The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research invites all interested parties to develop pre-proposals on any of the following ideas for Challenge Programs: (a) climate change, agriculture and food security; b) high-value crops (fruits and vegetables); and (c) combating desertification (dryland degradation).
Pre-proposals may be developed and submitted by any organization capable of managing a major international agricultural research program. These must be submitted via email no later than September 10, 2007.
Four years ago, the CGIAR)launched a series of new programs as part of a far-reaching effort to enhance the effectiveness and impact of its research investment. Called “Challenge Programs,” or CPs, these have the following characteristics:- Address complex issues of great global and/or regional significance.
- Involve high impact research relating to CGIAR goals.
- Work through broad partnerships involving a wide range of institutions
- Are independently governed
- Are committed to achieving specific objectives within an agreed time frame.
CPs involve at least two CGIAR Centers and two developing country national agricultural research systems (NARS). Four CPs are currently being implemented. Initial indications from pilot programs showed that the CPs are fulfilling their purpose. The CGIAR has therefore decided to embark on a second cycle with the aim of advancing the new CGIAR system priorities.
CGIAR issued a call in November 2006 for CP concept notes to generate ideas for the second cycle. The three topics have been chosen based on the recommendation of its Science Council.
The CGIAR invites pre-proposals (with a maximum length of 15 pages) on any of these topics.
Pre-proposals on any of the three topics listed above may be developed and submitted by any organization capable of managing a major international agricultural research program.
More detailed information is available on the CGIAR website.
