By Kathleen Flaherty.
Presented at the ASTI-FARA conference Agricultural R&D: Investing in Africa's Future: Analyzing Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities - Accra, Ghana on December 5-7, 2011. http://www.asti.cgiar.org/2011conf
Update on Cuba's Non-Sugar Agricultural SectorBildnerCenter
The document provides an update on Cuba's non-sugar agricultural sector between 2005-2010. It finds:
1) Declining agricultural output and yields, due in part to economic inefficiencies and lack of incentives.
2) Cuba implemented policy reforms from 2007-2011 to address issues, including price increases and transfers of idle lands.
3) Recent performance is mixed, with some crops showing recovery but yields continuing to decline.
4) Non-state sector sales in agricultural markets have been increasing but remain below one-quarter of total sales.
1) The document discusses global food security and agricultural productivity trends from 1950-2050.
2) It notes that from 1950-2000, called the "Age of Abundance", global food supply grew faster than demand, keeping prices low due to steady productivity gains.
3) Looking ahead to 2050, it estimates global food demand will need to increase 1.3% annually, and questions whether productivity can continue growing fast enough to meet this demand sustainably.
The document discusses aligning social and productive investments to accelerate growth. It argues that maximizing synergy between social services and productivity-enhancing investments can lead to better long-term growth outcomes while still meeting short-term social needs. Specifically, adjusting social service compositions to have a greater agricultural focus and exploiting growth externalities of social services can optimize the growth impact of budgets. The document defines convergence as moving from competition over budget levels to cooperation on expenditure composition to jointly maximize social and economic objectives.
The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) jointly hosted the International Conference on Climate Change and Food Security (ICCCFS) November 6-8, 2011 in Beijing, China. This conference provided a forum for leading international scientists and young researchers to present their latest research findings, exchange their research ideas, and share their experiences in the field of climate change and food security. The event included technical sessions, poster sessions, and social events. The conference results and recommendations were presented at the global climate talks in Durban, South Africa during an official side event on December 1.
Introduction of short duration pulses into rice-based cropping systems in wes...ACIAR
This document summarizes a project in Bangladesh that aims to introduce short duration pulses like lentils and peas into rice-based cropping systems to increase pulse production. The project is a collaboration between universities and research organizations in Bangladesh and Australia. It plans to widen the window between rice crops and use techniques like relay cropping and early maturing varieties to grow pulses. Initial findings showed pulses can be grown before or after rice. Constraints identified were waterlogging and diseases. Potential future collaborations discussed other countries and projects addressing similar cropping patterns and climate change adaptation.
Julián Chará, Coordinator of Center for Research on Sustainable Systems of Agriculture Production (CIPAV) presented the urgency to promote silvopastoral systems in Latin America, in particular in Colombia. “CIPAV advocates the Intensive Silvopastoral Systems (ISS) because it increases efficiency of biological processes by combining fodder shrubs, pastures and timber trees” said Chará.
This document summarizes the development of agriculture in Brazil and discusses potential impacts of climate change and policy alternatives. Key points:
1) Brazilian agriculture transformed from low production to highly productive through increased yields, new technologies, and expansion into new areas.
2) Climate change may impact crop yields and suitable land for agriculture in Brazil according to models, though effects are uncertain.
3) Brazil has implemented policies like its Agricultural and Livestock Plan to promote no-till farming, integrated systems, and degraded pasture recovery to mitigate emissions.
Public investments in agriculture in Mozambique have achieved impressive growth rates in recent years, however this growth may not be sustainable. While agricultural GDP and public spending on agriculture have grown at average annual rates of 8.4% and 12.2% respectively between 2000-2011, there are indications that further technical change is needed to maintain this level of growth. Models suggest that public investment in agriculture would need to increase substantially, to around 18-28% annually, in order to spur sufficient technical change through investments in areas like agricultural R&D, infrastructure, and institutional development. Understanding the determinants of public investment decisions, such as the country's budgeting process and the incentives of various actors, will be important to guide investments toward
Update on Cuba's Non-Sugar Agricultural SectorBildnerCenter
The document provides an update on Cuba's non-sugar agricultural sector between 2005-2010. It finds:
1) Declining agricultural output and yields, due in part to economic inefficiencies and lack of incentives.
2) Cuba implemented policy reforms from 2007-2011 to address issues, including price increases and transfers of idle lands.
