cgiarNews w w w . c g i a r . o r g M a r c h 2 0 0 4 Nourishing the future through scientific excellence In this Issue CGIAR and Parliamentarians 1 Message from the Chairman and Director 2 New Directors General 3 Announcements 3 Participants at the inaugural session (left to right): Minister Grace Akello; Minister Fabios Meryl Williams Nets Top Award 3 Byaruhanga; Rt. Hon. Edward Ssekandi, Speaker of Ugandan Parliament; Prof. Richard Musangi, Chair, WARDA Board of Trustees; Oliver Wonekha, MP, and John Odit, MP. The News and Views from CDC 4 Speaker's message: "With the knowledge acquired from this workshop, Members of Update on ISNAR Transition 4 Parliament will be greatly empowered to mobilize the population in their respective constituencies to ensure food and nutrition security." CGIAR at ESSD Week 5 Development Marketplace 2004 5 Stagnating Rice Sector 6 CGIAR and Parliamentarians: Convention on Biological Diversity (COP7) 7 Strengthening Partnerships CGIAR Science Council 8 Meet the Chair, Science Council 8 in Uganda Genetic Resources Policy Committee 10 Over 40 Ugandan Members of Parliament, State Ministers, and farmers met Research in Aral Sea 10 CGIAR researchers from eight Centers to learn more about CGIAR's research- Public-Private Partnerships 11 for-development activities and explore collaboration for improving nutrition, ICT-KM 12 food, and income security to benefit Uganda's farmers. Fighting Illegal Logging 13 Turtle-Friendly Fisheries 14 Welcoming the Ministers and Members of Parliament on behalf of CGIAR, The Triumph of Partnership 15 Richard S. Musangi, Chairman, WARDA-The Africa Rice Center Board of Global Meeting of Parliamentarians 17 Trustees said "It is appropriate that the meeting is taking place in Jinja, espe- New Rices for Africa (NERICAs) 19 cially since Uganda is a leading client, supporter, and member of the CGIAR." The workshop was inaugurated by the Rt. Hon. Edward Ssekandi, Speaker of Parliament. Addressing the parliamentarians and researchers, he said "I am very pleased to have this opportunity to dialogue with CGIAR scientists not only Continued on page 16 AGM'04 in Mexico -- Mark Your Calendars! The 2004 Annual General Meeting (AGM2004) will be hosted by the CGIAR Government of Mexico and CIMMYT and held in Mexico City. The AGM and associated meetings will take place October 25­29, 2004. 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 CGIAR Director Francisco Reifschneider and Director CGIAR Members African Development Bank Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development Asian Development Bank Australia Dear Colleague: Austria Bangladesh We are pleased to present you with "CGIAR News," the spring edition. Belgium Brazil For your convenience, an e-version is available at www.cgiar.org Canada China Colombia We began the New Year with a tremendous vote of confidence in the CGIAR. Commission of the European Community UK's Department for International Development (DfID) announced an increase Côte d'Ivoire in its contribution by £10 million (approximately US$18 million) a year for three Denmark Arab Republic of Egypt years, acknowledging that "the CGIAR reform process is moving in the right Finland direction, governance issues and system-wide reforms are being addressed, Food and Agriculture Organization and new evidence is emerging of real impacts on poverty." Similarly, Italy has of the United Nations Ford Foundation announced that it will double its contribution, and Austria has returned to the France CGIAR as a contributing member. Earlier, Canada doubled its level of financial Germany Gulf Cooperation Council support. In addition, in this first quarter of the year we have also welcomed India an extraordinarily well qualified new Science Council (see page 8 for a list of Indonesia members and an interview with the new Science Council Chair Per Pinstrup- Inter-American Development Bank International Development Research Centre Andersen), initiated two new Task Forces to further examine structure and International Fund for Agricultural Development programmatic alignment among Centers, and a number of Centers have com- Islamic Republic of Iran Ireland menced discussions on how to better do business together. Israel Italy And most importantly, over the last three months, research which benefits Japan Kellogg Foundation smallholder farmers has continued to deliver results. The stories contained in Kenya this edition encapsulate these successes while demonstrating the continuing Republic of Korea Luxembourg value of CGIAR research to smallholder farmers, producers and consumers alike. Malaysia Mexico We hope you find this snapshot of CGIAR activities that are helping create sus- Morocco Netherlands tainable pathways out of poverty for poor people to be of interest. We welcome New Zealand comments at cgiar@cgiar.org Nigeria Norway OPEC Fund for International Development Thank you for your interest in and support to the CGIAR. Pakistan Peru Philippines With best wishes, Portugal Rockefeller Foundation Ian Johnson Francisco Reifschneider Romania Russian Federation CGIAR Chairman CGIAR Director South Africa Spain Sweden 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 New Director General of Announcements WorldFish Center Welcome to New Center Board Chairs: Stephen J. Hall is the new Director General of WorldFish Center, and took up office on March 1, Keijiro Otsuka, IRRI, succeeding 2004. He succeeds Meryl Williams who completed Angeline Kamba a 10-year assignment. James W. Jones, CIAT, succeeding Lauritz Holm-Nielsen Dr Hall was educated in Wales and Scotland and is an eminent fisheries scientist and research leader. Prior to joining WorldFish, he held positions of Professor of Marine Biology at Flinders University and Director of the Australian Institute of Marine Meryl Williams Science (AIMS). His many achievements and publi- cations include a recent major book on the effects of fishing on marine Nets Top ecosystems which has already become an essential text in this field. Australian Award "I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to lead WorldFish in Meryl Williams, former Director General, the next phase of its development," said Stephen Hall upon taking up his WorldFish Center, was awarded Australia's new assignment. "As the only CGIAR Center dealing with aquatic produc- prestigious Centenary Medal for her contri- tion systems, WorldFish, working in partnership with national research and butions in marine science to Australian development organizations, is in a unique position to make a significant society and government. contribution to the development agenda. I look forward to helping the organization deliver on that promise." "I have the great pleasure to represent Pamela Anderson Australia and all Australians as we honor Dr. Meryl Williams as an exceptional to Lead CIP Australian," said H.E. James Wise, Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Pamela Anderson, an entomologist and ecologist while conferring the award. "The and currently CIP's Deputy Director General for Centenary Medal gives the Australian Research has been appointed Director General to community the chance to thank those succeed Hubert Zandstra who retires in April 2005. who have made significant contributions to Australia. The contributions Dr Meryl Dr. Anderson, a U.S. national, joined CIP in 2002. Williams has made have been invaluable." A leading expert on emerging plant diseases, she has done extensive research in virology, ecology, food production, human Prior to joining WorldFish Center, Meryl health and agricultural development for resource-poor farmers. She has Williams was one of Australia's top marine worked in Latin America for more than 25 years, including over a decade scientists, leading the Australian Institute in national agricultural research systems. Since joining CIP, she guided the of Marine Science, and the Australian Center through a Vision exercise, realigning the Center's research and Government's Bureau of Rural Resources. development program to bring it closely into harmony with the Millennium She advised the Australian Government Development Goals. on national and international fisheries management issues and the management "The leadership and investment over the past 30 years have resulted in a of the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral strong and vibrant center, with a demonstrated contribution to improving reef in the world. the well being of the world's poorest people for whom potatoes and sweetpotatoes are vital crops," said Dr. Anderson while accepting the appointment. "It will be my honor and privilege to lead