Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research (CGIAR)
HISTORY AND PRESENT STATUS
CGIR is an informal association of 53 public and
private sector donors that supports a network of
16 international research centres (IARC's) the majority
of which are situated in developing countries. CGIAR
is co-sponsored by the Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),
the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
and the World Bank. CGIAR focuses on poverty alleviation,
food security and the sustainable utilisation of
natural resources.
South Africa became a member of CGIAR during the
International Centres Week in October 1996 held
in Washington, DC.
OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND COOPERATING ORGANISATIONS
Department of Agriculture
GENERAL COMMENTS
Programmes carried out by CGIAR-supported centres
fall into six categories and offer interaction over
a wide range of disciplines which can be of great
value to South Africa. These categories are:
Productivity research
Management of the Natural Resources
Improving the Policy Environment
Institution Building
Germplasm Conservation
Building Linkages
Through the programmes carried out by the CGIAR-supported
centres those commodities are addressed that are
responsible for more than two-thirds of the calorie
and protein intakes of the populations in developing
countries. In order to coordinate and facilitate
relations between South Africa, CAB International
and the CGIAR, the Dept of Agriculture decided to
establish a CGIAR Liaison Committee. The Committee
is composed as follows:
National Department of Agriculture (Chairperson)
NDA Directorate Regional and International Relations
(secretariat)
Two members nominated by the Interdepartmental Technical
Committee on Agriculture (ITCA) representing the
provinces.
One nominee each from the Department of Environmental
Affairs and Tourism, Water Affairs and Forestry,
Foreign Affairs, and Arts, Culture, Science and
Technology.
One member nominated by the Committee of University
Principals
One representative from the Agricultural Research
Council
One representative from the Directorate Communications
(Dept of Agriculture) for matters pertaining to
CAB International.
On invitation or by request nominees from organisations
such as organised agriculture, Dept of Agriculture
Directorates, the CSIE or NGO's can also attend
the Committee meetings.
The task of the liaison committee is to:
serve as a two-way communication channel between
CGIAR and South African interests
facilitate access to CGIAR technology
deliberate and advise the Department on the deployment
of funds to specific projects and CGIAR institutes
enhance CGIAR activities in South Africa with the
emphasis on developing agriculture
explore capacity-building opportunities, in particular
for the provinces
advise the NDA on nominations to be put forward
for CGIAR boards and technical advisory committees
advise the NDA on participation in CGIAR meetings,
and
facilitate access to CAB International and handle
all matters pertaining to this organisation.
Foundations which are closely associated with CGIAR
are the Ford Foundation, the International Development
Research Centre, Kellog Foundation and the Rockefeller
Foundation.