3) Recent performance is mixed, with some crops showing recovery but yields continuing to decline.
4) Non-state sector sales in agricultural markets have been increasing but remain below one-quarter of total sales.
1) The document discusses global food security and agricultural productivity trends from 1950-2050.
2) It notes that from 1950-2000, called the "Age of Abundance", global food supply grew faster than demand, keeping prices low due to steady productivity gains.
3) Looking ahead to 2050, it estimates global food demand will need to increase 1.3% annually, and questions whether productivity can continue growing fast enough to meet this demand sustainably.
The document discusses aligning social and productive investments to accelerate growth. It argues that maximizing synergy between social services and productivity-enhancing investments can lead to better long-term growth outcomes while still meeting short-term social needs. Specifically, adjusting social service compositions to have a greater agricultural focus and exploiting growth externalities of social services can optimize the growth impact of budgets. The document defines convergence as moving from competition over budget levels to cooperation on expenditure composition to jointly maximize social and economic objectives.
The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) jointly hosted the International Conference on Climate Change and Food Security (ICCCFS) November 6-8, 2011 in Beijing, China. This conference provided a forum for leading international scientists and young researchers to present their latest research findings, exchange their research ideas, and share their experiences in the field of climate change and food security. The event included technical sessions, poster sessions, and social events. The conference results and recommendations were presented at the global climate talks in Durban, South Africa during an official side event on December 1.
Introduction of short duration pulses into rice-based cropping systems in wes...ACIAR
This document summarizes a project in Bangladesh that aims to introduce short duration pulses like lentils and peas into rice-based cropping systems to increase pulse production. The project is a collaboration between universities and research organizations in Bangladesh and Australia. It plans to widen the window between rice crops and use techniques like relay cropping and early maturing varieties to grow pulses. Initial findings showed pulses can be grown before or after rice. Constraints identified were waterlogging and diseases. Potential future collaborations discussed other countries and projects addressing similar cropping patterns and climate change adaptation.
Julián Chará, Coordinator of Center for Research on Sustainable Systems of Agriculture Production (CIPAV) presented the urgency to promote silvopastoral systems in Latin America, in particular in Colombia. “CIPAV advocates the Intensive Silvopastoral Systems (ISS) because it increases efficiency of biological processes by combining fodder shrubs, pastures and timber trees” said Chará.
This document summarizes the development of agriculture in Brazil and discusses potential impacts of climate change and policy alternatives. Key points:
1) Brazilian agriculture transformed from low production to highly productive through increased yields, new technologies, and expansion into new areas.
2) Climate change may impact crop yields and suitable land for agriculture in Brazil according to models, though effects are uncertain.
3) Brazil has implemented policies like its Agricultural and Livestock Plan to promote no-till farming, integrated systems, and degraded pasture recovery to mitigate emissions.
Public investments in agriculture in Mozambique have achieved impressive growth rates in recent years, however this growth may not be sustainable. While agricultural GDP and public spending on agriculture have grown at average annual rates of 8.4% and 12.2% respectively between 2000-2011, there are indications that further technical change is needed to maintain this level of growth. Models suggest that public investment in agriculture would need to increase substantially, to around 18-28% annually, in order to spur sufficient technical change through investments in areas like agricultural R&D, infrastructure, and institutional development. Understanding the determinants of public investment decisions, such as the country's budgeting process and the incentives of various actors, will be important to guide investments toward
Guyana has a population of 762,000 and an area of 214,969 square km. Its GDP has grown each year from 2000 to 2010, with GDP per capita reaching $2,831 in 2010. The country runs a current account deficit, which was -10% of GDP in 2008. Exports are primarily fish, rice, sugar, gold, and bauxite; imports include petroleum, manufactured goods, and machinery.
Belize has a population of 307,000 and an area of 22,965 square km. Its main economic indicators from 2000-2010 show GDP growth averaging around 4% annually, with GDP per capita around $4,000. Its current account balance is negative, averaging around -$0.1 billion or -7% of GDP. Inflation has averaged around 3% and unemployment around 10%. Exports are led by seafood, sugar, and fuel, mainly to the US, UK, and Central America. Imports are led by fuel, electronics, and vehicles, mainly from the US, Netherlands, and Central America. Services exports are led by travel, while transportation and travel dominate imports.
