Boundary Work for Sustainable Development: Natural Resource Management at the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)

This article examines how “boundary work” institutions help bridge the gap between scientific research and practical decision-making in sustainable development. Using the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) as a case study, the authors analyze how organizations can effectively connect knowledge producers, policymakers, and practitioners to address complex natural resource management challenges. The paper argues that successful sustainable development depends not only on generating scientific knowledge but also on creating institutional mechanisms that translate research into action. The CGIAR experience demonstrates how boundary organizations can facilitate collaboration, learning, and adaptive management across scientific and policy communities in support of sustainability goals.