Knowledge for Development

International

A selection of international S&T organizations.


Bioversity International (formerly IPGRI)

Bioversity International (formerly the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI)), based in Rome, Italy, the world's largest international research organization dedicated solely to the conservation and use of agricultural biodiversity. The purpose of Bioversity’s work is to ensure that individuals and institutions are able to make optimal use of agricultural biodiversity to meet current and future development needs of people and societies. To achieve this purpose, Bioversity concentrates on six focus areas: developing and implementing strategies for global collaboration to conserve and use genetic resources for food and agriculture that focus on policies, genetic resources information systems and awareness raising; monitoring the status and trends of useful diversity, including locating diversity in situ and genetic erosion; enhancing the ex situ conservation and use of diversity of useful species; conservation and sustainable use of important wild species; managing agricultural biodiversity for better nutrition, improved livelihoods and sustainable production systems for the poor; and conserving and promoting the use of diversity of selected high value crops for the poor. Bioversity supports the work of the CGIAR Genetic Resources Support Programme, which provides advice and services in the area of intellectual property rights (IPR), hosts the System-wide Information Network for Genetic Resources (SINGER) and maintains information on the collections of genetic resources held by the CGIAR Centres.

14/12/2004


International Potato Center (CIP)

International Potato Center (CIP), based in Lima, Peru, conducts research and related activities on potato, sweet potato, other root and tuber crops, and on the improved management of natural resources in the Andes and other mountain areas. CIPweb offers access to several online databases, including publications, training materials and the World Potato Atlas.

14/12/2004


International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), based in Manila, the Philippines, conducts research in cooperation with national agricultural R&D institutions and farming communities in rice-producing nations. IRRI also assists local communities through scholarships, training, and community projects to help improve living conditions. Rice Web offers a complete source of information on rice.

14/12/2004


International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

International Water Management Institute (IWMI), based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, focuses on water use in agriculture and integrated management of water and land resources. IWMI focuses on the production of water used in agriculture, irrigation management and water basin systems.

14/12/2004


World Agroforestry Centre (International Center for Research on Agroforestry, ICRAF)

World Agroforestry Centre (International Center for Research on Agroforestry, ICRAF), based in Nairobi, Kenya, conducts research and pilot projects to show that agroforestry ? the planting of trees on small farms - can help to reduce poverty, improve food security, and protect the natural environment.

14/12/2004


United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Science and Technology for Development Network (STDev)

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Science and Technology for Development Network (STDev) is a gateway to science and technology for development, with information on best practices, partnering, networking and financing opportunities. It provides briefings on S&T issues for diplomats and policy-makers in developing countries to assist them in international negotiations in international fora, particularly those that at the WTO. Offers pages on biotechnology, intellectual property rights, and advisory services as part of the Science and Technology Diplomacy Initiative.

14/12/2004


Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)

Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) is an autonomous international organization based in Trieste, Italy, that is promoting scientific capacity and excellence for sustainable development in the South. TWAS supports scientific research in 100 countries in the South.

14/12/2004


Special Unit for Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries (TCDC)

A joint initiative of UNDP, the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the Third World Network of Scientific Organizations (TWNSO), the Unit promotes South?South knowledge sharing and cooperation in science and technology. The Unit is developing a Web of Information for Development (WIDE Online), a gateway to experts, institutions and experiences in developing countries. The Unit publishes Cooperation South, a magazine devoted to analysis and discussion of development policy issues, and the series Sharing Innovative Experiences, describing successful practices of the South. See Volume 1, Examples of Successful Initiatives in Science and Technology in the South.

