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TOWARDS CLOSER COLLABORATION AND CO-ORDINATION IN THE POST-HARVEST SECTOR - A CGIAR STRATEGY MEETING

R.S.B. FERRIS1, R. BEST2, C. WHEATLEY3 & F. GOLETTI4

1

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Benin

2

Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT), Cali, Colombia

3

International Potato Centre (CIP), Bogor, Indonesia

4

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington, USA


Background

Although, scientists within the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) have played and active role in postharvest research it is recognised that research efforts have been somewhat isolated at specific centres and that successful technologies have not, as yet, achieved the desired, widespread impact. Lack of widespread impact may have resulted, in part, to poor co-ordination internally within the CGIAR and externally with other partners. Therefore, to enhance the impact of the work it was suggested that postharvest scientists within the CGIAR, develop a more co-ordinated strategy for future activities. This working paper provides a summary of discussions held on the CGIAR perspective for informal networking for postharvest research and development for root and tuber crops. The framework for the discussions were based on a review of achievements and an evaluation of postharvest assets within the CGIAR. Topics such as current capacity and comparative advantage were used to identify the positive interfaces between partners, identify the most critical issues relating to collaboration and whether collaboration was desirable or not. These deliberations let to the development of a joint strategy, a mission statement and a tentative plan of action for closer future collaboration in postharvest research activities within and beyond the CGIAR.

Background to meeting

Following the system wide review on root and tuber crops research,
May 20-24, 1996 (SDR/TAC:IAR/95/25.1), it was recommended to set up a working group on postharvest technology and marketing. The role of this group being "to explore future CGIAR research activities and partnerships for postharvest research on root and tuber crops with Advanced Research Organisations (AROs), National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), and the private sector". At its first meeting in Washington, October, 1996, the Intercenter Committee on Root and Tuber Crop Research (ICRTCR), sanctioned the formation of the Postharvest Working Group and assigned membership from CIAT, CIP, IITA and IFPRI. The Directors General (DG) recommended that the postharvest working group expand the focus area to include cooking bananas and plantain as well as roots and tubers. CGIAR postharvest research is classified within four main areas (see Tab. 1); these categories will be used in this document to clarify roles and activities.

Tab. 1:

TAC categories for postharvest research.


Product Quality: - the characterisation of biochemical and physical components affecting either nutritive quality or industrial processing of primary products; the identification of genes governing such qualities; and germplasm enhancement.

Harvest and Storage: - the development of harvest mechanisation and storage facilities for small producers; the integrated management of storage pests and diseases; germplasm enhancement for resistance to factors causing storage losses.

Utilisation and Marketing: - the identification of opportunities for product diversification; the processing of primary products e.g., drying, milling and by-products (e.g. straw, waste water) and the assessment of demand for product development. Although not specifically stated, this category should also include nutrition and consumption studies.

Policies and Institutions: - the dissemination of technology; promotion of small-scale enterprises to apply technology; and the design of development policies to improve infrastructure and political stability in marginal areas. Again, although not explicit in the stripe review document, this category should include issues relating to the international trade of commodities.


The objectives of this first centre based postharvest meeting were to:

*

Gain a better understanding of the current activities and strategies of the individual centres,

*

Promote the development of more collaborative projects, among centres and partner institutes

*

Initiate the process for developing a new and global strategy for post-production research which integrates the interests of the CGIAR centres and provides a forum for improved collaboration with ARO’s, NARS and the private sector.

Overview of individual centre strategy and activities in postharvest research on roots, tubers, cooking banana and plantain

The overview papers revealed that postharvest research at CIAT, CIP and IITA, was first incorporated into their research agendas principally to support germplasm improvement and then in recognition that increased production could saturate existing markets for these crops. This first phase of research developed quality based screening methods which have been adopted within the germplasm improvement programmes. The second phase of postharvest research typically involved technology generation and dissemination to improve storage and processing efficiency and evaluation of product quality. Since the early 1980s there was a general shift away from single component technology generation towards a systems approach to postharvest research with the incorporation of market opportunity and demand evaluation, and of participatory research techniques.

