An Overview of Social Science Research in the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research

In: International social science journal: ISSJ, Volume 55, Issue 3, p. 441-462

Abstract

In the mid-1990s, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) expanded its mission beyond sustainable improvements in productivity & formally incorporated a poverty focus. At the same time it initiated a process for the System to become explicitly output & impact oriented. As a result, social science research has become an integral part of the CGIAR research agenda & the research implementation process. & there is evidence that research in the social & anthropological disciplines is permeating the CGIAR research. However, there is a need for a systematic effort to facilitate the formulation & implementation of an updated social science research agenda that is commensurate with the new CGIAR vision & strategy. This is particularly important in facilitating the true integration of social research into the CGIAR research agenda, a need that has been strongly highlighted by external reviews in recent years. This article emphasizes that there is a need to foster a research culture & ethos in the CGIAR that will promote a development-oriented synthesis of socially responsible research that integrates biophysical & human sciences in CGIAR research planning & implementation processes along the research-to-development continuum in agriculture, forestry, & fisheries. 2 Tables, 2 Figures, 2 Appendixes, 31 References. Adapted from the source document.