the International Potato Center and work with our donors, partners and beneficiaries." March 2004 3 News & Views The Center Directors Committee: Update on New Horizons in 2004 ISNAR As Chairman of the Center Directors Committee (CDC) for 2004, I am delighted Transition to provide an update of the new challenges and opportunities faced by CDC. For the past two years, CDC has undergone significant changes in the way in which Key elements of the ISNAR mandate it conducts its business, and has worked to successfully streamline and better continue in the form of the new implement its decisions. The drafting of a Code of Conduct for the CDC under ISNAR Program, although all program the direction of my predecessor, Adel El-Beltagy (ICARDA) as CDC Chair, was just work within ISNAR as a CGIAR Center one of the ways in which the Centers focused on how to better improve their will have ceased on March 31, 2004. work together. Critical project work of ISNAR is continuing under IFPRI's new ISNAR During 2003, together with the Center Board Chairs (CBC), to further unlock program. An advisory committee has the full potential of investments and the knowledge capital of the Centers, we been established to guide the new began to discuss the concept of an Alliance and the Future Harvest Alliance was program. The establishment of the new born, an alliance of the then 16 Centers. An Alliance Office (FHAO), headed by ISNAR Program will begin operation an Executive Officer would support the Centers in the day to day work of shared accompanied by extensive consulta- programs and in the co-leadership of the various units and programs that make tions with partners representing up the System Office. national programs, academia, civil society and the donor community. Meryl Williams, retiring DG of WorldFish, has been selected to fill the position of The international search for the Executive Officer, beginning May 1, 2004. She will serve on a part-time basis. Director of the Program is in progress. The Executive Officer will report to the CDC Chair, and will work hand in hand with the Executive Committee of the CDC and the CDC Executive Secretary, to IFPRI has commenced discussions with build on and strengthen existing collaborative efforts in research and corporate the Government of Ethiopia and ILRI management, enhance Center contributions to the CGIAR Executive Council, regarding the organizational arrange- and add value to the strategic agenda of the CDC and CBC. ments for the ISNAR Program in Addis Ababa, and discussions with IICA in The CDC continues to support many of the programs and joint ventures among Costa Rica have also been initiated, the Centers including the Chief Information Officer, the Gender and Diversity to continue the cooperation with the Program, and the Corporate Advisory Service. Following up on our decision to related ISNAR Program there. further streamline the work of the Centers, the CDC will no longer fund multiple activities in public awareness but will continue to support the work of the Marketing Group, made up of representatives from each of the Centers and the Secretariat. Personally I believe we are in the midst of one of the most challenging and exciting periods in the life of the CGIAR and the Centers. As a group, I look forward to the CGIAR moving from action plans to "actionable plans" and to taking bold decisions more quickly and efficiently. As part of the overarching effort of helping to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), we will work towards transforming our different mandates into a powerful and comprehensive R&D system that transcends the prejudices of individual Centers, sub-regional, and regional boundaries--in a system that will bring hope to the hopeless, food to the hungry, wealth to the poor, and above all, help end the cycle of despair by giving the rural poor opportunities to participate in the global economy and build sustainable pathways out of poverty. Kanayo F. Nwanze Chairman, CDC 4 cgiarNews CGIAR at ESSD Week Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development (ESSD) Week is a premier learning event hosted annually by the World Bank's ESSD Vice Presidency, bringing together staff from three families: agriculture, environment, and social development. Therefore, it was fitting that CGIAR feature prominently in the week's activities to showcase impacts of research by CGIAR Centers and contributions to the larger sustainable development agenda. Minister Grace Akello of Uganda responds to CGIAR presentations--to her right is William Dar, Director General, ICRISAT. Knowledge for Natural Resource Management New knowledge is central to meeting the challenge of managing natural resources such as land, water, and fisheries Joachim Voss, Director General, CIAT focused his presentation sustainably. At a special seminar organized jointly with the on CGIAR research in action at diverse locales: managing soil Bank's Agriculture and Rural Development Department, over erosion in Asia, improving land management across the Lake 65 participants explored practical ways for strengthening the Victoria basin, and using integrated research approaches to knowledge-to-action continuum. Speaking on behalf of the improve livelihoods in the high Andes. Appropriately titled CGIAR Center Directors Committee (CDC), Kanayo Nwanze, "Good News from the Field" he noted adoption rates were Director General, WARDA-The Africa Rice Center, gave an as high as 40 percent in targeted communities and internal overview of natural resource management (NRM) research in rates of return ranged from 60 to 99 percent. the CGIAR, its component stages, and how NRM research is linked to efforts to improve livelihoods, agricultural produc- Simon Heck, representing WorldFish Center, spoke about tivity, environment services and agro-ecosystem resilience. the relevance of fisheries to achieving the Millennium Continued on page 18 World Agroforestry Centre and CIP Collaborator Win Prestigious Development Marketplace Awards Two grassroots development innova- Rwanda Agroforestry tions, from World Agroforestry Centre Network (RAFNET) and Center for Natural Resources and More than 95 percent of Rwanda's Environmental Research (CIRNMA, a population are small-scale farmers, tilling CIP collaborator), were among the infertile soils and depending on animal finalists chosen in "Development husbandry for a living. At $260 per Marketplace 2003," a global competi- annum, per capita incomes are among tion sponsored by the World Bank. the lowest in the world. World Agroforestry Centre researchers, in Development Marketplace 2003, held partnership with RAFNET, have been in Washington in December 2003, is promoting zero-grazing dairies and a global bazaar of ideas, with all the progressive terracing techniques as a animation, buzz and color of a souk. The means of raising rural incomes and Harvard Business Review has described it conserving the environment. The idea is as "an innovative approach to finding simple but effective and involves equip- innovative ideas in development." A ping a farm with a jersey cow, fodder New York Times editorial has hailed it banks, progressive terracing systems for combining Silicon Valley venture and milk collection tools. Farmers bene- capitalism and social entrepreneurship. fit from on-farm fodder production, Continued on page 6 March 2004 5 Stagnating Rice Sector Threatens Asian Stability Stability in the Asian region, including Recent research has shown that in 1999, for every US$1 million in Indonesia and Philippines, is threat- invested at IRRI, more than 800 rural poor in China, and 15,000 ened by the continuing lack of rural poor in India, were lifted above the poverty line. These development in the rice sector. Rice poverty-reduction effects were even greater in earlier years. farming remains a poverty trap in many Asian nations, mainly because Dr. Cantrell's address provided participants with a snapshot of very small farm size. Adding to the of activities being undertaken by IRRI and its partners misery of rice growers in the region to improve productivity, profitability, and sustainability of is declining support for public rice rice farming: research, one of the few proven avenues for improving the lives of rice farmers and consumers alike. ! Developing more nutritious rice rich in essential micronu- trients as iron, zinc vitamin A, and protein Speaking at the launch of the "International Year of Rice ! A new type of dry-field rice that reduces the amount of 2004," and making the case for increased investments in water used in rice cultivation thereby helping mitigate Asia's rice research, Ronald Cantrell, Director General, IRRI said: looming water crisis where farmers use unsustainable levels "Achieving at least two of the eight Millennium Development of up to 3,000 liters of water to produce 1 kg of rice Goals heavily depends on continued and strengthened ! Developing rice that withstands stresses such as drought research efforts to help farmers grow rice more efficiently, or saline soils. profitably and sustainably." ! Developing hybrid rice and other varieties that will provide higher yields for farmers and motivate private sector In the early years of the Green Revolution up to the early investment in developing improved varieties for farmers. 