The objectives of this consultation are to identify priority requirements for improved livestock productivity and development of the sustainable production systems in the developing regions; to identify cross-regional priorities, major constraints, the researchable areas and issues in livestock production most likely to bring distinct benefits and impacts; and to assist identification of participants and planning for future regional research workshops.

The Ganges Basin Development Challenge (BDC) research program will focus on brackish-water coastal zones in the Ganges Basin, where agricultural lands have a maximum salinity greater than 5 ppt (parts per thousand) in the dry season (salinity is lower in the wet season). The BDC vision of success requires innovations in water governance, improved availability of dry-season water, improved practices for managing salt-affected lands, and intensification and diversification of farm systems.

A series of five issue briefs based on CPWF research on agricultural and aquacultural production and food security in the Ganges coastal zone. The brief topics are: water smart communities; agricultural production and drainage; governance by small water management units; community approach to water management; and improved agriculture and aquaculture cropping systems.

The Challenge Program on Water and Food (CPWF) was a 10-year (January 1, 2004–December 31, 2013) investment by the CGIAR, conducted over two phases and aimed at an overarching goal of raising water productivity and improving food security while helping alleviate poverty, improve health, and attain environmental security. This review, undertaken between November 2013 and March 2014, was commissioned by CPWF to assess CPWF’s achievements, but also to identify lessons to take forward by CGIAR Research Programs (CRPs) and other research and development stakeholders.

The First International Forum on Water and Food of the CGIAR Challenge Program on Water and Food (CPWF) was held in Vientiane, Laos from November 12 to 17, 2006. The Forum had two overarching objectives:

• to link people together to discover what they are doing within the CPWF and in the world of water and food beyond the Program;

• to articulate the links between research, policy and practice.