Livestock production and poverty alleviation in arid and semi-arid tropica...ILRI
Presented by Carlos Seré, Augustine Ayantunde, Alan Duncan, Ade Freeman, Mario Herrero, Shirley Tarawali, and Iain Wright at the XXI International Grassland Congress and VIII International Rangeland Congress, held in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China from 29 June - 5 July 2008
This document provides economic and trade data for Dominica from 2000 to 2010. It shows that Dominica's GDP grew slowly from 2000 to 2010, ranging from $0.27 to $0.38 billion, while GDP per capita increased from $3,802 to $5,120. Dominica consistently ran large current account deficits, ranging from -15.7% to -31.8% of GDP. The top imports to and exports from Dominica in 2008 were also listed.
Accompanying the agrarian transition in Laos. Guillaume LestrelinJoanna Hicks
This document summarizes research on opportunities and challenges for conservation agriculture (CA) in maize production areas in Laos. The research examined CA adoption across four agro-ecological zones representing different stages of agricultural intensification. Results showed the highest CA adoption levels occurred early in the intensification process and later during land degradation. The research concluded there are two key windows for CA interventions - early commodity production and late stages of diversification in degraded lands. Proper timing and extension efforts could make CA a viable alternative for smallholders.
Barbados has a population of 256,000 people within its 430 square kilometer area. Its GDP grew between 2000-2010 except for a dip in 2009 during the global recession. Inflation ranged from -1.2% to 8.1% during this period. Barbados' top export partners are the United States, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom, while its top imports come from the United States, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom. Its main exports are pharmaceuticals, sugars, fuels, and beverages, while its top imports are fuels, vehicles, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.
The document analyzes economic indicators in Jamaica from 1989/90 to 2010/11. It shows that the exchange rate depreciated at annual rates of 14.67% from 1989 to 2007 and 5.2% from 2007 to 2011. Annual inflation averaged 19.68% from 1989 to 2007 and 11.68% from 2008 to 2011. Government domestic and total debt increased substantially over the periods analyzed, with domestic debt rising by 4,200% from 1990/91 to 2010/11. External debt also rose sharply.
The document provides economic and trade indicators for The Bahamas from 2000-2010. It shows that the Bahamas' GDP grew between 2000-2008 but declined in 2009, while inflation has remained between 1-4.5% annually. The country runs a large current account deficit, between -11.2% to -18.9% of GDP. The top export partner is the US, while the top imports are from the US and include mineral fuels, vehicles, and electrical equipment. The trade deficit in goods widened over 2004-2008 but the services trade balance was positive.
The document provides economic indicators and trade statistics for the Dominican Republic from 2000 to 2010. It summarizes that the Dominican Republic has a population of 10 million and area of 48,072 square km. GDP grew steadily from 2000 to 2010, while inflation decreased from highs in the early 2000s. The current account balance was negative for most years. The United States was the top market for both Dominican exports and imports. Major exports included electrical equipment, plastics, and tobacco, while mineral fuels and plastics were among top imports. Travel was the leading service export and import.
Haiti has a population of 10 million and an area of 27,750 square kilometers. Its GDP grew between 2000 and 2010, though it experienced declines in some years. Inflation ranged from 1.5% to 51.5% during this period. Haiti's main exports include articles of apparel, edible fruit and essential oils, while its main imports are cereals, iron and steel, cotton, and vehicles. The United States is Haiti's largest trading partner.
An overview of the Challenge Program on Water and Food's research-for-development results, and plans to address global challenges, from CPWF Director, Dr Alain Vidal
The document discusses decision and policy analysis work at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) on several topics:
1. CIAT focuses on delivering research outcomes related to climate change, ecosystem services, and linking farmers to markets through modeling, gender analysis, impact assessment, and other expertise.
2. Research on cassava and other staple crops examines their suitability and potential roles under climate change through crop modeling and analysis of adaptation options.
3. Work in four sites in East Africa examines gender dimensions of climate-smart agriculture adoption and relations between different stakeholder groups in watershed management.
4. Research on payments for ecosystem services in Peru aims to balance watershed stakeholders' interests through
External risks continue to threaten the global economy but Korea’s economic growth will likely improve in the second half of 2011 and free trade agreements are poised to increase expansion substantially. Those were among the points made at the Korean Economic Forum, co-hosted by Samsung Economic Research Institute and the Korea JoongAng Daily at the Hotel Shilla on May 25. Among the many distinguished guests were ambassadors, CEOs and foreign correspondents.
