IFPRI Policy Seminar "African Agricultural Research and Development Progress, Challenges, Opportunities" 7 April 2011

African Agricultural R&D Investments and Capacities: Trends and Challenges
Nienke Beintema
Head, Agricultural S&T Indicators (ASTI) initiative,IFPRI-Rome office
Presentation at the IFPRI Policy Seminar “African Agricultural Research and Development: Progress, Challenges, Opportunities”Washington, DC – April 7, 2011

Outline
Trends since 2001
Key investment challenges
Key human resource capacity challenges
Recommended action points

Importance of Agricultural R&D
R&D is a major contributor to economic growth and poverty reduction
Greater investments in R&D are crucial for productivity growth in SSA
Monitoring and benchmarking inputs, outputs, and performance of agricultural R&D is essential
NEPAD target: Allocation of at least 1 percent of GDP to R&D

Investment and Capacity Trends in Africa
Overall, agricultural R&D investments and capacity increased by 20 percent during 2001-08
.

Main Drivers of Spending Growth, 2001-08
Growth occurred in a few countries and focused on boosting low salaries and rehabilitating infrastructure/equipment.

Who is Lagging Behind?
2001-08 marked by decline in 13 countries (including many in francophone West Africa). Decline started in 1990s for some.

Investment Challenge: Underinvestment
In 2008, only 8 countries invested more than 1% of their AgGDP in agricultural R&D.

Investment Challenge: High Donor-Dependency
Many countries are extremely dependent on donor funding and development bank loans.

Investment Challenge: Volatility
Donor and government funding has been highly volatile, making viable research programs difficult.
ZARI, Zambia
INRAN, Niger

Capacity Challenge: Decreasing Qualifications
Shares of BSc-qualified staff have increased in some countries since 2000.

Capacity Challenge: Influx of Young Researchers
Large influx of young scientists with BSc degrees, who need adequate training opportunities and mentoring.

Capacity Challenge: High Staff Turnover
Many researchers left agencies due to low salaries/conditions of service. Many retired – more will retire in coming years.

Key Areas that Governments, Donors, and Other Stakeholders Must Address
Providing higher and more stable funding levels
Addressing existing and imminent challenges in human resource capacity
Maximizing regional and subregional cooperation in agricultural R&D

Please visit www.asti.cgiar.org
Thank you

IFPRI Policy Seminar "African Agricultural Research and Development Progress, Challenges, Opportunities" 7 April 2011

by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

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IFPRI Policy Seminar "African Agricultural Research and Development Progress, Challenges, Opportunities" 7 April 2011 Presentation Transcript