1980s, the rice-producing nations of Asia enjoyed annual rice yield increases of 2.5 percent and production gains of over 3 The conference marked the official launch of FAO's percent. However, between the middle of the 1980s and the International Year of Rice 2004. late 1990s, the rate of annual yield increase was nearly halved, and the rate of production increase fell even further. For more information, www.rice2004.com Development Marketplace Awards continued from page 5 tree planting, and using biogas pro- Historic accounts indicate that oca was "Traditionally, wealth and biodiversity duced from animal manure instead a major Andean staple in pre-Colombian went hand-in-hand in the high Andes," of firewood. This innovative approach times. Usually grown on marginal soils, said Robert Valdivia, Executive Director, won a cash prize of $246,648 for it easily yields 50 tons per hectare, CIRNMA. "But little is known today scaling-up activities. rivaling potato in terms of productive about how to use biodiversity to potential. A single plant can yield up advantage in a global market--our Center for Natural Resources and to 4 kilograms of tubers. project helps raise incomes of rural Environmental Research (CIRNMA) families while promoting biodiversity CIRNMA, derived from the Spanish The project aims to generate multiple conservation." name, Centro de Investigación de benefits. It targets Puno's indigenous Recursos Naturales y Medio Ambiente, Aymara-speaking people, training them Development Marketplace 2003 is an NGO working in southeastern to produce a variety of oca marmalades attracted innovators from 27 countries, Peru. It's innovative project promotes for the commercial market, encouraging showcasing 47 innovative projects, the production of marmalade from oca rural micro-enterprises and promoting selected from 183 finalists, and over (Oxalis tuberosa) a little-known Andean biodiversity conservation. It also helps $6 million in prize money was awarded. tuber crop, as a way of raising rural curb pollution in Lake Titicaca through incomes in Puno village, near the the use of organic fertilizer from manure shores of Lake Titicaca, once the seat and crop residues. This proposal won a For more information, visit of the famed Inca empire. cash prize of $115,000. www.developmentmarketplace.org 6 cgiarNews Diversity for Nutritional Well-Being Diverse diets are good for human health and nutrition, and healthy people who value the diversity that surrounds them are more likely to preserve it. This was the overarching theme of a keynote speech delivered by Emile Frison, Director General, IPGRI, on behalf of the CGIAR to the 7th Conference of Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) held in Malaysia. Hidden hunger afflicts 2 billion people worldwide. Roughly one in every three people lacks essential vitamins and other nutrients. The most severely affected are women and young children, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. "Biodiversity and human health are integrally linked," said Frison in his plenary address. "We are committed to mobilizing public goods science for tackling the problem of hidden hunger and malnutrition head on." Promoting diversity in diets is the simplest way to address problems of micronutrient deficiencies. A study in the United States showed that diversity in diets reduced the risk of mortality. Research conducted in Italy has shown a link between greater diversity (in fruits and vegetables) and reduced incidence of stomach cancer. In Tamil Nadu, India, IPGRI is working with the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation to boost consumption of minor millets that are nutritious and can grow in marginal environments. This project is supported by IFAD. "Farmers who benefit directly from biodiversity, are more likely to conserve it," Frison told the conference. "Just as more complex and diverse ecosystems are generally more productive and more stable, so do more diverse diets act as a buffer against the ill effects of nutritional perturbations." "Penang Statement and Action Plan" More than 200 million people depend on fisheries for their liveli- ! The inland fisheries problems are largely ignored and invisible hoods. Highlighting the important contributions of fisheries to the outside the sector. The outreach inherent in the ecosystem sustainable development agenda, WorldFish Center released the approach to inland fisheries will give the sector a voice. "Penang Statement" at the Convention on Biological Diversity meetings. The statement outlines a strategy for improving fish- The Ecosystem Approach: how? eries management, both in support of the Convention and FAO's ! Work towards a coherent and coordinated set of policies, Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) and calls for: laws and guidelines ! Strengthen institutions and their functions to implement Adopting the Ecosystem Approach to Inland Fisheries the ecosystem approach in cross-sectoral cooperation The Ecosystem Approach: Why and What? ! Create an enabling environment to promote stakeholder ! Threats to inland fisheries and degradation of aquatic ecosys- participation tems are affecting the livelihoods of millions of poor people. ! Support research and the collection, dissemination and use of This problem cannot be solved within the fishery sector alone local knowledge to provide an informed basis for implement- ! Aquatic resources are more than managing fish--it is about ing the ecosystem approach people! The ecosystem approach brings people from all sectors together, making the link between fisheries, water For a complete version of the Penang Statement, visit www.worldfishcenter.org and the environment ! Implementing the ecosystem approach poses new challenges For FAO's work on fisheries, visit www.fao.org/fi The seventh session was attended by some 2,000 participants, including 80 ministers. In Kuala Lumpur, the 187 Member States of the CBD set rigorous targets for reducing the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010. For more information on CBD, visit www.biodiv.org Copies of Biodiversity, Nutrition and Health: Making a Difference to Hunger and Conservation in the Developing World available at http://www.biodiv.org/meetings/cop-07/press/speech.aspx or from j.cherfas@cgiar.org March 2004 7 CGIAR Science Council Appointed Following an extensive global search, a distinguished group of scientists have been appointed to the Science Council of CGIAR. The members are: ! Dr. Per Pinstrup-Andersen (Babcock Professor, Cornell University and World Food Prize Laureate), Chair ! Dr. Virender Lal Chopra (President, National Academy of Science, India) ! Dr. Alain de Janvry (Professor, University of California-Berkeley) ! Dr. Kenneth Fischer (Adjunct Professor, University of Queensland, Australia) ! Dr. Michael Gale (Emeritus Fellow, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, UK) Standing (left to right): ole-MoiYoi, ! Dr. Hans Gregersen (retired Professor, University of Minnesota) Chopra, Fischer, Gale, Harwood, ! Dr. Richard Harwood (Professor, Michigan State University) Gregersen, de Janvry; Seated: Kainuma, Pinstrup-Andersen, Sennerby-Forsse ! Dr. Keiji Kainuma (Executive Research Advisor, National Food Research Institute, Japan) ! Dr. Onesmo ole-MoiYoi (Director, Research and Partnerships, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Kenya) and ! Dr. Lisa Sennerby-Forsse (Secretary General, Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning (FORMAS), Sweden). Speaking in Washington, Ian Johnson, World Bank Vice President for Sustainable Development and CGIAR Chairman said, "I am pleased CGIAR was able to bring together such an impressive team of scientists. I am confident that under their wise counsel, CGIAR will continue to make a tremendous impact on the lives of millions of poor people around the world." At a meeting to discuss modalities of support for the Science Council, FAO reaf- (left to