Features of an Experimental Station at an International Agricultural Research Center that Enhance Regional Impact

Adequately equipped field stations are essential for any institution involved with applied agricultural research. The field station is particularly crucial to the functioning of the network of global international research centers. The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas addresses issues mainly related to dryland cropping system of the West Asia and North Africa region. It extends its effectiveness in northern Syria through a range of sub-stations and on-farm sites across the rainfall transect (150-600 mm). This article describes the environment and management of the Center that backstops its applied and adaptive research. Particular strengths of the station are highlighted. Unique features of the station that further the technology generation and transfer are described. While some aspects of international research station management are generic, there are considerations described that are specific to an evolving dryland research center in a rapidly changing region.