Science and technology options that can make a difference

• Adopt a market-led productivity improvement strategy.
• Adopt a production ecological approach with a primary focus on identified continental priority farming systems.
• Pursue a strategy of integrated sustainable intensification.
• Bridge the genetic divide.
• Recognize the potential of rainfed agriculture and accord it priority.
• Reduce land degradation and replenish soil fertility.
• Explore higher-scale integrated catchment strategies for natural resource management.
• Promote the conservation, sustainable and equitable use of biodiversity.
• Embrace information and communication technology at all levels.

Building impact-oriented research, knowledge and development institutions

• Increase support for agricultural research and development learning institutions.
• Strengthen international agricultural research centres.

Creating and retaining a new generation of agricultural scientists

• Mobilize increased and sustainable funding for higher education in science and technology, minimizing dependence on external donor support.

Markets and policies to make the poor income and food secure

• Increase investments in rural infrastructure.
• Strengthen capacity to expand market opportunities.
• Institute effective intellectual property rights regimes to encourage the private sector and facilitate public-private partnerships.
• Reduce barriers to increased African trade with oecd countries.

Engaging science and technology for the benefit of African agriculture in the near term

• Implement a series of innovative participatory science and technology pilot programs focusing on four priority continental farming systems: maize mixed, cereal/root crop mixed, irrigated, and tree crop based.

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