Harvest and Postharvest Problems in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries : The CGIAR Contribution to Research

Report on the work of the CGIAR on research concerning harvest and post harvest problems by a panel chaired by Michael Arnold. 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 chairman. The report was commissioned by TAC at TAC 67 as an input to its discussions of CGIAR priorities and strategies. It was discussed at TAC 69.The panel found extensive work by centers in this field, but lack of any coherent strategy. It recommended greater attention to the harvest and post harvest aspects of the production-consumption continuum. Each center with a commodity mandate would require capacity to recognize bottlenecks and take appropriate action. TAC agreed with the need for collaboration among centers, but saw no requirement for a systemwide initiative. TAC also endorsed the view that the private sector played a key role.During discussion in the CGIAR, IDRC offered to support a small working group on methodologies for production to consumption research, and small-scale enterprise development.Agenda document at TAC 69 and the CGIAR meeting in May 1996.