The theme of the Second Triennial GFAR Conference held in Dakar, Senegal, 22nd to 24th of May, 2003
(GFAR 2003) was ¿Linking Research and Rural Innovation to Sustainable Development¿. It was a very
appropriate theme given the current global focus and attention on sustainable development issues as well
as increased research interest in innovation processes. The goal of the conference was to review
achievements and take stock of lessons learned during the current triennium (2000-2003), identify new and
emerging global issues, threats and opportunities of relevance to agricultural research for development
(ARD). The outcomes of both exercises were used to develop a framework for ARD activities required to
alleviate the threats and build on the opportunities. Approximately 400 participants, representing the seven
recognized stakeholder groups of GFAR from all regions of the world, contributed towards addressing the
above goal through active participation in the various sessions, events and activities of the conference.