In the case of root crops, the transition towards a more participatory, systems oriented approach, led to the adoption of a research strategy, developed by CIAT, CIP and IITA, which is commonly referred to as the "integrated project mode". This multi-disciplinary approach first identifies a market, for example, for a cassava product and then develops a processing package which is financially compatible with the farming / processing group involved in the project. Pilot projects are initiated and research is based around these small-scale pilot plants which are commercially operated by farmers and processors. The demands of the processing plant, in terms of quantity and quality of the raw material supply then orients technology development on the production side. The integrated project mode is dynamic in nature and research responds to needs, as determined by the market and the processing system. Success of the research and development activities are self-evaluated by the profitability of the product marketing and sustainability of the processing system. CIAT has been particularly successful with the implementation of "integrated projects" in Latin America, applying the approach to develop small scale agro-enterprises for cassava feed and starch products. The integrated project approach has subsequently been adopted widely in postharvest research.

The presentation from IITA, CIP and CIAT showed there were considerable differences in the research activities at the respective centres. These differences highlighted an apparent evolution in the research strategies between the postharvest research teams. IITA, retains a strong emphasis on germplasm quality and technology generation. However, plans at IITA indicate that future research will focus more on processing efficiency with greater emphasis on marketing studies.

Research at CIP, particularly for sweet potato, has adopted a clear strategy for participatory research with sweet potato processors. CIP has undergone a calculated change in emphasis from equipment to market research and has focused efforts in specific locations and on particular products to maximise its impact. The commodities being investigated include the primary products flour, starch and only one secondary product, starch noodles. Adaptive research, based on pilot schemes, is market driven and more basic research is derived from the problems and challenges which emerge in the processing and marketing of the products. Postharvest research on potatoes has emphasised much more the nutritional, market demand and trade aspects of the crop, although during the late seventies and early eighties research on seed storage and small-scale processing of potatoes was undertaken

At CIAT, which has most experience in the integrated project approach to root crops, there has been a more substantial shift in the research agenda. In the past 15 years CIAT has focused on cassava processing and marketing for cassava based flours, feeds and starch sectors, and storage or conservation of the fresh roots for human consumption. The latest approach being developed at CIAT is to take the integrated project mode a stage further and apply a similar market driven methodology to identify market opportunities and technology packages for a range of commodities, at the micro-regional level. CIAT has set-up a new agro-enterprise development project which aims to develop tools to catalyse a range of new agro-business opportunities, oriented towards smallholders in fragile environments.

This transition moves the research base further from the processing technology aspect, to deal with more policy related aspects. This shift in research offers good opportunities for greater linkage with the policy research being conducted by IFPRI. In the past IFPRI have not explicitly identified postharvest specifically as an area of research (past and on-going interests include consumption, nutrition and market structures that do fall within the domain of post harvest research) but with many governments undergoing economic restructuring, there is more interest in small scale agro-processing and the development of a more diversified agro-industrial sector. IFPRI is well placed to undertake analysis related to changes in the agro-food based industries and could select case studies based on root crops processing.

In general, there was a clear trend in the research from technology and equipment generation towards greater emphasis on processing and market research. The different research portfolios presented by the centres reflected the team experience at each location and strategies were evidently tailored to the socio-economic and developmental stages of the countries in the respective regions of Africa, Latin America and Asia. Gaps in the research base, particularly with NARS partners, were identified as poor access to information, the need for greater emphasis on market analysis, capacity building in the area of business skills development and policy analysis which focuses on the postharvest system. All speakers discussed the need for a demand driven, integrated approach to postharvest product / process development and marketing. A common theme in the problems area was the need for more attention to be given to access to credit facilities and for easier access to relevant marketing and technological information.

General Discussion Points Relating to the Postharvest System

Following the overview of centre activities, discussion were held on the points indicated in Table 2. The major points arising from these deliberations are highlighted in the following sections and these discussions are being used as the basis for developing the vision and strategy document.

Tab. 2:

Discussion points for the strategy development.


1.

Global trends and their relevance to research in the postharvest sector.

2.

RTCBP (Root and Tuber Crops, Cooking Bananas and Plantains): Their economic importance and contribution to socio-economic development in target countries.

3.

Postharvest system for RTCBP and its particular significance in terms of constraints and opportunities.

4.

Past interventions of IARCs and achievements and present orientation highlighting past and current collaboration.

5.

Involvement of non CGIAR institutes and NARS in RTCBP postharvest system research.

6.

Role of IARCs in RTCBP postharvest system research.

7.

Proposal for future approach to collaboration to fulfil the identified role.


 

1.

Global trends that support the need for postharvest research

Demography and industrialisation

The rate of urbanisation is rapid in most developing countries and according to FAO, by the year 2025, up to 43 % of the population in the least-developed countries will be urbanised. This will present complex problems for the supply and distribution of food. Depending on the purchasing power of the urban dwellers, there will be increasing demand for both cheap staple foods for the economically less advantaged and convenience / higher value processed foods for higher income social groups. Evidence for the development of these two markets are already apparent. In Africa, there is strong demand for low cost staple foods to support basic urban and rural food security. Whereas, in Asia and Latin America, there is greater evidence that, in addition to the supply of low cost foods, there are emerging markets for value added processed products. As developing countries expand their industrial capacities new markets will also emerge for secondary processing of primary agricultural goods. In Asia processing chains are developing for both animal feed and industrial utilisation of primary products. Starch production is the most prominent growth industry and supply of this market for the paper, medical and food processing industries will have significant socio-economic effects on the farming and processing sectors. Despite the rapid process of urbanisation, it also needs to be recognised that in Asia and Africa, where the majority of the world’s poor are concentrated, there will be large pockets of poverty in rural areas. Postharvest processing offers opportunities for some of the millions of landless poor that need jobs and who do not produce their own food.

Trade liberalisation and market reform

There are global trends for greater market liberalisation and privatisation which is evident from government economic reforms resulting in fewer and reduced subsidies to agricultural commodities. In general terms market reform aims to increase efficiency and competitiveness. This in turn forces suppliers to pay more attention to product standardisation and quality. Reduced barriers to international trade, also offers new market opportunities, for example export markets, but to access these markets requires more sophisticated quality control, market information and business acumen.

Scientific advancement

1.

Improved product and processing technologies are being developed for the food, feed and industrial utilisation of RTCBPs and this area is advancing as the market demands new and improved products at a lower cost.

2.

Biotechnology offers new opportunities for postharvest intervention, e.g. improved storage of cooking bananas and plantain via downregulation of the autocatalytic ripening process, long term storage of cassava through blocking the postharvest deterioration process.

3.

Greater evaluation of the existing biodiversity may result in new market opportunities for RTCBPs, i.e., screening a wider range of germplasm for specific traits, which may yield naturally occurring starches with industrially useful characteristics.

Information technology

Several agencies (FAO and IDRC for example) are currently engaged in improving information technology focused on postharvest research and development. Global access to information via the internet is becoming a reality in many countries and this offers a new dimension to information flow and communications. For example, traditional crops may acquire new status as higher value products for feed and industrial uses that were previously restricted to only a few players in world markets. Internet opens up the possibility to obtain information in a timely and less expensive way.

Institutional reform

Current trends are for greater privatisation of research and extension. The role of NGOs are clearly increasing as implementing agencies and there are examples of greater emphasis being given to the roles of farmer associations, and the need to stress postharvest activities as key elements in the development of farming systems.

Infrastructure investment

The rate of investment in infrastructure is location specific. However, the rate of development in the Asian countries is extremely rapid with major improvements in communications, roads, utilities and processing capacity. These changes open new opportunities for marketing RTCBP products, linking domestic to international markets, by lowering the costs of transportation, storage and processing.

2.

