Realizing the Promise and Potential of African Agriculture

AuthorInterAcademy Council
TitleRealizing the Promise and Potential of African Agriculture
Release Date30 June 2004

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Annex C. Study Panel Biographies

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Study Director

Document Date: June 30, 2004

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Realizing the Promise and Potential of African Agriculture

Front Matter

Forward

Study Panel

Preface

Report Review

Acknowledgements

Executive Summary

Challenge of African Agriculture

Science & Technology Strategies

Institution Building

Producing New Agricultural Scientists

Enhancing Markets

New Science & Technology Pilot Programs

Promise & Potential of African Agriculture

1. Introduction

References

2. Food Security

References

3. Production Systems

Farming/Production Systems in Africa

Maize Mixed System

Cereal/Root Crop Mixed System

Root Crop System

Agro-pastoral Millet/Sorghum

Highland Perennial System

Forest-based System

Highland Temperate Mixed System

Pastoral Farming System

Tree Crop Based System

Commercial Largeholder & Smallholder System

Coastal Artisanal Fishing System

Irrigated Farming System

Sparse (Arid) System

Urban & Peri-urban Based System

Highland Mixed System

Rainfed Mixed System

Dryland Mixed System

Agricultural Productivity Trends

The Production Ecological Approach

Growth - & Yield - Defining Factors

Growth - & Yield - Limiting Factors

Growth - & Yield - Reducing Factors

Losses in Other Parts of the Production-market Chain

Prioritization of Farming Systems

Conclusions

References

4. Science and Technology

Production Developments and Constraints in Priority Systems

Yield Gaps and Constraining Factors

Rice

Maize

Sorghum and Millet

Root Crops

Animal Production

Fisheries

Crops Important to Africa

Adapting Technologies to Farmers' Needs

Integrated Approaches

Integrated Water Management

Integrated Nutrient Management

Integrated Pest and Disease Management

Breeding and Biotechnologies

Information Technology

Mechanizing Operations

Exploiting Post-harvest Opportunities

Improving Nutrition Through Agriculture

Broadening of Objectives and Diversified Systems

Advantages From a Production Ecological Perspective

Encouraging Achievements in Diversified Systems

Farming Systems

Conclusions

Recommendations

References

5. Impact-oriented Research

Institutional Arrangements

National

Regional

Continental

Agricultural Research Strategies and Policies

Advocacy and Leadership

Current NARS Reform Agenda

Role of Governments

Decentralization

Increased Stakeholder Participation

New Funding Mechanisms

Strengthening System Linkages

Encouraging Extension

Coordination Through an Integrated Systems Approach

Beyond Research to Knowledge and Innovation

Public-private Partnerships

Lead From Government

Exploiting Synergies

Effective Farmer Organizations

Agricultural R&D Investments

Financial and Human Capital Investments

Impact of Investments

Increasing Research Impact

Conclusions

Recommendations

References

6. New Agricultural Scientists

Science Education

Low Investment

Growth in Student Numbers

Funding Decline

Renewal

Linking Scientists in Universities and National Agricultural Research Institutes

Setting Up African-based Graduate Programs

Regional Approaches to Graduate Training

Sandwich Training and Other Innovations

Harnessing Information and Communications Technologies

Halting the 'Brain Drain'

Curricula

Balancing Domestic Investment and Foreign Assistance

Funding Higher Education

Developing an Agricultural Research Lobby

Conclusions

Recommendations

References

7. Markets and Policies

The Changing Context for National S&T Policies

Change in Agricultural Science

Globalization

Enhancing the Benefits From Research and Development

Urbanization, Expanding Markets and Trade Opportunities

Investing in Rural Infrastructure

Strengthening Producer Organizations

Investing in People and Institutions

Targeting Vulnerable Groups

Investing in Environmentally Sound Development Pathways

Good Governance

Investment Requirements to Improve Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa

Conclusions

Recommendations

References

8. Recommendations

1. Science and Technology Options That Can Make a Difference

2. Building Impact-oriented Research, Knowledge and Development Institutions

3. Creating and Retaining a New Generation of Agricultural Scientists

4. Markets and Policies to Make the Poor Income and Food Secure

5. Engaging Science and Technology for the Benefit of African Agriculture in the Near Term

Annex A. Priority Issues

Institutional Issues

The Policy Environment

Science and Technology Strategies

Annex B. Strategic Actions

Strategic Actions for National Governments

Strategic Actions for National Agricultural Research Systems and University Managers

Strategic Actions for the Private Sector

Strategic Actions for African Subregional Organizations

Strategic Actions for the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)

Strategic Actions for the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD)

Strategic Actions for International Agencies

Strategic Actions for OECD and Donor Countries

Strategic Actions for the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), International Agricultural Research Centres, and Advanced Research Institutes

Annex C. Biographies

Co-chairs

Panel Members

Study Director

Annex D. Glossary

Annex E. Abbreviations

Annex F. Boxes, Figures, & Tables

Boxes

Figures

Tables

PDF Downloads

Text-only Downloads

Workshop reports and background papers

Workshop Reports

Background Papers