14/12/2004


International Water Management Institute (IWMI) - Comprehensive Assessment of Water Management in Agriculture (CAWMA)

The Assessment is a CGIAR initiative of the to take stock of the costs and benefits of the past 50 years of water development for agriculture, to evaluate current water management challenges and solutions, and to identify the best options for the future. The results will enable governments, donors and farming communities to make better-quality water decisions in the near future and over the next 25 years. If Africa is to feed itself in 2050, it will have to increase rain-fed agriculture fivefold. That means Africa's leaders need to think beyond dams. See also: 'To feed itself Africa must capture more rainwater', New Scientist, no. 2642, 28 August 2004, p.8. Conclusions of the 2004 Stockholm Water Symposium

14/12/2004


International Water Management Institute (IWMI) - Comprehensive Assessment of Water Management in Agriculture (CAWMA)

The Assessment is a CGIAR initiative of the to take stock of the costs and benefits of the past 50 years of water development for agriculture, to evaluate current water management challenges and solutions, and to identify the best options for the future. The results will enable governments, donors and farming communities to make better-quality water decisions in the near future and over the next 25 years. If Africa is to feed itself in 2050, it will have to increase rain-fed agriculture fivefold. That means Africa's leaders need to think beyond dams. See also: 'To feed itself Africa must capture more rainwater', New Scientist, no. 2642, 28 August 2004, p.8. Conclusions of the 2004 Stockholm Water Symposium

14/12/2004


South Centre

South Centre is an intergovernmental body of 46 developing countries that aims to enhance South/ South cooperation by promoting analysis of development problems and experiences. The Centre also provides intellectual and policy support required by developing countries for collective and individual action in the international arena.

14/12/2004


Group of 77 (G77)

The Group of 77 is the largest Third World coalition in the United Nations, and provides the means for the developing world to articulate and promote its collective economic interests and enhance its negotiating capacity on international economic issues in the UN system, and to promote economic and technical cooperation among developing countries. In October 2002 the G77 held a High-level Conference on Science and Technology, focusing on the potential of ICTs and biotechnology.

14/12/2004


IAAST: International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology

IAAST will provide decision makers with the information they need to reduce hunger and poverty, improve rural livelihoods, and facilitate equitable, environmentally, socially and economically sustainable development through the generation, access to, and use of agricultural knowledge, science and technology.

14/12/2004


Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS)

Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) is an international organization representing 21 developing countries across three continents. COMSATS is working for the socio-economic development of the third world through useful applications of science and technology.

14/12/2004


Mundus maris web platform

The Mundus maris web platform provides scientific and relevant indigenous knowledge about the sea, and also encourages artistic expression about it. The aim and purpose is to promote its restoration, conservation and sustainable use, and to further the study, understanding and respect of aquatic ecosystems and associated biological and cultural diversity. We are striving to provide users with interesting and diverse content, and encourage visitors to engage with our activities.

8/06/2010


AGRINATURA, the European Alliance on Agricultural Knowledge for Development

AGRINATURA is formed by NATURA, the Network of European Agricultural (Tropically and Sub-tropically oriented) Universities and Scientific Complexes Related with Agricultural Development, and ECART, the European Consortium for Agricultural Research in the Tropics in order to capitalize on their respective strengths and partner networks and to build increased synergies based on complementarities between their mandates, experiences and expertise.AGRINATURA is encompassing 36 universities and research organisations from 19 European countries working with agricultural research, education, training and capacity strengthening for development. As such, AGRINATURA is the major institutional voice in Europe and the main gateway between Europe and developing and emerging economy countries in the field of agricultural research and education for development.

19/06/2009


FAO: Technology for Agriculture (TECA)

TECA is a FAO initiative to improve access to information in member countries in order to enhance and improve the adoption of proven technologies in agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forestry. The adoption of improved technology underpins not only better pre- and post-production enterprises, but also sustainable rural development in the larger context. The site includes a directory of national agricultural research institutes.

14/12/2004


Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)

Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), based in Jakarta, Indonesia, is working to conserve forests and help local communities and small farmers gain their rightful share of forest resources, while increasing the production and value of forest products.

14/12/2004


Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT)

International Center for Tropical Agriculture/Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT), based in Cali, Colombia, conducts collaborative research to improve agricultural productivity and natural resource management in the tropics. A leading source of information on tropical agriculture.

14/12/2004


International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)

International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), based in Aleppo, Syria, conducts research and training in dry areas to increase food production, productivity and nutritional quality. ICARDA supports the free exchange of germplasm and information for research; and the protection of intellectual property rights, including indigenous knowledge of farmers.

14/12/2004