RTCBP: - Their economic importance and contribution to socio-economic development in target countries

There is a wealth of information concerning the social and economic value of root and tuber crops. Particularly, in developing countries, cassava, sweet potato, yams, plantains and cooking bananas provide both a crucial source of food security and a primary source of income. Across the globe, there are major differences in the value of these crops, and their roles in regard to food security and income generation. Whilst, the CGIAR has a great deal of information on the crops, a specific sub-study is being undertaken to provide a rational evaluation of the current values of these crops.

3.

Postharvest system for RTCBP and its particular significance in terms of constraints and opportunities

Opportunities

1.

Postharvest systems research offers a market driven approach to research and development that addresses key CGIAR challenges such as poverty alleviation, food security, storage, nutrition and gender.

2.

Emphasis in postharvest is on resource conservation and added value.

3.

Consumer trends are central to the research and development focus and the development / expansion of new market opportunities for novel products, offers income generating enterprises for the small to large scale operators, e.g. many starch products are obtained through chemical modification, which can be an expensive and ecologically hazardous task. This results in increasing demand for natural starch products which may be available in the germplasm if selection methods are applied to investigate this area.

Constraints

1.

Target groups are unable to access marketing / technology based information.

2.

Poor opportunities for access to credit to undertake postharvest intervention.

3.

Lack of infrastructure in certain locations, therefore regional potential remains unexploited.

4.

Short term investment in single component postharvest research has little impact, given that resources are needed for systems research at the market place, and that impact requires time.

5.

Limited number of trained researchers in the postharvest area, particularly in Sub Saharan Africa, and to a lesser extent in Asia and Africa.

This information will provide the conceptual and philosophical framework for the CGIARs work in the postharvest area. Issues that need to be addressed:

*

the need to satisfy latent demand versus the creation of demand,

*

post production research as a critical element in reaching CGIAR objectives (reducing poverty, improving access to food and providing better nutrition of the most vulnerable groups e.g. malnourished women and children),

*

shifting priorities in postharvest research (from technology to markets and enterprises, from uni-disciplinary to multi and interdisciplinary approaches, "putting down and hiving off of activities", human resource development),

*

the need for a massive effort in information diffusion over the next five years,

*

the private sector, what is it?, multinational or national corporation or local small-scale food industry,

*

what are the international public goods that the CGIAR centres will deliver?

4.

Past interventions of IARCs, achievements and present orientation highlighting past and current collaboration

Despite common goals, past efforts within the CGIAR postharvest research and development have been isolated and perhaps did not receive the impact and recognition that the work deserves. The lack of impact may have resulted from poor co-ordination internally within the CGIAR and externally with other partners. Therefore to strengthen the impact of the work to date and for future R&D activities it is clear that a more co-ordinated strategy and means of implementation should be developed.

Assets for postharvest research within the CGIAR

1.

Policy research methods developed and critical mass of expert staff available to conduct postharvest related research into market reforms and policy environment

2.

Major global germplasm collections in situ and in active use to develop improved hybrid material

3.

CGIAR provides catalysing links between institutions and offers a neutral / non partisan partnership

4.

Accumulated stock of knowledge specifically on RTCBP commodities for utilisation and marketing

5.

Research teams are based in developing countries

6.

Research facilities located within developing countries and in partnership with national programmes

7.

Long standing relations with AROs / NARS and increasing links with the private sector

8.

Methods for market analysis related to RTCBPs available.

9.

Postharvest technology packages and research tools developed for RTCBPs available.

Achievements in postharvest research based on TAC categories

Product Quality

1.

Quality based methods for screening germplasm developed and incorporated into the on-going IARC and NARS breeding programmes

2.

Tools for the characterisation of the IARC germplasm in terms of food quality, nutrition, food safety and market potential for niche markets available

3.

Nutrition and consumption studies undertaken for potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Harvest and Storage

1.

Cassava postharvest storage and conservation methods developed and market tested

2.

Processed products developed which transform low value, highly perishable roots into long term storage products

3.

Seed potato diffused light storage is commercially operated in a number of countries. Farmer participatory techniques pioneered and methods developed.

Utilisation and Marketing

1.

Characterisation of the postharvest sector analysed on a regional basis, e.g. COSCA (Collaborative Study of Cassava in Africa)

2.

