As rural communities across the developing world feel the pressure of climate change, high food prices and energy crises, we believe CGIAR knowledge and technologies have never been more critical.

Global economic growth, including in low income countries, has contributed to increased pressure on food supplies and has pushed up food prices. Natural resources are already over stressed and further expansion of the agricultural frontier is in most cases not an option.

Meanwhile, the world of agricultural research has shifted dramatically. With the rapid growth of developing country national agricultural systems including in Brazil, China and India, the space that international research centers occupy has altered. Some national institutions challenge the ability of the CGIAR to partner equitably or meet their needs. The entry of strong new actors into the field of agricultural research is further challenging the role of the CGIAR as a major player in the world of international agricultural research.

The CGIAR may no longer be perceived as a critical provider of solutions for agricultural productivity, natural resource management or policy advice. As a result, CGIAR Center funding is not increasing in proportion to client needs. We believe, that if these trends continue, and the CGIAR does not adapt, the CGIAR will rapidly lose relevance.

The good news is that this is the right time for transformation to happen. The World Development Report 2008 on Agriculture for Development; high level political recognition of the realities of climate change, and recent international debate on food prices have focused huge attention on issues close to the heart of the CGIAR. There has never been a better time to re-establish our relevance and dramatically increase our support and funding.

And in addition, it is clear that the CGIAR has never been more open to change. We believe it is time to challenge the System’s sacred cows including multiple governance structures, donor sovereignty and center autonomy and take bold and strategic steps designed to reinvigorate the CGIAR.

Changes under consideration

There is a perception – evident from recent consultations with CGIAR stakeholders – that changes on several fronts are needed to make renewed research investment and effort more effective. Some of the needs that stakeholders consistently single out include:

• A research agenda that focuses more sharply on major global development challenges
• Better defined research mandates, around which Centers can more easily organize collaborative research
• Streamlined and effective governance arrangements, with clear accountability for performance and results

• Greater openness to partnerships that include the full range of institutions whose contributions are needed to achieve large-scale impact
• Better coordination on the part of investors, together with adequate and stable levels of financial support
• More transparent and efficient procedures for collective decision making and action

The Launch

In early 2008, a Change Steering Team and four working groups representing stakeholders and shareholders were established to address:

1. visioning and development challenges,
2. strategic partnerships,
3. governance at the Center and CGIAR levels and
4. funding mechanisms.

The groups met for the first time in February and will engage in analysis and discussions during the coming months, with the aim of developing concrete recommendations for change. Targets and a work program for the year were developed. Participants agreed on the importance of a constructive and open mindset and the need to build trust and empathy among all participants in the change initiative, if the change is to be successful.

Each working group is composed of a mixture of CGIAR Members, Center staff and partner representatives. Each will also include one or two external consultants, who will be expected to bring new ideas to the discussion, while leading analysis and report writing.

The next change retreat will be in Addis Ababa in early April, where the visioning working group will take the lead in exploring scenarios for a new vision.

All members of the steering team and working group members and meeting minutes are available on the Change Website.

An Open Pragmatic Approach

We have opted for a broad consultative change process that will capture the best ideas from a wide cross-section of stakeholders. The process is being facilitated by the Trium Group (a consulting firm that specializes in organizational change), with support from the CGIAR Director and the Secretariat.

Most importantly, we are committed to ensuring that the ideas and scenarios we capture and develop, lead to practical actionable recommendations, and that the recommendations are implemented.

Link to the Ongoing Independent Review

The Chair of the Independent Review will serve as an external advisor to the Change Steering Team to ensure synergies between the two processes. The final report of the Review will be available to the CGIAR by end of July 2008 and will be an important input into the formulation of the change proposals before the CGIAR Executive Council in October 2008.

Timeline

Each group is expected to complete its recommendations for consideration at the mid-October 2008 meeting of the CGIAR Executive Council.

Resources

A Change Management Facility has been established to support the CGIAR Change Initiative and the Independent Review which is also taking place in 2008. We would like to acknowledge the generous financial support of Canada, Germany, the Syngenta Foundation, the United Kingdom, the USA and the World Bank. These contributions are an indication of the seriousness with which the CGIAR Members are approaching this initiative.

A Voice for All Stakeholders

We are committed to ensuring the process builds on the knowledge within the CGIAR and among our partners. Throughout 2008 we will be seeking the input and guidance of stakeholders and shareholders as we develop scenarios, and explore options for a revitalized CGIAR. We will provide regular updates on the change process and launch a series of opportunities for consultation on the website and in conjunction with international meetings. Please visit our Change Website frequently as we will be creating opportunities for you to contribute comments and ideas.