right), Messrs. David A. Harcharik (FAO), firmed its strong commitment to the CGIAR and will continue to host the Science Ian Johnson (CGIAR), Jacques Diouf (FAO), Council Secretariat at FAO Headquarters in Rome (see adjacent photo). Francisco Reifschneider (CGIAR), John Monyo (FAO) Meet Per Pinstrup-Andersen, Chairman, CGIAR Science Council During a recent visit to Washington, Per Pinstrup-Andersen, Chairman, Science Council spoke to "CGIAR News" about the Science Council's priorities and evolving work program. No stranger to the CGIAR, Per was formerly Director General of IFPRI (1992­2002). Born in Holmager, Denmark, he received his B.S. (Agricultural Economics) from the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Copenhagen, and a master's and doctorate from Oklahoma State University. In 2001 he was awarded the World Food Prize. Q: Please describe the role of the CGIAR Science Council? PP-A: The single-most important role of the Science Council (SC) is to advise CGIAR Centers, members, and stakeholders on research priorities and strategies, Per Pinstrup-Andersen, Chairman, quality of research, and related issues such as new technologies and policies to CGIAR Science Council help poor farmers in developing countries manage resources for higher productivity 8 cgiarNews and incomes, a more secure food supply, conferences, and arrangements of vari- agriculture in developing countries. But and sustainable use of natural resources. ous kinds. But we will probably have we also need sustainable productivity Because CGIAR investments account two formal meetings per year, and leave increases because natural resource for only 4 percent of total expenditures ourselves the option for more meetings management issues have to be taken in agricultural research, we have to be if needed. I might add that it was fasci- into account. We must manage natural absolutely certain that we set the prior- nating to have our first meeting and see resources in a way that is compatible ities in a way that will do the most for nine members of the Science Council with the needs of future generations, poor people. Restated, the purpose of coming from many different cultural so the agricultural research that is the Science Council is to help the backgrounds, scientific disciplines, and being done both by CGIAR and collab- Centers and the stakeholders to identify to see that we were able to carry on a orating institutions is very important. the priorities that will have the biggest constructive conversation from the very beneficial impacts on the lives of poor beginning. Sometimes it takes a great While the national institutions have to people per dollar spent. deal of effort to get people from differ- do most of the agricultural research, ent cultures to communicate. In this the CGIAR can help by undertaking the Q: What are the top three priorities case, we had no problems, and the research that we refer to as international for the new Science Council? members communicated among them- public goods, namely the kind of selves effectively. I think the reason is research that many national institutions PP-A: Our first priority is to help CGIAR that they are a very dedicated group of can use in their efforts to meet the needs to set priorities that will reflect the needs high-level scientists who share a com- of poor farmers and poor consumers. of poor people, whether they are farm- mon goal with the CGIAR of reducing In view of this, it is very important that ers or consumers. Secondly, SC should and hopefully eliminating poverty and international and national institutions help establish appropriate measures of hunger in developing countries. It is interact to achieve common goals. science quality and monitor the quality these shared goals that unite the SC and of the science that is being done within make us communicate very effectively. Q: What about the role of farmers? CGIAR. Thirdly the Science Council should assess the "The purpose of the Science PP-A: If we are to assure that the impact of the work done by priorities in agricultural research CGIAR Centers. I see a fourth Council is to help the Centers are reflecting appropriately the priority that the SC should be problems of poor people then addressing, and that is mobiliz- and the stakeholders to poor people should be partners ing science for agricultural identify the priorities that will in setting priorities. For this, we development and poverty eradi- need to closely work with farm- cation outside of the CGIAR. For have the biggest beneficial ers associations, NGOs, with that purpose, we are hoping to public sector representatives, and strengthen the collaboration impacts on the lives of poor with others who understand the between the CGIAR and agricul- problems facing poor farmers in tural research institutions and people per dollar spent." developing countries. By doing farmers throughout the devel- so, it will help us understand oping world. Q: Why is the work of the CGIAR what kind of solutions are relevant and important? acceptable to the intended beneficiaries, Q: Please describe the modus namely low-income people. We also operandi of the new Science PP-A: About 70% of the world's poor have to work very closely with the pri- Council? and hungry people live in rural areas vate sector because that is where a lot where they depend on agriculture of the future agricultural research will be PP-A: The SC will operate in a consen- directly as farmers or farm workers or undertaken. Therefore, we need to sus mode, we will meet when necessary indirectly, as providers of agricultural establish much closer working relation- to discuss matters that fall within our goods and services. In order to help ships with private institutions as well as mandate. We will spend lot of effort that target population of poor people NGOs and farmer associations. interacting between meetings in a virtual to escape poverty, we need productivity- For more information, mode, by telephone, email, and video increasing measures in small-scale www.sciencecouncil.cgiar.org March 2004 9 New Genetic Resources Policy Committee Meets at IPGRI The new Genetic Resources Policy Committee (GRPC) met at IPGRI during February 16­18, 2004. The members are: ! Carlos Correa (Chairman, University of Buenos Aires) Back row (left to right): Messrs. Subedi, Frison, Restrepo, Fowler, ! Bernard Le Buanec (Private sector, International Thornstrom, Gale and Halewood; front row: Mmes/Messrs. Henson- Seed Federation) Apollonio, Ekasingh, Le Buanec, Correa, Sampaio, Esquinas-Al-azar; Cantrell and Montemayor are not in picture. ! Ronald Cantrell (CGIAR Center representative, IRRI) ! Benchaphun Shinawatra Ekasingh (Committee of Resources for Food and Agriculture; overview of developments Board Chairs, IPGRI Board of Trustees) at Convention on Biological Diversity and World Intellectual ! José Esquinas-Alcázar (FAO Observer) Property Organization; progress toward establishing the ! Emile Frison (CGIAR Center representative, IPGRI) Global Crop Diversity Trust; discussion of CGIAR guiding ! Michael Gale (CGIAR Science Council) principles for genetically engineered crops developed by the ! Leonardo Montemayor (Farmers organizations, CGIAR Center Directors Committee (CDC), and reviving the Federation of Free Farmers of the Philippines) idea of creating a long-term, safety back-up collection of ! Juan Lucas Restrepo (CGIAR Member, Colombia) plant genetic resources in Svalbard, Norway. A GRPC work ! Maria José Sampaio (NARS, Embrapa-Brazil) plan for the next three years was developed. The plan ! Anil Subedi (NGO, Intermediate Technology includes reviewing and endorsing documents associated with Development Group) the development of system-wide Material Transfer Agreements ! Carl-Gustaf Thornstrom (CGIAR Member-Sweden) for Center-improved materials (to ensure the extension of "We were delighted to host the meeting," said Emile Frison, the International Treaty's benefit-sharing provisions to those Director General, IPGRI and GRPC Secretary. "The Committee materials); and requesting a study on the work of the got off to an excellent start with a fresh mandate to ensure Centers that contribute to the implementation of benefit- that CGIAR's public goods focus on plant genetic resources sharing under the International Treaty, with special emphases research and conservation is sustained." on Center technology transfers and contributions to the realization of farmers' rights. The full agenda for the meeting covered a wide range of subjects, including issues to be addressed by the CGIAR in An external review renewed GRPC's mandate in 2003. implementing the