Assessment of demand and market studies for RTCBP products evaluated in specific locations

3.

Technologies for primary processing of cassava and sweet potato into chips, flour, starch developed, adapted and successfully market tested in specific locations

4.

Methods for market analysis have been documented

5.

Training provided to personnel from NARS and the private sector which incorporates technologies, research methodologies within a market oriented package.

Policies and Institutions

1.

A range of postharvest publications have been produced including refereed journal articles, review papers, conference papers, conference proceedings, training guides, newsletters and Internet homepages

2.

Trade and utilisation projections have been made

3.

Effective inter-institutional linkages have been developed for both upstream and downstream research and development activities

4.

An inter-institutional model and methodology, referred to as the "integrated project approach", for the commercial implementation of improved root crops products and processes with strategies for market linkage and development, has been documented and successfully field tested.

Impact in postharvest research based on TAC categories

Product Quality

1.

NARS research programmes are currently involved with incorporating quality based screening methods into their breeding programmes and re-focusing their efforts towards market driven demand for specific characteristics in addition to the traditional traits of yield and disease resistance. Hybrids developed with improved quality characteristics based on market demands.

Harvest and Storage

1.

Fresh storage methods for cassava have been successfully market tested in Colombia, Ghana and Tanzania.

Utilisation and Marketing

1.

Postharvest sector analysis as defined by research such as COSCA, has significantly raised the profile and awareness of the importance of postharvest activities within the root crops production to marketing continuum

2.

Small scale processing equipment has been successfully adopted by processors in Africa, Latin America and Asia. (Nigeria, Ghana, Benin Republic, Uganda, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and the Sichuan region of China.)

3.

Product / demand led studies have led to re-focusing of research towards highest potential products and most appropriate technologies for specific client groups.

Policies and Institutions

1.

The "integrated approach" for implementing new processing techniques has been adopted within the CGIAR and with collaborating partners, this approach proved particularly successful in Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil

2.

Farmer participatory techniques and methods pioneered around diffused light storage of seed potatoes used not only in postharvest research but also in other related areas around the world

3.

Trained personnel within the NARS and private sector are actively engaged in postharvest research and work and their influence is changing attitudes within the research sector towards greater emphasis on market led research and market testing of technologies.

5.

Involvement of Non CGIAR Institutions and NARS in RTCBP postharvest system research

Whilst there are many non CGIAR institutes playing an active role in postharvest systems research, the activities are somewhat uncoordinated and it would be useful to have a database listing institutes and organisations involved in postharvest research. A collaborators database could contain information regarding institutional expertise, human resources, technical assets, linkages, research agendas, research capacity, capabilities and project activities. This information would provide the basis for information exchange and provide a means to determine where collaboration may be possible and where it may be improved upon in future RTCBP research.

Once documented, this database offers the opportunity to act as a forum to develop a global / regional understanding of the needs, opportunities for RTCBP research and development and provide a means of identifying future research priorities.

A follow-up phase in this process would be to use the information to improve institutional linkages to develop a more cohesive action plan for development of collaborative projects. Where possible, interested parties could make contact to develop ideas, i.e., concept notes for donor consideration and a more collective strategy may also enable individual institutes to rationalise certain activities such as training and information storage.

These types of activities are being contemplated within the Global Collaborative Post Production Network initiative being led by IDRC. The means of interacting and actively participating in this initiative needs to be explored.

Potential partners include:

1.

Donor Agencies

2.

Advanced Research Organisations

3.

Regional bodies (regional representatives)

4.

National programmes

5.

Universities

6.

Non Governmental organisations

7.

Private Sector

The private sector is particularly important for providing information on supply and demand for specific products with market quality data. This group may also be a source of funding research or be an active partner in research. Avenues to explore include:

Dialogue with the private sector on how to link the small-scale farmers to large scale processing facilities;

Possibilities / opportunities for small scale primary processing linked to larger scale secondary transformation.

6.

Role of the CGIAR in RTCBP research and development

Product quality

1.

Development of quality based selection protocols for germplasm improvement

2.

Identification of quality based traits and genetic linkages

3.

Development of evaluation protocols for determinants of product quality for different end uses.

Harvest, transport and storage of fresh products

1.

Selection protocols for plant types which ease harvesting and reduce labour requirements

2.

Genetic control of postharvest deterioration in stored RTCBPs such as cassava, yams, bananas, potatoes

3.

Economic evaluation of storage for maximising profit, variables involved in this research include: product quality, variety, storage structure, price premiums, credit and transport

4.

Evaluation of storage methods for potatoes including pathological control

5.

Integrated management of storage pests (genetic, management, biological and chemical).

Utilisation and Marketing

1.

Identification of opportunities for product diversification

2.

New product development for RTCBPs in partnership with food science and technology institutions

3.

Methods for identifying market demand and consumer acceptability and their incorporation into research and development projects

4.

Conceptualisation and prioritisation for research on processing of products and by-products

5.

Development, adaptation and refinement of participatory methods / tools for process, product and market research

6.

Economic and social cost benefit analysis of ecological factors such as the effect of waste water treatment from starch processing.

Policies and Institutional dimension

A.

Policy dimension

1.

Development of starch industries: What affect will this have on poverty, sustainability and food security

2.

Implications of RTCBP based rural agro-industrial development for rural economies, labour demand and gender?

3.

Relative advantages of small versus large scale RTCBP based agro-industries

4.

Linkages of RTCBP based agro-industries in the rural economy with emphasis on the postharvest system

5.

Macro/ Global demand for products that are environmentally sound - opportunities for RTCBP based agro-industries for high quality and niche markets for starch

6.

Global starch markets - trends and projections: implications for the poor countries

5.

Project management: Should the CGIAR research scientists be backstopping downstream research at NARS and upstream research at local Universities or should CGIAR develop self contained capacity to conduct certain areas of research, IITA tends towards self sufficiency whereas CIP contracts research principally to AROs and works collaboratively with NARS. Question: is this a strategy or reflection of locational capacity?

B.

Institutional dimension

1.

Information management systems: What role should the CGIAR play in this growth area. The CGIAR has a wealth of relevant information in this area and could feasibly develop a systematic database of accumulated knowledge, i.e. an information bank holding research results, experiences, methodologies, strategies, or could be an important stakeholder and broker information on RTCBPs for incorporation into current information networking projects (FAO/IDRC)

2.

Development of institutional arrangements / models for postharvest research and development

3.

Training - what are the current needs based on location (viz. infrastructure), market sophistication and skills base, for examples should training be via collaborative projects rather than formal courses? Should we be addressing new areas such as business management as well as or rather than product development

4.

Downstream versus upstream research: The downstream research for RTCBP is increasing concerned with product development and backstopping participatory pilot projects, i.e. technology adaptation and tailoring. The philosophy being that feed back from downstream research will generate challenges for more basic upstream research. However, what is the mix of basic and applied research, what should it be, and who are the partners which should conduct this research?

Critical Gaps, what are they?

This is an area which needs to be defined with partners, however apparent gaps include:

Product Quality

1.

Identification of quality characteristics for specific end uses, improved diagnostics for processing quality

2.

More in-depth evaluation of existing germplasm in terms of specific traits such as starch quality.

Harvest and Storage

Non identified at the present moment.

Utilisation and Marketing

Development of more sustainable systems, including better use of by-products which can be used for animal feeds and usage / reduction of wastes products from industrial utilisation.

Policies and Institutions

1.

Greater emphasis needs to be placed in this area to gain a more informed understanding of the policy implications of postharvest research and the social and environmental consequences of aspects such as small versus large scale intervention

2.

Need to increase activities and training related to business skills for enterprise development.

7.

Proposal for centres to improve their collaboration and fulfil the mission

Given the current limitation that researchers are working within agreed Medium Term Plans which were independently conceived, there are some limitations to rapid alignment with a new more global strategy and action plan. Hence, if the recommendations PWG for RTCBPs for a more globally integrated research plan is accepted, then there will be a transition towards integration. A more cohesive plan being realised in the forthcoming round of medium term planning. The working group should therefore needs to formulate a vision for the future and identify areas where collaboration can be effected immediately within the current system. The forward action plan laying the basis for the next MTP planning period 2001-2003.

Mission Statement

The group formulated the following mission statement for RTCBP post harvest research within the CGIAR; "Generate and disseminate knowledge and promote institutional linkages that contribute towards the development of dynamic RTCBP postharvest systems responsive to market requirements and client needs".

Options for increased collaboration should build on past experiences and focus on developing new project areas encompassing both CGIAR and non CGIAR partners. Countries where more than one centre is already actively engaged include, Vietnam, Uganda and China.

Strategy for immediate action

1.

Produce a summary document of current knowledge and technologies developed by the centres with clear identification of gaps and new priorities

2.

Identify collaborative activities around planned research in 1998-2000

3.

Identify and plan new collaborative activities among the four key centres, CIAT, CIP, IITA and IFPRI

4.

Identify and develop new projects with existing and novel partners.

Identification and prioritisation of areas of collaboration

Current activities

Principal regional activities now in progress in the following countries:


Region

CIP

IFPRI

IITA

CIAT


Asia

Vietnam
China (Sichuan)

Vietnam
China

-------

Vietnam
China
(S. China)

Africa

Uganda

Kenya

Uganda
Madagascar
Kenya
Malawi
Cote d’Ivoire

Uganda
Kenya
Malawi
Nigeria
Ghana
Benin

-------

Latin America

Peru

-------

-------

Colombia
Brazil
Paraguay
Cuba
Peru


Proposals for new Collaborative Activities

Vietnam

*

IFPRI - CIP – CIAT

Research Area: Policy options for the development of root crop based rural agro-food industries in Vietnam.

Madagascar

*

IFPRI – IITA

Research Area: Market opportunities and possibilities for small scale farm development rural agro-industries based on RTCBP (principally cassava and sweet potato) linking with ongoing soil conservation studies.

Uganda

*

IFPRI - CIP – IITA

Background - IFPRI have initiated a dairy project submitted to DANIDA (peri-urban studies), regional initiative on fragile lands.

Peru

*

CIP – CIAT

Arracacha processing project being developed for submission to the small grants fund of the Global Collaborative Post Production Research Network.

 

Cross-centre global initiative

*

IFPRI - CIP - CIAT – IITA

Research Area: Understanding the starch trade and modelling market projections: Implications for Developing Countries and Priorities for International and National Research.

Laying the Basis for the next planning period 2001 - 2003 (calendar of events)

The following tentative programme, is a proposed view of how the centres could proceed and how they may interact with partners given consensus within the CGIAR and a positive response from partners:

1.

Draft vision and strategy document for review by the ICRTCR at the Mid-Term Meeting in Brazil, May 1998

2.

Working Group Annual Meeting and Consultation meeting with key partners in June 1998, as input into development of integrated strategy for RTCBP postharvest research within the CG and beyond

3.

Regional consultations as appropriate, September 1998 - April 1999

4.

Working Group Annual Meeting and finalisation of plan for period 2001-2003, June/July 1999

5.

Working Group Annual Meeting and plans for operationalising programme of work 2001-2003, June/ July 2000

Conclusion

This paper summarises the main deliberations of the authors at the first strategy meeting of the Intercentre Postharvest Working Group for RTCBPs. The document provides an insight to the thinking of the Postharvest working group and an overview of the postharvest work, assets and areas for collaboration within the CGIAR centres most actively involved in postharvest research.

The discussions had two major aims, to seek closer collaboration within the CGIAR system and to develop a strategy for closer collaboration with partners beyond the CGIAR. The first objective was discussed in detail and much progress was made in identifying areas where closer Intercentre collaboration would be both feasible and mutually beneficial. The second objective was more difficult, given the limited number of people involved, however, a plan of action was developed and these ideas are being circulated amongst key partners, to assess the level of interest in further discussions on closer collaboration and thereafter to propose a more formal action plan.

 

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