ISSN 2027-1238
E-Newsletter No. 5
October 2009

CIAT is pleased to announce an update of its organizational structure, which places its Latin American roots at the heart of its research strategy.

CIAT's current 10 Research Programs are part of three Research Areas: Agrobiodiversity (focusing on plant genetics and biotechnology); Tropical Soils (focusing on fertility and land management), and a regional research area dedicated to Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

The LAC research area signifies CIAT's recommitment to eradicating hunger and malnutrition and promoting eco-efficient agriculture in the region, through targeted research and by rebuilding ties with local and national institutions. In addition to a specific research area devoted to LAC, the other two areas will continue to play an important role in the region. CIAT's work in LAC will build upon the ongoing successes of its regional offices in Africa and Asia in providing sustainable, scientific solutions to hunger.

CIAT Director General Ruben Echeverría said: "The new organizational structure embodies CIAT's vision for the future. It is essential that we develop a strong relationship with Latin America while ensuring our regional work in Africa and Asia continue to play a vital role in the success of the organization. This is a chance for CIAT to reengage in LAC and ensure that, working in partnership, its groundbreaking science has maximum impact."

The new structure also sees the creation of the Decision and Policy Analysis (DAPA) Program, which marks a new era of impact assessment for the organization. DAPA will ensure that CIAT's work across the tropics continues to improve the livelihoods of the poorest of the poor and will help to guide the organization's future research. Also, a dedicated Intellectual Property service, in collaboration with the CGIAR, will provide programs, donors, and partners with expert legal advice for developing their research.

You can see the overall structure in more detail here.

Contacts:
Albin Hubscher, a.hubscher@cgiar.org
Gustavo Peralta, g.peralta@cgiar.org