The CGIAR, an international research network in the field of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, is working closely with the national agricultural research systems in low- and middle-income countries, and plays a critical role in developing agricultural technologies that would help avoid a global food crisis. According to an estimates by researchers from the University of Minnesota, and North Dakota State University, CGIAR research investments over the last 50 years have yielded about 10-fold returns (10:1 benefit-cost ratio), including contributions to improving the yield of staple food crops. However, new challenges are emerging. The National Agricultural Research System of low-income countries, especially in Africa, needs capacity building to meet the global environmental agenda facing agriculture while meeting food security. 

The full report is available at:

Julian M. Alston, Philip G. Pardey, and Xudong Rao. (2020) The Payoff to Investing in CGIAR Research. The Supporters of Agricultural Research (SoAR) Foundation. https://supportagresearch.org/assets/pdf/Payoff_to_Investing_in_CGIAR_R…

As a CGIAR partner, JIRCAS conducts joint research with the CGIAR Research Centers and dispatches researchers to contribute to stable food production in poor environments in low-income countries in the tropical and subtropical regions. We will hold a symposium on November 10th (Tue) focusing on the importance of international cooperation. Please join us.

JIRCAS 50th Year Anniversary International Symposium 2020: The role of international collaboration in agricultural research to address challenges in the post-COVID-19 global food system

https://www.jircas.go.jp/en/symposium/2020/e20201110

Contributor: IIYAMA Miyuki (Research Strategy Office)