexico in October to explore joint World Bank-CGIAR activities. At CIMMYT, they witnessed first-hand how scientists are devel- oping a new generation of wheat- and maize-based tech- CIMMYT field visit nologies that will help nourish, clothe, educate, and sustain a burgeoning world population well into the next century. described and participants were shown how the breeding programs inform and shape the biotechnology agenda, and In developing countries, agriculture is the backbone of the how biotechnology breakthroughs in turn help improve economy. To tackle stubborn rural poverty head on, new breeding speed and efficiency. crop and farming technologies are urgently needed to boost yields, create wealth and prevent environmental harm. Subsequently, the visitors saw wheat breeding plots at the El-Batán research station. Wolfgang Pfeiffer and Richard The first field visit was to maize fields in El-Batán where partici- Trethowan, CIMMYT Wheat Breeders, gave an overview of pants saw war being waged against Striga, a parasitic weed the history of wheat breeding at CIMMYT, discussing the that decimates yields, and is responsible for causing $1 billion future needs of developing countries and how CIMMYT is in losses to farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. gearing to meet them. The breeders showed plots of wild relatives of wheat. These looked quite unkempt compared to Next, participants saw how day length and temperature can the bread wheats, except that they contain a host of severely impact maize productivity. Rising pestilence, too, is a untapped genetic traits that can be used to improve stress bane for maize farmers. David Bergvinson, CIMMYT tolerance in wheat. Wheat scientists refer to the wild rela- Entomologist, discussed maize pests and the importance of tives as their "kitchen," because they hold the "ingredients" building pest resistance, both in the field as well as after har- breeders need and use to cook up high-yielding, locally- vest. CIMMYT's Insect Resistant Maize for Africa (IRMA) project adapted, stress tolerant wheat varieties for the benefit of in East Africa is bringing biotechnology to farmers' fields and poor farmers. world-class biosafety facilities to Kenya's national program. At the conclusion of the field visits, Masa Iwanaga, Director A program highlight was a presentation by Alex McCalla, General, CIMMYT spoke about the evolution, current status, Chairman of CIMMYT's Board, entitled "An Overview of the and future challenges facing CIMMYT and the CGIAR system. Role of Agriculture in Economic Development: An Annotated Francisco Reifschneider, CGIAR Director, provided participants Journey Through Some Interesting Literature." Normally a with an overview of the CGIAR reform program. One partici- semester-long course, this tour d'horizon provided partici- pant, a former CGIAR researcher, raised a point that is often pants with a history of global agricultural and economic neglected in discussions about global food security and agri- development, squeezed into a 90 minute session. cultural development: "If funding for CIMMYT's wheat pro- gram was stopped today," he said, "in 5 years maybe, but Staff from all five CIMMYT research programs -- Maize, definitely within 10 years, wheat production in the develop- Wheat, Natural Resources Management, Biotechnology, and ing world would plummet to pre-1950 levels." Economics -- tackled the issue of conventional versus cut- ting-edge approaches to increasing agricultural productivity The two-day visit was useful, both for the visitors for whom and reducing poverty in developing countries. The seminar agricultural research is just one item on their smorgasbord of was designed as a `duel' between the two camps, but at responsibilities, but also for CIMMYT scientists who learned CIMMYT both approaches mesh and are being deployed. about how the World Bank views agricultural research in a Breeding efforts to overcome biotic and abiotic stresses were developmental and poverty-reduction context. November 2003 15 cgiarNews Editor Sarwat Hussain e s.hussain@cgiar.org Published by the CGIAR Secretariat A Unit of the CGIAR System Office t 1 202 473 8951 f 1 202 473 8110 e cgiar@cgiar.org CGIAR-supported Future Harvest Centers International Center for Tropical Agriculture International Crops Research Institute for International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (CIAT) the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) www.irri.org www.ciat.cgiar.org www.icrisat.org International Service for National Center for International Forestry Research International Food Policy Research Institute Agricultural Research (ISNAR) (CIFOR) (IFPRI) www.isnar.cgiar.org www.cifor.org www.ifpri.org International Water Management Institute International Maize and Wheat International Institute of Tropical (IWMI) Improvement Center (CIMMYT) Agriculture (IITA) www.iwmi.cgiar.org www.cimmyt.org www.iita.org West Africa Rice Development Association­ International Potato Center (CIP) International Livestock Research Institute The Africa Rice Center (WARDA) www.cipotato.org (ILRI) www.warda.org www.ilri.org International Center for Agricultural World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) International Plant Genetic Resources www.worldagroforestrycentre.org www.icarda.org Institute (IPGRI) www.ipgri.org WorldFish Center www.worldfishcenter.org 16 cgiarNews