On a virtual visit to offices and facilities in Mali, Niger and Nigeria, Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General, ICRISAT, interacted with staff updating them on the One CGIAR move, the opportunities it presents and the changes it will bring. The overall aim of the move, she said, was to ensure that research is strong with stable funding with the big focus on nutrition, gender, climate change research and strengthening partnership.Dr Hughes commended work in the region and emphasized the need for documenting impacts supported by metrics.

1. NewsletterHappenings
In-house version 4 December 2020, No.1883
Think big, focus on nutrition, gender, climate change
research, communication and partnership
Virtual visit
On a virtual visit to offices and facilities in Mali, Niger
and Nigeria, Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General,
ICRISAT, interacted with staff updating them on the One
CGIAR move, the opportunities it presents and the
changes it will bring. The overall aim of the move, she
said, was to ensure that research is strong with stable
funding with the big focus on nutrition, gender, climate
change research and strengthening partnership.
Dr Hughes commended work in the region and
emphasized the need for documenting impacts
supported by metrics.
“Things are changing and there will be a huge demand
for Agricultural Research for Development,” said
Dr Hughes while addressing the staff. Modernization of
the breeding program came out as a concern during the
interactions. Dr Hughes said that the aim is to make sure
we increase the rate of genetic gains. Responding to a
query on product profiling as part of modernizing crop
breeding she advised staff to think big. She emphasized
the need for a broader perspective and focus on big
areas including breeding crops for nutrition and forage.
“We cannot breed for any small niche markets,” she
said. Scientific staff were advised to reach out to
Dr Hailemichael Desmae, Regional Breeding Lead-WCA,
for issues related to the uniqueness of varieties in
different countries.
Dr Hughes responded to queries on staffing and funding
concerns in view of the One CGIAR move. She urged the
staff to pursue their resource mobilization efforts and
find solutions to overcome setbacks caused by the
COVID-19 pandemic.
ICRISAT staff were encouraged to continue COVID-19
preventive measures and to reduce domestic and
international travels. The staff appreciated the
opportunity to interact with Dr Hughes. ICRISAT staff
based in Dakar, Senegal, working under the CGIAR
Research Program on Climate Change and Food Security
(CCAFS) participated in the sessions.
Director General of ICRISAT virtually visits West and Central Africa
A screenshot of Dr Hughes and Dr Tabo (right hand corner) interacting
with staff in the conference room in Mali.
Dr Jacqueline Hughes recollecting her 11-year stay
in Nigeria while working for IITA
It was like coming back home.