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International Cooperation for Agricultural Research
In Central Asia and the Caucasus (ICAR)

Request for Research Proposals 2006-08

• Request for Proposal (English)
• Request for Proposal (Russian)
• Proposal Cover Page
• Proposal Project Description
• Proposal Budget Form

Project Description

The International Cooperation for Agricultural Research project (ICAR) is forging strong ties between US and major CAC research institutions throughout eight (8) countries of the Former Soviet Union in Central Asia and the Caucasus (CAC). US and CAC researchers are sharing their substantial scientific expertise to conduct collaborative research that supports agriculture in both the CAC and USA. The project is also laying the groundwork to support a new generation of US and CAC researchers and strengthening local agricultural research and production capacities.

The proposed research partnerships will contribute to enhanced food security, preserve threatened biodiversity, support democratic and market reforms and develop mutual understanding and appreciation among our institutions, citizens and nations. The project is truly a win-win scenario for all of us.

Funded at approximately $400,000 annually by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the project currently extends through 2009. The WSU Department of Crop and Soil Sciences and International Programs/ Development Cooperation are managing this program in conjunction with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and South Dakota State University.

The project is:

1. rebuilding capacity in the Central Asian and Caucusus research institutions for agricultural education, research and technology transfer;
2. using improved sustainable technologies, practices and policies to improve food sector performance;
3. supporting agricultural policy reform to improve economic productivity and sustain the natural resource base;and
4. expanding the access of the rural poor to technologies and practices that improve food security.

This initiative is significantly upgrading the skills of agricultural scientists and educators in the region and improving the effectiveness of the CAC agricultural research, education and technology transfer organizations. It is continuing to build linkages between the various players in the agricultural sector - policy makers, researchers, educators and trainers, the private agribusiness sector, non-governmental organizations and end-users.