International Treaty on Plant Genetic For more information, www.ipgri.org Research Spells Hope for Aral Sea New IWMI research shows that if part Central Asia. The research aims to Most of the water from the Amu Darya of the saline, rice-producing areas in address the region's growing water crisis and Syr Darya rivers is withdrawn for irri- Central Asia's Syr Darya Basin were by improving water management at gation--leaving very little to feed the taken out of production, it would be local, national and regional levels. Aral Sea. IWMI research estimates the possible to double the flow of water net cost of taking 132,000 hectares of into the dying Aral Sea. "IWMI's research shows the urgent need salinized land out of production would for an integrated approach to water be less than US$30 million, yet in terms IWMI researchers, in partnership with the management in the region," says of ecological value of the irrigation water Scientific Information Center of Interstate Mehmood ul Hassan, an IWMI researcher saved, the benefits for the future of the Coordination Water Commission (SIC based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. "This Aral Sea would be far greater. If current ICWC), have been conducting research involves a commitment to reforms in the water (mis)management trends continue, in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya river water sector combined with innovative researchers predict the Aral Sea will dry basins that span five countries across agricultural practices." out completely by the year 2020. 10 cgiarNews Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships: CGIAR Featured at CEO's Roundtable "CGIAR's Private Sector Committee is Barwale-Zehr highlighted three activities environments in countries were also working hard to strengthen and enhance being undertaken by PSC to strengthen highlighted. public-private partnerships, both within collaboration with CGIAR: the CGIAR and beyond," said Usha Dr. Gordon Conway, President, The Barwale-Zehr, Chairman, CGIAR Private ! Participating in CGIAR Challenge Rockefeller Foundation, outlined the Sector Committee (PSC) while briefing a Programs successful launch of the African group of CEO's and business leaders ! Developing and launching a scientific Agricultural Technology Foundation from the agricultural sector about the exchange program (AATF), a new initiative where public- ongoing CGIAR reforms. ! Establishing delivery systems and private partnerships are key to serving communication initiatives on current the needs of smallholder farmers in The meeting, held at the World Bank, is agricultural issues sub-Saharan Africa. It was pointed out part of an ongoing dialogue on implica- that several private sector companies tions of agricultural science and technol- Participants were then given an overview are already participating in technology ogy for sustainable development and of the World Bank's new rural develop- transfer programs in the region. poverty reduction, and was hosted by ment strategy, "Reaching the Rural Mr. James D. Wolfensohn, President of Poor," and provided with an update on The meeting concluded on a positive The World Bank Group in January 2004. "Assessment of Agricultural Science and note with reaffirmations of the commit- Technology for Development." The ment to seek opportunities for produc- The objective was to assess progress made industry recognized that the new strat- tive collaboration on projects and pro- since the last dialogue held in 2000, bene- egy encourages a shift from a purely grams that will help farmers in develop- fit from current private sector perspectives, public sector-driven agriculture system to ing countries to improve their livelihoods and raise awareness about new initiatives one that operates on public-private part- and benefit from the new technologies. and programs underway in the private nerships. The strategy also commits the Mr. Wolfensohn's remark that "CGIAR is sector, World Bank Group and CGIAR. World Bank to helping developing coun- a gem" reconfirmed World Bank support. tries access information about various The CGIAR reforms are providing clear In addition to Barwale-Zehr, Sam Dryden technology options for increasing agri- opportunities where private sector and Mumeka Wright (PSC Members); cultural productivity. The broader issues organizations are interested in participat- Ian Johnson, CGIAR Chairman, and impacting agriculture such as rural credit ing. All present agreed that such discus- Francisco Reifschneider, CGIAR Director and financing, market access, infrastruc- sions are valuable and more regular participated in the meeting. ture, intellectual property and regulatory interaction was desirable. Aral Sea continued from page 10 The results of a recent World Bank- In an effort to make the research results the Central Asian context. Guidelines sponsored water savings competition better known in Central Asia and and best practices to support the work and further monitoring of user-driven beyond, a database has been created on of Government agencies, NGOs and conservation efforts within the Syr farming practices that can save water donors are available on a special Central Darya basin indicate cause for hope. and which can be adopted throughout Asia Water Users web page in Uzbek, IWMI and SIC ICWC scientists found the region and other water-scarce river Russian, Tajik and English. that the basin-wide application of basins. IWMI researchers and partners in water conservation strategies could the region--notably the Scientific "Our aim is to find ways of producing save as much as 36 km3 of water per Information Center of the Interstate more food with less water in a sustain- year. According to FAO data, this would Commission for Water Coordination of able way that is beneficial to the envi- be enough to stabilize the sea at its Central Asia and the International Fund ronment," emphasizes Hassan. 1990 level, but would not address the for Saving the Aral Sea--have adapted For more information, visit continuing environmental degradation lessons learned from over 15 years of www.iwmi.org/centralasiawaterusers of the exposed sea bed. research on water user associations in March 2004 11 Sustaining the Wellspring of CGIAR Innovation: Information Technology and Knowledge Management Pave the Way CGIAR's Information and Communication Technology- "This new phase should transform the capabilities of the Knowledge Management (ICT-KM) program received a major CGIAR Centers by incorporating new technologies and boost with a $5 million investment plan from the World approaches in all facets of our work in support of the Bank. The funds will go toward strengthening ICT-KM CGIAR's mission" said Kanayo Nwanze, Chairman, CGIAR practices and tools to significantly improve the way CGIAR Center Director's Committee (CDC). Centers share knowledge, link with partners, and deliver agricultural public goods to benefit the world's poor people. CGIAR's ICT-KM strategy has been reviewed extensively and passed the litmus test of relevance. An external panel The investment plan calls for reviewing the investment plan supporting 15 projects grouped ICT-KM 3 thrusts: concluded that "The strategic into three main thrusts: ICT for ICT-KM process being under- Tomorrow's Science, Content taken by the CGIAR, driven by for Development, and A CGIAR ICT for Tomorrow's Science its Chief Information Officer, Without Boundaries. shows that the organization is Content for Development a pioneer in this area." "The ongoing reforms are bear- ing fruit and changing the A CGIAR Without Boundaries Commenting on the critical CGIAR system," said Kevin need to strengthen ICT-KM Cleaver, World Bank's Director activities, Enrica Procari, for Agriculture and Rural CGIAR Chief Information Development and CGIAR Cosponsor. "By supporting the Officer emphasized that "Above all, the investment plan ICT-KM plan we hope to ensure that the best tools to share focuses on improving innovation, responsiveness and knowledge are brought to bear on the urgent task of reach- productivity by creating a CGIAR without boundaries, ing the rural poor and tackling persistent rural poverty." an internationally distributed, unified and open, knowl- edge organization." Funding for the projects will help to: ! Improve how the CGIAR communicates and uses data by "The funding now available from the World Bank presents implementing a high-performance ICT infrastructure both an excellent opportunity to implement a series of projects system-wide and in support of specific scientific communi- that we believe will make a significant difference for our ties of practice research agenda and the vitality of the CGIAR as a whole." ! Promote the creation and sharing of knowledge by provid- said Frank Rijsberman, Director General, IWMI, and ing easy access to integrated information and data in the Chairman of the CGIAR ICT-KM Sub-Committee. forms users need ! Nurture a collaborative culture, via new techniques and With funding for the 2004 Investment Plan approved by knowledge management approaches, thus improving the the World Bank, the projects are slated to commence in effectiveness of cooperative global agricultural research. March 2004. 