This document discusses the challenges and opportunities facing middle-income countries as global wealth shifts. It notes that while shifting wealth has created opportunities through reduced poverty and new development resources, middle-income countries face challenges around productivity growth, social cohesion, environmental sustainability, and maintaining fiscal revenue levels. Specific challenges discussed include the risk of falling into a "middle income trap" with slowing growth, rising inequality and labor disputes, high youth unemployment in Africa, and tax revenues generally being lower in Latin American countries compared to OECD nations.
The document summarizes the 2011 APIMEC meeting agenda and provides information on Eucatex's operations. It discusses Eucatex's 60-year history and investments. It provides key operating data for 2010, including revenue, production volumes, capacity utilization and market share for each production unit. It also discusses Eucatex's sustainability initiatives around forest management and wood recycling. Financial highlights for 2010 include revenue growth of 19% and EBITDA growth of 34% compared to 2009.
Exposición de Guido Vildozo Méndez, con con motivo de la Reunión Nacional de Concesionarios de ACARA, viernes 17 de Junio, Salón Ceibo del Predio Ferial “La Rural”.
Exposición Ventas globales y tendencia (con impacto al evento en Japón)
Ventas regionales (flujo de vehículos entre Brasil, Argentina y México)
Tendencias de los mercados (Brasil - Argentina) para los próximos 10 años
Gross revenue for Eucatex increased 11.4% in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. EBITDA declined slightly to R$42.2 million due mainly to a decrease in gross margin. Net income grew 19.5% to R$24.4 million. Several new production lines were installed or planned for installation in 2011 to increase capacity.
Eucatex Group is a Brazilian company founded in 1951 with 4 production units in São Paulo. It has 73 eucalyptus plantations totaling 45,800 hectares. In 2011, the company had 2,430 employees and gross revenue of R$1.1 billion, up 12.2% from 2010. The document provides details on Eucatex's business segments, production capacity and utilization rates, market share, costs, sustainability initiatives, and key financial indicators for 2010-2011.
This document summarizes key information about Eucatex Group, a Brazilian manufacturer of wood panels, flooring, paints, and other products. It details the company's subsidiaries, plantations, employees, production units and their locations. Production volumes and market shares for each product segment are provided. Breakdowns of costs, revenues and operating margins for 4Q11, 4Q12, and full years 2011-2012 are given for each product segment. The document also includes financial highlights and debt profile metrics.
Guyana has a population of 762,000 and an area of 214,969 square km. Its GDP has grown each year from 2000 to 2010, with GDP per capita reaching $2,831 in 2010. The country runs a current account deficit, which was -10% of GDP in 2008. Exports are primarily fish, rice, sugar, gold, and bauxite; imports include petroleum, manufactured goods, and machinery.
Belize has a population of 307,000 and an area of 22,965 square km. Its main economic indicators from 2000-2010 show GDP growth averaging around 4% annually, with GDP per capita around $4,000. Its current account balance is negative, averaging around -$0.1 billion or -7% of GDP. Inflation has averaged around 3% and unemployment around 10%. Exports are led by seafood, sugar, and fuel, mainly to the US, UK, and Central America. Imports are led by fuel, electronics, and vehicles, mainly from the US, Netherlands, and Central America. Services exports are led by travel, while transportation and travel dominate imports.
Livestock production and poverty alleviation in arid and semi-arid tropica...ILRI
Presented by Carlos Seré, Augustine Ayantunde, Alan Duncan, Ade Freeman, Mario Herrero, Shirley Tarawali, and Iain Wright at the XXI International Grassland Congress and VIII International Rangeland Congress, held in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China from 29 June - 5 July 2008
This document provides economic and trade data for Dominica from 2000 to 2010. It shows that Dominica's GDP grew slowly from 2000 to 2010, ranging from $0.27 to $0.38 billion, while GDP per capita increased from $3,802 to $5,120. Dominica consistently ran large current account deficits, ranging from -15.7% to -31.8% of GDP. The top imports to and exports from Dominica in 2008 were also listed.
