Latin America was commonly called “sleeping giant” for its humid tropics and land base relative to its population size.The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT, by its Spanish acronym) was initiated in 1967 to serve three important zones-coastal plains, savannahs, and “hot, humid jungles.” In line, the research areas were organized to be fitted as appropriate into these important ecological zones.Over the 50 years, CIAT has been a forerunner in developing and disseminating improved crop varieties and agricultural technologies, including its pioneering approaches in the tropics.Rewinding the history of the Center's research accomplishments over the 50 years, partners and stakeholders' joint efforts have brought about $40 billion ineconomic benefits to Latin America, Africa, and Asia.