The Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR) is an innovative attempt to work towards a global system of agricultural research for development
GFAR is a multi stakeholder-led initiative that serves as a neutral forum for dialogue and action on strategic issues in agricultural research for development (ARD). It facilitates and promotes cost-effective partnerships and strategic alliances among ARD stakeholders in their efforts to alleviate poverty, increase food security and promote the sustainable use of natural resources.
GFAR comprisis of the following group of stakeholders: the National Agricultural Research Systems from the south (Southern NARS) through their regional fora, National Agricultural Research Systems from the north (Northern NARS), the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research Centres (CGIAR) and Non-CGIAR International Agricultural Research Centres (IARCs), Farmers' Organizations (FOs), Non Governmental Organizations( NGOs), the Private Sector (PS), Donors and Development Agencies. GFAR stakeholders work together to define and develop the GFAR Programme of Work and activities in a consultative manner.
The Global Forum operates at two levels. The first one is constituted by all the activities, programmes and projects that GFAR stakeholders decide to jointly undertake in the context of the Global Forum. This first level is referred to as the GFAR Business Plan. The second level is constituted by the support activities provided by the GFAR Secretariat with the objective of facilitating the implementation of the GFAR Business Plan through dialogue, exchange of information, capacity-building and partnership facilitation. This defines the GFAR Secretariat's Programme of Work (Download the GFAR Business Plan 2007-2009)
The GFAR Secretariat plays a catalytic role in order to:
Facilitate the flow of information and knowledge among ARD stakeholders. This is being done through, among others, the Electronic Global Forum (EGFAR:
www.egfar.org) and the Regional Agricultural R&D Information Systems (RAIS).
Development of a ARD strategic agenda through a forum for dialogue among stakeholders on topics of common interest among them.
Facilitate the development of networking and research partnerships among ARD stakeholders
Strengthen the various ARD constituencies in the context of linking research to development.
The GFAR Secretariat is hosted by FAO in Rome, Italy.
