June 2006 Career Paths at Crossroads The Japan-CGIAR Fellowship Program brings young Japanese scientists into overseas working relationships with 'fine minds and warm hearts' All Eyes on Potatoes in 2008 The International Potato Center takes the lead as the United Nations declares 2008 the International Year of the Potato. News from the Science Council Chair : the Middle Way The Science Council Chair asks why demands on Centers pull them downstream, and how Centers can maintain their proper place in the middle of the research-to-development continuum. Sweet Potato Hip-Hop A lively fieldtrip and a workshop in Kenya show how orange-fleshed sweetpotato and other biofortified staples can improve the health of the poor who suffer micronutrient deficiency. Palma Real, Where the Technicians Come From Giving harvesters of Brazil nuts the skills to manage their forests sustainably secures their livelihoods and land rights - and provides a Bolivian community with a new export. "Kill Striga!" Say Farmers Kenyan farmers eagerly adopt Ua Kayongo (meaning 'kill Striga") as the best way to control the costly parasitic weed. Taking it to the Bank The World Bank sponsors an opportunity for the Challenge Programs to present their agendas and achievements in Washington. Dry Discussions The 8th International Conference on Dryland Development marks the beginning of the United Nations' Year of Deserts and Desertification 2006. Less is More Applying fertilizer in microdoses is starting to have a big impact in sub-Saharan Africa, from the Sahel to South Africa. Rethinking Conventional Approaches New policy briefs challenge conventional wisdom on two critical areas of development policy - land rights and agricutlure's links with health - and suggest new opportunities for action. Putting the Brrr! into Breeding Tropical Fruit Cryopreservation provides a secure, economical and disease-free alternative to field genebanks for preserving the genetic diversity of tropical fruits. A Rice Future for Asia Thai and Filipino students come together to help ensure the future of rice farming in Asia, sparking new friendships - and friendly rivalries. Shrimp and Rice Research partners hammer out a protocol to control inflows of seawater in the Mekong Delta, satisfying the needs, and improving the income, of shrimp and rice farmers alike. Selected to Make their Mark A program that teaches West Africans marker-assisted selection while establishing advanced laboratories in the region is creating a new breed of national scientist. Saving Liberia's Forests The Monrovia Declaration clearly defines and promotes community forestry to ensure at last the sustainable use of Liberia's forests. Desertification Communications Communicating the CGIAR's contributions to the global fight against desertification. Gender and Diversity Made e-Easy The online Inclusive Workplace e-Resource Center puts the System's best foot forward regarding developing and managing diversity in the workplace.