The Asian Grain Legumes Network (AGLN) ModelD GFarisauthorC L LGowdaauthorDMcDonaldauthorThe Asian Grain Legumes Network (AGLN) deals with chickpea and provides an example for forming other chickpea networks. The AGLN was established in 1986 to strengthen research in Asian countries on chickpea, pigeonpea, and groundnut, to generate appropriate technology by more effectively using existing staff and facilities, and to coordinate and facilitate collaborative research activities on these crops to help farmers increase their legume production. The structure and operation of the network is founded on five components: membership, research, coordination, communication, and assets. The network has two elements: bilateral and multilateral links. The bilateral element is based on memor.anda of understanding between lCRfSAT and each of 11 AGLN countries, and on work plans detailing specific activities. The national' AGLN coordinator is the administrative link between each national program and the AGLN Coordination Unit (supported by feRfSAT). The multilateral element provides links. between AGLN members in all network groups including those in national programs, several regional and international institutes, donors, and mentor institutions. The linking activities include meetings, workshops, monitoring tours, regular and~special training at IG.RlSAT and in~country, special projects and working groups, an information bank, and literature services. 9verall the AGLN provides a structure to facilitate interchange and cooperation among grain legume scientists in Asia, provides scientific backstopping, acts as a clearing house for information and material, and helps strengthen national programs.ChickpeaPigeonpeaGroundnut1990Conference or Workshop Item