Agricultural Research Management Information System

Home
Research Summary
Search
About Us
- ARMIS
- Brochure
Contact Us
Report
User Request
Data Input
Help
- Operation Manual
  - PDF
  - Video
- Program Area & Commodity
We have reached 37600 number of research entries at this moment.

- Logout

Research Detail

Home
Research
Detail

Networking and the Asian Grain Legumes Network's Role in Strengthening Pulses Research in Bangladesh

D. G. Faris
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics Patancheru P.O., Andhra Pradesh 502 324, India

C. L. L. Gowda
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics Patancheru P.O., Andhra Pradesh 502 324, India

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Agricultural Research Networks (ARNETs) are becoming popular with agricultural research scientists all over the world. An ARNET is a cluster of scientists or institutions linked together by a common interest in working dependently or interdependently on an identified shared problem or problems. The overall objective of a network is to strengthen the research capability of national agricultural research systems and to identify, address, and solve farmers' problems. An effective network will facilitate sharing of research information, help to reduce unnecessary duplication, provide the critical mass of effort needed to give quick answers to pressing problems, and hasten scientific breakthroughs. ARNETs have five important components: membership, research, coordination, communication, and assets. Networks are dynamic and responsive to changing needs in agricultural systems. There are many types of ARNETs depending on the problems that need to be addressed, the membership and its requirements, the extent of coordination available or needed, the research strategy developed, and the assets available.

The Asian Grain Legumes Network (AGLN) established in 1986 is coordinated from ICRlSAT Center, Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh, India. AGLN is now operating in 11 countries of Asia including Bangladesh. All Bangladesh scientists and administrators working on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) are invited to become members of the AGLN. Although AGLN is presently coordinated at ICRISAT, it belongs to the members. It aims to improve the research capability, and transfer of technology related to AGLN legume crops in Bangladesh, including supply of germplasm, breeding material, training, and literature. AGLN also assists in developing collaborative research projects and helps to find financial assistance for special research projects. These activities have already been initiated in Bangladesh and will be strengthened with the establishment of a Technical Assistance Project Proposal (TAPP).

Keywords: Networking and the Asian Grain Legumes Network's Role in Strengthening Pulses Research in Bangladesh

Location: In Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Commodity: Pulses

Objectives:

In this paper, we will examine the structure and activities of AGLN in relation to other networks and countries and explore how AGLN might collaborate more fully with the Pulses Improvement Program in Bangladesh.

Methodology:

Definition

ARNETs have been defined as "a cluster of scientists or institutions linked together by a common interest in working dependently or interdependently on identified shared problems'' (Faris and Ker 1988).

Objectives of ARNETs

ARNETs are generally organized to strengthen research that aims to develop the technology needed to increase world food supplies and provide farmers with a steady income. A set of more specific objectives was spelt out at a Network Coordinators' Review in Nairobi In May 1988 (Faris and Ker 1988). These were as follows: • to strengthen the applied research capability of national agricultural research systems to identify, address, and solve farmers' problems; • to generate appropriate technology by more effectively utilizing existing research personnel, facilities, and other resources; • to ensure stability of agricultural production through a responsive research capability; and • to provide the support, both technical and financial, required to facilitate the coordination of activities on a regional basis.

Networks as Organisms Using diagrams to depict network structure can obscure the fact that networks are dynamic. To illustrate this point, let us compare a network to a living organism that is conceived and born, that grows, develops, and goes through a learning process that includes the ability to learn by its mistakes and gain from the experiences of similar organisms. Carrying this analogy further, the network membership component can be thought of as the body of this organism, providing the bulk and muscle power to carry out activities. The research component is like the blood and cell metabolism which gives life to the body. The communication component is like the blood vessels and nerves; it "moves" the research component to the membership component. The coordination component acts as the nerve center, processing information and harmonizing the activities of the body. The assets component is like food that provides the energy to keep the network organism alive and active.

The Asian Grain Legumes Network (AGLN)

The AGLN is a good example of how a successful network is conceived and organized, and how its operations start to develop. In 1983 a Consultative Group Meeting at ICRISAT involving legume scientists from several Asian countries and regional donor agencies identified the major constraints to the production of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) in Asia and the priority research needed to overcome those constraints (ICRISAT 1984). With these needs in mind, the group endorsed ICRISAT's concept of an Asian Regional Legume Research Program and recommended that ICRISAT appoint a coordinator for the program. This was done in a Review and Planning Meeting in 1985 (ICRISAT 1987a). This meeting also provided recommendations in the form of a general plan of action and a list of specific activities to be undertaken. The Coordinator assumed his duties on 1 January 1986. Since then, A G L N has evolved a series of activities based on the recommendations of the two earlier meetings. We will now review these activities.

Source of Information: Advances in Pulses Research in Bangladesh Proceedings of the Second National Workshop on Pulses 6-8 Jun 1989 Joydebpur, Bangladesh

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

All these activities indicate that the Bangladesh Agricultural Research System and AGN/ICRISAT have established a firm foundation over the last 10 years for the improvement of chickpea and pigeon pea. We must now build on these collaborative efforts and take the successes to the farmers' fields.

A 3-year Technical Assistance Project Proposal (TAPP) is being set up by B A R I and AGLN to cover crop improvement research and the transfer of technology aspects of chickpea, pigeon pea, and groundnut in Bangladesh. The TAPP details the work plan that will be carried out by Bangladesh scientists in collaboration with AGLN/ICRISAT. We trust that this work will further increase legume production in Bangladesh.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings