Priorities and Strategies for Soil and Water Aspects of Natural Resources Management Research in the CGIAR

Report of a TAC study on priorities for the soil and water aspects of research on natural resource management (NRM) research in the CGIAR, completed in April 1996 under the leadership of TAC members Hans Gregersen and Ted Henzell. The study is supported by background reports on a strategic review of NRM research on soil and water, and a synthesis of current activities in soil and water research in the CGIAR. The document also contains an extract from the proceedings of the CGIAR meeting in May 1996, and a transmittal from the TAC Chairman.The paper conveys TAC's views on the needs for soil and water research in the CGIAR and the mechanisms for meeting those needs. It says that strengthening research on environmental issues is needed, but linked to the CGIAR vision of contributing to poverty alleviation and sustainable food security. Other goals of NRM research should be considered as well. The balance of effort should be shifted from location specific studies to results transferable among developing countries. The centers should play an active but limited role in generating information on the condition of the natural environment, and the impact of humans on that environment. The CGIAR needed an integrated framework for NRM research, and within that framework to focus on specific subject matter. Water in particular was cited as needing more emphasis. The paper called for uniform and consistent criteria for judging CGIAR priorities for NRM activities and research. The study was requested by the Group at the CGIAR Mid Term Meeting, May 1994, and was initiated at TAC 65 in October 1994. The evolving study was considered at TAC 66, 67, 68, and 69. It was presented at the CGIAR Mid Term Meeting in May 1996