Partners in conservation: Plant genetic resources and the CGIAR system

Established in 1971, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) is an informal association of 40 public and private sector donors that supports a network of 17 international agricultural research centres. The mission of the CGIAR is, through international research and related activities, and in partnership with national research systems, to contribute to sustainable improvements in the productivity of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries in developing countries in ways that enhance nutrition and well-being, especially among low income people. Today, over 1,800 scientists representing 60 different nationalities conduct research at the 17 CGIAR centres or in some 40 developing countries where they are posted to work with developing country partners. Their approach is interdisciplinary and their orientation is towards problem solving. Total contributions in 1992 were about $314 million. (author)