Accompanying the agrarian transition in Laos. Guillaume LestrelinJoanna Hicks
This document summarizes research on opportunities and challenges for conservation agriculture (CA) in maize production areas in Laos. The research examined CA adoption across four agro-ecological zones representing different stages of agricultural intensification. Results showed the highest CA adoption levels occurred early in the intensification process and later during land degradation. The research concluded there are two key windows for CA interventions - early commodity production and late stages of diversification in degraded lands. Proper timing and extension efforts could make CA a viable alternative for smallholders.
Barbados has a population of 256,000 people within its 430 square kilometer area. Its GDP grew between 2000-2010 except for a dip in 2009 during the global recession. Inflation ranged from -1.2% to 8.1% during this period. Barbados' top export partners are the United States, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom, while its top imports come from the United States, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom. Its main exports are pharmaceuticals, sugars, fuels, and beverages, while its top imports are fuels, vehicles, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.
The document analyzes economic indicators in Jamaica from 1989/90 to 2010/11. It shows that the exchange rate depreciated at annual rates of 14.67% from 1989 to 2007 and 5.2% from 2007 to 2011. Annual inflation averaged 19.68% from 1989 to 2007 and 11.68% from 2008 to 2011. Government domestic and total debt increased substantially over the periods analyzed, with domestic debt rising by 4,200% from 1990/91 to 2010/11. External debt also rose sharply.
The document provides economic and trade indicators for The Bahamas from 2000-2010. It shows that the Bahamas' GDP grew between 2000-2008 but declined in 2009, while inflation has remained between 1-4.5% annually. The country runs a large current account deficit, between -11.2% to -18.9% of GDP. The top export partner is the US, while the top imports are from the US and include mineral fuels, vehicles, and electrical equipment. The trade deficit in goods widened over 2004-2008 but the services trade balance was positive.
The document provides economic indicators and trade statistics for the Dominican Republic from 2000 to 2010. It summarizes that the Dominican Republic has a population of 10 million and area of 48,072 square km. GDP grew steadily from 2000 to 2010, while inflation decreased from highs in the early 2000s. The current account balance was negative for most years. The United States was the top market for both Dominican exports and imports. Major exports included electrical equipment, plastics, and tobacco, while mineral fuels and plastics were among top imports. Travel was the leading service export and import.
Haiti has a population of 10 million and an area of 27,750 square kilometers. Its GDP grew between 2000 and 2010, though it experienced declines in some years. Inflation ranged from 1.5% to 51.5% during this period. Haiti's main exports include articles of apparel, edible fruit and essential oils, while its main imports are cereals, iron and steel, cotton, and vehicles. The United States is Haiti's largest trading partner.
An overview of the Challenge Program on Water and Food's research-for-development results, and plans to address global challenges, from CPWF Director, Dr Alain Vidal
The document discusses decision and policy analysis work at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) on several topics:
1. CIAT focuses on delivering research outcomes related to climate change, ecosystem services, and linking farmers to markets through modeling, gender analysis, impact assessment, and other expertise.
2. Research on cassava and other staple crops examines their suitability and potential roles under climate change through crop modeling and analysis of adaptation options.
3. Work in four sites in East Africa examines gender dimensions of climate-smart agriculture adoption and relations between different stakeholder groups in watershed management.
4. Research on payments for ecosystem services in Peru aims to balance watershed stakeholders' interests through
External risks continue to threaten the global economy but Korea’s economic growth will likely improve in the second half of 2011 and free trade agreements are poised to increase expansion substantially. Those were among the points made at the Korean Economic Forum, co-hosted by Samsung Economic Research Institute and the Korea JoongAng Daily at the Hotel Shilla on May 25. Among the many distinguished guests were ambassadors, CEOs and foreign correspondents.
This document discusses the challenges and opportunities facing middle-income countries as global wealth shifts. It notes that while shifting wealth has created opportunities through reduced poverty and new development resources, middle-income countries face challenges around productivity growth, social cohesion, environmental sustainability, and maintaining fiscal revenue levels. Specific challenges discussed include the risk of falling into a "middle income trap" with slowing growth, rising inequality and labor disputes, high youth unemployment in Africa, and tax revenues generally being lower in Latin American countries compared to OECD nations.
The document summarizes the 2011 APIMEC meeting agenda and provides information on Eucatex's operations. It discusses Eucatex's 60-year history and investments. It provides key operating data for 2010, including revenue, production volumes, capacity utilization and market share for each production unit. It also discusses Eucatex's sustainability initiatives around forest management and wood recycling. Financial highlights for 2010 include revenue growth of 19% and EBITDA growth of 34% compared to 2009.