12 cgiarNews CIFOR Helps Fight Illegal Logging in Indonesia Illegal logging in Indonesia costs the Government up to $3 billion a year in lost tax revenues. Many attempts have been made to solve the problem at the source--in forests--but these have proved ineffective. Now, thanks to pioneering work by Bambang Setiono, CIFOR analyst, big- time illegal loggers have to think long and hard about con- tinuing their destructive practices. Setiono decided not to tackle the problem at the supply end. Rather, with so much illegal money being generated CIFOR Director General David Kaimowitz and Head of the by illegal logging, he thought it more effective to hit ille- Indonesian Government's Financial Transaction Reporting and gal loggers where it hurts--in their bulging bank Analysis Center Yunus Husein at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on fighting illegal logging. accounts. Throughout 2003 Setiono worked closely with Indonesian politicians and the Government's Financial Transaction Reporting and Analysis Center (PPATK) to alert legislators about how anti-money laundering laws could oblige banks to report on suspicious transactions involving "Thanks to CIFOR, big-time illegal logging. illegal loggers have to think long In October 2003, Indonesia became the first country to pass anti-money laundering legislation. CIFOR signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indonesian and hard about continuing their Government in January 2004 under which CIFOR will pro- vide data, exchange experts, and help PPATK formulate destructive practices." guidelines for financial institutions to identify and prevent money laundering activities. "Until now Government initiatives to stamp out illegal log- alike. In an editorial, The Jakarta Post wrote: "The partner- ging only netted small-scale loggers who were caught ship between PPATK...and the Bogor-based environmental cutting down trees illegally," said Bambang Setiono. "The organization [CIFOR] is quite strategic in preventing illegal new regulations will help catch the `Mr Bigs' who work logging proceeds from entering the financial system. Since behind the scenes in supporting illegal logging." If properly CIFOR is part of a vast network of national and international enforced, the laws could save the Indonesian Government environmental organizations, it has connections with hundreds between $1 to 3 billion dollars annually. This money would of researchers in 30 countries and is adequately funded be a significant boost to the Government's efforts to and staffed to conduct high-impact research, it is capable improve economic development and reduce poverty. of assisting PPATK and banks in detecting companies engaged in illegal logging and other forest crimes." The new legislation and MOU have received widespread support from Indonesian journalists and environmentalists For more information, visit www.cifor.org March 2004 13 Turtle-Friendly Fisheries Only Hope for Gentle Ocean Giants Over the last decade nesting populations of critically endangered Pacific leatherback turtles have crashed, and the survival of this species is threatened by local and global impacts. Pacific leatherbacks, so named for their smooth leathery skin, can grow up to eight feet long and weigh close to a ton. Turtle meat and eggs are eaten by many coastal communities through- out the Pacific Islands. At the same time, the wide-ranging migratory Photo credit: Peter Dutton, NOAA turtles are also vulnerable to coastal tourism development, accidental catch by fishing gears, and marine pollution. Consequently, six of the Away from its element, a grounded Pacific seven sea turtle species are now classified as endangered or, worse, leatherback turtle is a source of curiosity--in the future, conservation strategies must combine critically endangered, by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List. knowledge of biology and communities. To address these issues, a group of 25 marine fisheries, conservation, policy, industry, and management experts met at the Bellagio "We came to this Conference Center, Italy, to create a much needed blueprint for the conservation of sea turtles in the Pacific Ocean. meeting seeking a set of "We came to this meeting seeking a set of workable solutions to reverse the critical decline of Pacific sea turtles", said Meryl Williams, workable solutions to Director General, WorldFish Center, who chaired the meeting. "Our next steps are to go out and promote the adoption of actions by the reverse the critical relevant people. The sooner more concerted action starts on a pan- Pacific level, the better the chance that the turtles will be saved." decline of Pacific sea The Bellagio blueprint called attention to the need for protecting all nesting beaches, reducing turtle take in at-sea and coastal fisheries, turtles...The sooner stimulating pan-Pacific policy actions, and encouraging the sustain- able use of sea turtles recognizing that gathering of turtle eggs and hunting of sea turtles for meat contribute to food security of many more concerted action local communities. starts on a pan-Pacific Developing suitable responses requires anthropological, biological, and fishing information on coastal and island living communities. "Our efforts must focus on linking existing knowledge of turtle biology and level, the better the use, including migration studies, genetics and fisheries with knowledge about the community uses," said Mahfuz Ahmed, Head, Policy chance that the turtles Research and Impact Assessment, WorldFish Center. will be saved." For more information, www.worldfishcenter.org, IUCN's Red List program, www.redlist.org 14 cgiarNews The Triumph of Partnership Lentil, usually served as dhal with rice, is considered "poor man's meat" in Bangladesh due to its high protein content. Lentil, rich in micronutrients such as betacarotene and zinc, are essential for health. Lentil straw is valued as animal feed. Lentil planted in rota- tion with rice adds nitrogen to the soil and helps break pest and disease cycles. But production is not keeping up with demand. Bangladesh imports over 75,000 tons of lentil at a cost of about US$34 million annually, and farmers cultivate local landraces that are low yielding and susceptible to disease. Since the 1980s, ICARDA has been collaborating with Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) to help increase lentil production by developing improved, disease-resistant lentil varieties that have a Bangladeshi farmers discuss merits of a new lentil variety broader genetic base. with ICARDA researchers. Overcoming an Ancient Bottleneck "This success represents Due to differences in flowering times of local and exotic lentil cultivars, it was not possible to cross the two to incorporate exotic genes. This ancient bottleneck was broken through a hybridization a major breakthrough program, using parental material from ICARDA. In consultation with national breeders, crosses were made at ICARDA under extended symbolizing a triumph photoperiod (18+ hours) to improve synchrony in flowering and facilitate crossing with Bangladeshi landraces. of partnership between Targeted segregating populations developed at ICARDA were then sent to partners of national programs in Bangladesh and other national partners and south Asian countries. Through this approach--breeding for syn- chrony followed by wide crosses--introgression of desirable genes including those of disease resistance was achieved, and the genetic the CGIAR." base was broadened. This success represents a major breakthrough in genetic improvement of lentil symbolizing a triumph of partner- and posters in the local language. Farmers' field ship between national partners and the CGIAR. demonstrations and field days were organized. Seeds of improved varieties were distributed directly Following this strategy, targeted segregating populations, incorpo- to farmers to accelerate adoption rates. Farmer-to- rating resistance to blight and rust diseases, were provided to farmer seed dissemination has helped improve