n the newly independent republics of Central Asia and the Caucasus (CAC), the agricultural research systems of the former Soviet Union are no longer relevant. Those systems had integrated all aspects of food and industrial production into centrally controlled operations, that included research, and support services such as veterinary care and extension advice, supply of inputs, and marketing of end products. Each republic now faces the challenge of developing a 'stand alone' economy, a process that requires enormous efforts to diversify agricultural production in a sustainable manner.
     Food imports, unlike in the past, no longer supplement production in the CAC region, and this had led to a drive for food security and, thus, an urgent need to increase domestic food production. This is being done by agricultural intensification, and expansion of area. The first has caused monoculture that is damaging soil fertility and leading to increased build-up of insect pests and diseases, while the second is leading to reduced crop diversity and encroachment of marginal lands. In some parts of Kazakstan and Kyrgyzstan, feed and fodder supply problems have resulted in a serious decline in livestock numbers. Meanwhile, there is reduced availability of inputs. The agriculture in the CAC republics needs immediate attention. The agroecological conditions in the region are similar to those in West Asia and North Africa (WANA); hence the region falls within the research mandate of ICARDA.
     ICARDA has been working on building partnerships to address the problems of agricultural research and development in CAC by making bridges between the CAC republics and between CGIAR centers and CAC. The Center played an active role in establishing what has come to be known as the CGIAR Program for CAC. Nine CGIAR centers, including ICARDA, have formed a Consortium for the implementation of this Program.
     This "one-stop shop" of CGIAR provides pooled expertise of the Centers and a single point of contact for

the national programs of the CAC region. It is a concept that has been enthusiastically welcomed by the CAC NARS.
     From the CGIAR consortium, all partners can draw on the knowledge-pool created. Duplication of effort is avoided, the Centers gain in efficiency, the NARS get the best possible service, and donors are assured that their investment is being spent wisely.

     This issue of Caravan chronicles ICARDA's efforts in developing a research strategy and a need-based research program for the CAC region. In doing so, ICARDA played a major role in bringing together all partners, most importantly donors. The article on page 8 traces the history of this effort and provides an overview of the current status of collaboration. The research program for the CAC region includes crop improvement; management of natural resources of land, water and biodiversity; nutrition and management of livestock; and rehabilitation of rangelands and assessment of their role in carbon sequestration and global climate change. Highlights of the key achievements in these areas of research are reported in this issue.
     All partners involved in the CGIAR Program for Central Asia and the Caucasus can rightly share the pride with CAC NARS in what has been achieved in such a short time. As a partner in the CGIAR Program for CAC, ICARDA will continue to contribute to improving food security, alleviating poverty, and protecting the natural resource base in CAC with greater speed in the future.