Abstract:

This is a progress report of the standing panel commissioned by the Technical Advisory
Committee (TAC) of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) to
conduct an Inter-Centre Review of Root and Tuber Crops Research within the CGIAR. The
terms of reference provided by TAC were to assist TAC in formulating a system-wide strategy
for research on root and tuber crops within the CG System to meet global and regional needs,
taking into account current and projected demands. The standing panel was given specific
guidance for assessing priorities and the organization of research, giving consideration to root and
tuber crops as both commodities and as components of production and farming systems. The
terms of reference asked the standing panel to explore alternative approaches for carrying out this
work, with special consideration to be given to major constraints on increased production and
consumption of these commodities. This included post-harvest problems, with emphasis on those
topics .with international research significance. The standing panel was also asked to outline
priorities and strategies for root and tuber crops research within the CGIAR, paying particular
attention to system-wide aspects of research efficiency and impact potential.