Synthesis report volume of the The Independent Review of the CGIAR undertaken in 2008, led by panel Chair, Elizabeth McAllister. The Independent Review Panel was asked to “assess whether the CGIAR is well positioned to address emerging food security and agriculture-related problems of developing countries.” The objectives of this Review were to take stock and assess the efficacy of the partnership, to assess the effectiveness of the CGIAR research, and to recommend changes in the CGIAR System to improve its efficacy and effectiveness for dealing with the emerging challenges for food security, agriculture, and natural resource management of the poor. Two other companion reports: the results of the stakeholder survey and the full technical report are available as separate entries in the database and on the CGIAR web site. This report was presented at the CGIAR's AGM08 business meeting in Maputo, Mozambique