Investment in Rice Research in the CGIAR: A Global Perspective. Report of the Inter-Centre Review of Rice

Cross-center review on rice research in the CGIAR conducted in 1992 and completed early in 1993 by a panel under the chairmanship of Grant Scobie. The document also contains a summary of the discussion of this review, together with external reviews of IRRI and WARDA, at the CGIAR meeting in May 1993, a transmittal from the TAC Chairman with a draft strategy statement on rice research in the CGIAR, and a transmittal from the panel chair.The panel appraised the present and future role of rice in the diet of developed country populations. It said that rice production would have to double by 2030. This increase would need to come from increased productivity, which was the challenge to research. The panel believed CGIAR funds for rice research were misallocated in favor of Africa. They saw insufficient justification for the growing research emphasis on less favored, upland environments, as irrigated rice was of overriding importance. To enable WARDA to continue with reduced funds, the panel proposed collaboration with IITA. Rice related programs at CIAT, IBPGR, IFPRI, IITA and ISNAR were also discussed.For its part, considering the political decision about WARDA funding taken by the CGIAR in 1986, TAC found no compelling reason to adjust its allocation to WARDA for the period 1994-1998. WARDA's contribution to CGIAR priorities could be further explored before decisions on later allocations were made. Agenda document at TAC 60, and the CGIAR meeting in May 1993.