Report on the Inter-Centre Review of Root and Tuber Crops Research in the CGIAR

Report of the Inter Center Review of Root and Tuber Crops Research in the CGIAR, by a panel chaired by David R. MacKenzie. The document also contains an extract from the summary of proceedings of the CGIAR meeting of May 1996, a transmittal from the TAC Chairman, TAC's commentary, and a transmittal from the panel chair.The report was commissioned as an input to the TAC priority exercise. It was based in part on recent external program and management reviews of CIP, CIAT, and IITA. The panel examined the efficiency of CGIAR investment in root and tuber research, priority setting, systemwide planning and coordination in the area. It proposed the establishment of an Inter-Center Committee on Root and Tuber Crops Research involving CIP, CIAT, and IITA, the three IARCs directly engaged- a proposal the IARCs promptly adopted. A primary purpose of the collaboration would be what the report called "pre-extension technology transfer" activities intended to target the factors constraining the introduction of improved cultivars. The panel suggested, but TAC did not endorse, devolution of the CIP sweet potato program to a strong NARS.The report was considered at TAC 67 and 68, and was a agenda document at the CGIAR Mid Term Meeting, May 1996.