dis- Bangladesh and selections were made under local conditions. This seminated improved lentil. To date, about 60,000 ha resulted in the development of a rust-resistant cultivar `Barimasur­2,' have been planted to improved varieties, mostly followed two years later by `Barimasur­4.' Additional research in Barimasur­4 (except in Rajbari and Faridpur districts, Bangladesh has focused on varietal development, generation of where farmers prefer Barimasur­3). Lentil farmers seed priming technology, improvements in intercropping (relay and have also adopted improved production practices, mixed) and disease management. including relay cropping and mixed intercropping, all of which have helped to increase farmer incomes. Farmer Motivation and Technology Adoption The BARI­ICARDA partnership gave researchers, extension agents, Thanks to the partnership, cultivation of improved and progressive farmers formal training on the new lentil technology varieties and adoption of appropriate production package. Nineteen researchers from Bangladesh participated in technologies Bangladeshi farmers are producing an short- and long-term training courses. A communication campaign additional 28,000 tons of lentil annually, approxi- provided farmers with information in the form of leaflets, booklets, mately worth $13 million. March 2004 15 Strengthening Partnerships continued from page 1 about strategies that increase agricultural productivity, but also about tech- nologies that can add value to our agricultural produce." In a gesture signal- ing the Government's strong support, he authorized the Parliamentarians to participate fully in the 2-day briefing despite the demands placed on their time by parliamentary duties. The briefing was one component of a strategic approach to keeping key decision makers informed about CGIAR's work, and is part of an overall effort by the CGIAR Marketing Group (comprising communication and resource mobilization professionals) to keep agriculture and rural develop- ment issues at the forefront of the development agenda and debate. The briefing was organized as a "knowledge-sharing" event--with CGIAR researchers providing in-depth briefings on different facets of their work, H.E. Wilberforce Kisamba-Mugerwa, Ugandan and the Parliamentarians interacting among themselves and quizzing Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and researchers about specific development-related aspects and research Fisheries addressing Parliamentarians. impacts. An important feature of the briefing was the inclusion of presenta- tions by national partners (NARO scientists and Dick Nuwamanya of Ugandan National Farmers Federation) demonstrating the strength and vitality of the Uganda-CGIAR partnership. The presentations included: "Parliamentarians ! CIP presentations on Sweetpotato (by Regina Kapinga) and Potential for Agro-industrialization and Trade of Potatoes in Uganda (Charles Crissman) ! IITA and IPGRI on Banana Pests (Clifford Gold) and Banana Utilization [must] assume the (Eldad Karamura) ! WARDA-The Africa Rice Center on New Rices for Africa (Kouame Miezan) ! ILRI on How Uganda Can Enter International Livestock Markets role of change (Amos Omore) ! IFPRI on Promoting Sustainable Land Management in Uganda (Ephraim agents in bringing Nkonya) and on Aquaculture as a Development Strategy (Nikolas Wada) ! The World Agroforestry Centre on Improving Natural Resource Management and Livelihoods (Jean-Marc Boffa) about agricultural ! CIAT on Stimulating Rural Innovation in Africa (Pascal Sanginga) transformations in A highlight was a demonstration and sale of agricultural products and byproducts organized by the farmers. Ms. Joweria Ssekiyanja, a farmer and their constituencies." processor from Luwero province stole the show with a compelling speech about how the new sweetpotato varieties not only increased income, but allowed her to better educate and clothe her children while eliminating malnutrition and measles. If the Parliamentarians needed any proof that poor farmers benefit from advances in agricultural technology, Ms. Ssekiyanja's stirring testimony dispelled all such doubts. Members of Parliament and researchers also discussed the connections between agriculture and the HIV/AIDS pandemic, as well as other critical development issues. Outlining their expectations of the way forward, the Parliamentarians issued a call for: 16 cgiarNews ! Mobilizing additional resources for science and technology to enhance sustainable research and ensure food and nutrition security for achieving the Millennium Development Goals ! Tackling Vitamin-A deficiency through a mass sensitization program ! Increasing partnership with CGIAR for modernizing agri- culture and eradicating poverty on a sustainable basis ! Parliamentarians to take keen interest in trade negotia- tions and working with farmers to learn modern agricul- tural methods while taking into account environmental concerns ! Hosting a workshop for Parliamentarians on genetically- CGIAR information display where multi-language modified organisms publications were picked up and over 70 parlia- ! Supporting the IFPRI 2020 Conference scheduled for mentarians signed up for electronic dissemination April 2004 of new materials. The concluding session was addressed by the Hon. Dr. Wilberforce Kisamba-Mugerwa, Ugandan Minister of Expanding Interaction Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries. He urged the with Global Meeting Parliamentarians to assume the role of change agents in bringing about agricultural transformations in their con- of Parliamentarians stituencies. He played an instrumental role in conceptualiz- CGIAR participated in the 5th annual meeting of the ing and launching the meeting. Parliamentary Network on the World Bank (PNoWB) held in Paris, February 14­17. Some 200 parliamentarians from "These discussions will assist us in developing policies to 93 countries representing all regions of the world attended. expand Ugandan agriculture," said the Hon. Oliver The importance of the Network, said its Chair, Bert Wonekha, Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Koenders, a Dutch Member of Parliament, is that Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries who worked "Parliamentarians bring a much-needed ingredient to the closely with IFPRI in organizing the meeting. mix: political capital." A CGIAR Exhibit was set up at the meeting, and the CGIAR Secretariat hosted an information Uganda became a CGIAR Member in 1998. At least 10 of briefing on "Mobilizing Science for Development." The the 15 CGIAR centers conduct research in Uganda, three CGIAR-hosted event was the best attended and generated regional offices are located in the country all working closely a lively discussion. with the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO). Agriculture is the dominant sector in the Ugandan The CGIAR's participation at this meeting together with economy, accounting for over 35 percent of gross domestic the Ugandan parliamentarians meeting described in the product. The meeting was reported in The New Vision, a adjacent article, reflect the renewed emphasis being placed local daily. on building partnerships with parliamentarians. This approach was warmly welcomed by Minister Grace Akello "We have made tremendous progress in meeting the needs of Uganda during ESSD Week. The focus follows successful of the country's small farmers," said Dr. William Otim-Nape, parliamentary briefings in Canada and India during 2003 Acting Director General of NARO. "But we still have some which both contributed to strengthening ties with the major challenges ahead, and I'm certain the partnership CGIAR. Further briefings will be held with European between NARO and the CGIAR will continue to be fruitful members during 2004. in this regard." For more photos, visit http://www.cgiar.org/meetings/pnowb_2004_photos.html. For more photos, http://www.cgiar.org/meetings/cg_uganda_february2004.html For more information, visit www.cgiar.org March 2004 17 CGIAR at ESSD Week continued from page 5 Development Goals. In recent times, Development (ARD) chaired the ses- hub for World Bank senior managers there has been growing global concern sion, helping frame the debate by not- which was received very well. about collapsing fish stocks and nega- ing that the primary focus of research Participants agreed that such activities tive impacts on food, income, and has been on increasing food produc- needed to be held periodically and nutrition security of millions of poor tion and supply with the consequent future visits to CIAT and ICARDA are people. With aquaculture contributing decline