As
part of its annual evaluation of 15 international Centers belonging to CGIAR)
based on performance-linked measurements, the World Bank announced in Jun 2010
that it has rated AfricaRice as 'Outstanding,' in the 2009 Performance
Measurement exercise. This is the highest of three performance categories.
The
assessment was based on a number of criteria that included results, impacts,
quality and relevance of the Center’s research and publications, financial and
institutional health, and stakeholder perceptions.
The
Performance Measurement System (PMS) is a regular annual feature in the CGIAR
monitoring and evaluation system, which provides Centers with a barometer to
better gauge their own performance and demonstrate accountability and
transparency to their stakeholders. The World Bank uses the performance
measurement data as a guideline for allocating part of its funding to the
Centers.
Earlier
this year, the Director General, Dr Papa Abdoulaye Seck, and the staff of
AfricaRice were congratulated by the Board of Trustees for placing the Center
on a path of continuous growth as a result of the following achievements:
- Doubling of the Center’s budget
in 2010 compared to 2007, with a significant rise in fund reserves;
- Increase in recovery of
contributions from African member States, which now collectively rank as
the number one core donor of the Center;
- High rate of accession to
membership of the Center by African countries in the period 2006-2010 than
ever before;
- Large number of exciting
research projects addressing major challenges of rice in Africa, including
climate change;
- Close partnership with national
programs, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and advanced
research institutions;
- International recognition such
as the Agricultural Merit Order of France and the Merit Order of Senegal
presented to the Director General, the CGIAR’s Outstanding Communication
and Young Scientist Awards to AfricaRice researchers.
Warmly
congratulating the AfricaRice staff for their dedication and performance,
Director General Dr Papa Abdoulaye Seck said, “This is a great achievement, but
we consider this as just the beginning of our journey towards our goal. So we
cannot rest on our laurels.”
Dr
Seck also expressed his deep appreciation to all the donors and R&D
partners of AfricaRice, particularly the national programs, which work hand in
hand with the Center to boost rice production and rural development in Africa.
