ExpCon to Review Progress of Agricultural Research Networks and Consortia in AP

Collaboration in agricultural research for development (ARD) among diverse stakeholders is necessary to strengthen research partnerships to address emerging issues of common concern. Based on shared vision, partnerships have been established involving scientists, other stakeholders and the institutions in the form of research networks or consortia. Such initiatives have been useful in accelerating technology generation, transfer, sharing information/knowledge, and buildup expertise/HRD. In the Asia-Pacific, a wide array of ARD networks have been established over the years in the areas of plant genetic resources/agro-biodiversity, crop improvement, fisheries/ aquaculture, livestock, agricultural biotechnology and information communication management ICT/ICM). Most of them have been facilitated by the CGIAR centers. Though many of them are quite active and have made good progress, some have faced both operational and financial difficulties.

APAARI has been striving to foster such research partnerships among institutions and other stakeholders in the region. Thus, realizing the importance of research networks and the emerging concerns about their functioning for sustainability, APAARI took the initiative to hold an Expert Consultation on this theme at AREO, Iran in 1997. Since then, the networks’ priorities and research objectives have widened commensurate with emerging needs. Also, some new collaborative programs have been initiated in the recent past, such as those operating under CG system on Challenge Programs (CP) and under GFAR on Global Partnership Programs (GPP).