in food prices and that poverty being planned. less than 5 percent to fish supply in reduction has been a secondary goal. Africa, he cited examples of work Francisco Reifschneider, CGIAR The CGIAR delegation to ESSD Week underway in Cameroon, Egypt and Director, presented an overview of comprised six Center Directors, and Malawi noting the tremendous poten- CGIAR reforms and how these were 12 CGIAR scientists and researchers tial for expanding aquaculture in Africa. helping increasing effectiveness and who joined top level practitioners strengthening alliances with partners from international organizations, Responding to the presentations, three and institutions, generating technology developed and developing countries, panelists (Emmanuel Owusu-Bennoah for the benefit of smallholder farmers. civil society, and the private sector in from Ghana's Council of Scientific and Eija Pehu, Adviser, ARD and CIP Board a program of seminars, consultations, Industrial Research, Ravi Beri of Udyog Member, gave an overview of Bank and discussions. Other seminars fea- Industries associated with the Rice- lending for agricultural research, exten- turing CGIAR participation included: Wheat Consortium, and Hector sion, and education. She discerned a Cisneros of Consortium for Sustainable shift away from the traditional focus ! Career Development of Women Development of Andean Ecoregion on `food security' toward a new agen- Professionals in Agriculture--a (CONDESAN)) presented perspectives da that includes issues such as food CGIAR Perspective from public, private, and civil society. safety, biosafety, intellectual property ! Successful Partnerships in Forestry The meeting was chaired by Michael rights, animal welfare, and risk man- ! Water for Food Crawford, Assistant to World Bank agement among others. Kanayo ! Sustainable Land Management Managing Director Mamphela Nwanze and Josef Toledano, a rural Ramphele with Erick Fernandes and development specialist from the Africa Overall, CGIAR participation in ESSD Manuel Lantin serving as moderators Vice Presidency shared experiences Week was fruitful. and rapporteurs. Dennis Garrity, about how synergies between CGIAR Director General, World Agroforestry research and Bank lending helped In launching ESSD Week, CGIAR Centre, requested the World Bank to Guinea in cutting rice import bills and Chairman Ian Johnson who hosted facilitate processes and methods for increasing food availability through the meeting noted "By 2015, the scaling-up activities, setting the scene expanding cultivation of the New Rices job [of meeting the Millennium for follow-up activity by the World for Africa (NERICAs). Development Goals] will be half done. Bank, CGIAR, and stakeholders. We need to think about what the Building on the success of the visit to middle of the century would be like. By Seminar on Role of Institutions and CIMMYT by senior managers, William focusing on the long-term," he con- Technology for Development Impact Dar, Director General, ICRISAT gave a tinued, "we can align the strategies CGIAR partnered with the Bank's presentation on how a shared literacy defined today to the real challenges Sustainable Agricultural Systems, was developing on CGIAR-World Bank we will face in terms of technology Knowledge and Institutions Thematic collaboration in implementing the change, natural resources manage- Group to organize this seminar. new rural development strategy, ment, and social balance." It was an Sushma Ganguly, the Bank's Sector "Reaching the Poor." In January apt challenge to all concerned with Manager for Agriculture and Rural 2004, ICRISAT also hosted a training promoting sustainable development. 18 cgiarNews New Rice for Africa A remarkable partnership between African food scientists and farmers working to improve the world's leading food crop--rice--is spelling hope for thousands of farmers south of the Sahara. Researchers at The Africa Rice Center (WARDA) in Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire have developed New Rices for Africa (NERICAs) by tapping into the knowledge of local farmers, utilizing Africa's rich gene pool of local rice varieties, and combining NERICAs are a symbol of hope for achieving food security in sub-Saharan Africa. these with high-yielding Asian rice varieties that were the mainstay of the Green Revolution. "Science and technology are natural allies in the battle crippling rice import bills. We believe NERICAs are provid- against poverty and in the promotion of sustainable prosper- ing our client countries with true agricultural, economic, ity," says Mamphela Ramphele, World Bank Managing and social dividends." Director who is keenly interested in promoting science and technology to help achieve the Millennium Development NERICAs are also helping strengthen science and technology Goals. "The NERICAs story demonstrates the value of an capabilities and scientific cooperation in Africa. After initially African-led research-for-development strategy that success- working with farmers at the local level, WARDA scientists fully mobilized cutting-edge science to boost rice yields, began partnering with national agricultural research pro- farmer incomes, and well-being." grams in 20 African countries, and advanced research insti- tutions in Japan, United Kingdom, and the United States. First, the WARDA scientists had to develop a technology The Africa Rice Initiative launched in 2002 is serving as a adapted to the harsh growing environment of upland rice platform for coordination and coalition-building. ecology, which employs about 70 percent of the region's rice farmers, mostly women, who lack the means to irrigate and NERICAs now occupy about 30,000 hectares in Africa apply chemical fertilizers or pesticides. (including about 23,000 hectares in West and Central Africa). They are spreading fast in East Africa; in Uganda Second, when the scientists attempted to combine the alone about 6,000 hectares are planted to NERICAs. toughness of the native African (Oryza glabberima) rice vari- eties with the productivity of the Asian (Oryza sativa) rice NERICAs' advantages include higher yields, early maturity, varieties, they had to overcome the barrier of hybrid sterility savings in labor, and increased resistance to local stresses that had stymied earlier such efforts. Using cutting-edge (e.g. drought, infertile and toxic soils, and pests). They pro- technology, they overcame this problem, in association with vide better nutrition and are particularly suited for low-input an array of partners from around the world, and succeeded farming conditions common in subsistence agriculture. More in developing the NERICAs. than 3,000 family lines have been developed opening up a new world of rice biodiversity. The Africa Rice Initiative (ARI) is a major, multi-donor effort to accelerate the dissemination of NERICAs. The World "NERICAs offer ample proof that quality science, coupled Bank, UNDP and the Government of Japan are strong sup- with farmer's local knowledge, can create farming solutions porters of NERICAs. that generate tremendous benefits," said Ian Johnson, CGIAR Chairman and World Bank Vice President for "Rice is a major food staple in Africa, and rice demand is Sustainable Development. "Such efforts need to be show- spiraling at six percent per annum," says Kanayo Nwanze, cased and replicated widely to help achieve the Millennium Director General, The Africa Rice Center. "In a region Development Goals by 2015." where rice imports top $1 billion, NERICAs are not only boosting farmer incomes but also helping countries cut For more information, www.warda.org March 2004 19 cgiarNews Editor Sarwat Hussain e s.hussain@cgiar.org Editorial coordination M. Caryl Jones-Swahn e m.jonesswahn@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 Water Management Institute Center for International Forestry Research International Food Policy Research Institute (IWMI) (CIFOR) (IFPRI) www.iwmi.cgiar.org www.cifor.org www.ifpri.org West Africa Rice Development Association­ International Maize and Wheat International Institute of Tropical The Africa Rice Center (WARDA) Improvement Center (CIMMYT) Agriculture (IITA) www.warda.org www.cimmyt.org www.iita.org World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) International Potato Center (CIP) International Livestock Research Institute www.worldagroforestrycentre.org www.cipotato.org (ILRI) WorldFish Center www.ilri.org International Center for Agricultural www.worldfishcenter.org Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) International Plant Genetic Resources www.icarda.org Institute (IPGRI) www.ipgri.org 20 cgiarNews