Sweeping changes in international agricultural research to benefit poor people
Since 1971, we have steadfastly supported research to reduce hunger and poverty in the developing world. The world, development challenges, and our thinking were very different then to our world, our development challenges, and our thinking today. Our belief in science as a way to find humanitarian solutions has never wavered though and is as strong as ever.
As the world changed, and development challenges and our thinking evolved, so did the CGIAR. Our momentum for change accelerated as the 20th century drew to a close. In the early 21st century we brought in sweeping reforms. These transformed our loose coalition of like-minded but separate research and donor organizations into a coherent, business-like whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
| Where we were | Where we are now |
| Mission creep, trying to do everything, supply-driven research | Demand-driven research that tackles global development challenges |
| Duplicating each other, no common vision or strategy | Collaborating to deliver results that make a difference to poor people |
| Unwieldy governance, not accountable | Lean, business-like, and accountable |
| Fossilized partnerships hampering the spread of research findings | Strong, dynamic partnerships with national agricultural research systems, the private sector, and civil society |
| Fragmented funding | Funding tied to research priorities |
| Declining financial support | Secure and growing funding |
At the heart of our makeover is our agreement to work together to tackle challenges and take advantage of opportunities to build a global food system that serves everyone, especially poor people.
Reforming the way we work
Our 2010 Change Management Initiative moved CGIAR from a system managed for the most part informally by consensus into a business-like system with binding contracts. The roles and responsibilities of those who fund research and those who do it are clear. We are all accountable. Decision-making processes are plain to all. These changes enable us to do more and do better in fulfilling our mandate to fight poverty and hunger while conserving the environment.
Reforming the way we do research
Under our new arrangements the Consortium is a legal entity under international law with its own chief executive officer and board. The Consortium integrates research across Research Centers, avoiding duplication, joining up efforts, and streamlining funding.
Reforming our finances
The CGIAR Fund is a central pool of funding for CGIAR Research Programs. Through the Fund, our donors can direct their contributions to major Research Programs. The CGIAR Fund and Consortium oversee the allocation of funds to CGIAR Research Programs and Research Centers.