Exposición de Guido Vildozo Méndez, con con motivo de la Reunión Nacional de Concesionarios de ACARA, viernes 17 de Junio, Salón Ceibo del Predio Ferial “La Rural”.
Exposición Ventas globales y tendencia (con impacto al evento en Japón)
Ventas regionales (flujo de vehículos entre Brasil, Argentina y México)
Tendencias de los mercados (Brasil - Argentina) para los próximos 10 años
Gross revenue for Eucatex increased 11.4% in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. EBITDA declined slightly to R$42.2 million due mainly to a decrease in gross margin. Net income grew 19.5% to R$24.4 million. Several new production lines were installed or planned for installation in 2011 to increase capacity.
Eucatex Group is a Brazilian company founded in 1951 with 4 production units in São Paulo. It has 73 eucalyptus plantations totaling 45,800 hectares. In 2011, the company had 2,430 employees and gross revenue of R$1.1 billion, up 12.2% from 2010. The document provides details on Eucatex's business segments, production capacity and utilization rates, market share, costs, sustainability initiatives, and key financial indicators for 2010-2011.
This document summarizes key information about Eucatex Group, a Brazilian manufacturer of wood panels, flooring, paints, and other products. It details the company's subsidiaries, plantations, employees, production units and their locations. Production volumes and market shares for each product segment are provided. Breakdowns of costs, revenues and operating margins for 4Q11, 4Q12, and full years 2011-2012 are given for each product segment. The document also includes financial highlights and debt profile metrics.
Bioenergy in br and usa path to coop - final - nov 27 2012Geraldo Eugenio
The document discusses the bioenergy and biofuel industries in Brazil and the United States, and opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. It provides an overview of key policies and timelines that have shaped biofuel development in Brazil, including the national ethanol program established in 1975. It also summarizes Brazil's leadership in sugarcane ethanol production and flex-fuel vehicles. The document outlines priority areas for collaborative research between the US and Brazil, such as improving sugarcane and corn varieties to increase yields and stress tolerance, and developing cellulosic ethanol and other advanced biofuels.
This document summarizes a conference call about a company's 4th quarter 2011 and full year 2011 earnings results:
- The company outperformed the sector and saw sales growth despite a challenging market environment. Concrete tile sales grew 9.6% due to a new plant.
- Margins improved in the 4th quarter with gross margin up 3 points, EBITDA margin up 2 points, and net margin up 1 point.
- The company set revenue records for the 4th quarter and full year 2011. EBITDA grew 17% in the 4th quarter over 2010. Net income grew 10.5% in the 4th quarter.
- A new multi-product showroom was opened
Significance of the Problem,Africa needs support to:Revitalize economic growth and improve livelihoods of citizens through Agriculture with focus on Cassava,Why cassava? Objectives and Expected Results
FLE2012 - 8nov: Lucas Simons (voedselschaarste)MVO Nederland
This document summarizes challenges facing the agricultural sector and strategies for promoting sustainability. It notes that agriculture is an unsustainable sector due to factors like ineffective policies, low productivity, and lack of market demand for sustainable products. This leads to problems like environmental degradation. The document then discusses how Douwe Egberts coffee company could use its position to increase consumer demand for sustainable coffee and help prevent issues like food scarcity. Finally, it outlines a 4-step model for creating an efficient agricultural finance market that could help boost investment and sustainability.
From the late 1950s to 2011, Bangladesh experienced a shift from an agriculture-based economy to one led by services. Agriculture's contribution to GDP declined from 70% in the late 1940s to 18% by 2011, while services rose from 26% to 52% over the same period. Industry grew slowly from 4% to 30% of GDP. This transition reflects Bangladesh increasing integration into the global economy and the growth of non-farm sectors.
This document summarizes Wayne Johnson's presentation on industry-university partnerships. The presentation covered:
1) The changing global economic landscape and how it is driving new models of partnership between industry, universities, and government.
2) Examples of successful partnerships from Singapore that have contributed to its economic growth, including investments in science and technology and partnerships between government research institutions and industry.
3) A framework that describes different levels of engagement between industry and universities, from basic collaboration on individual projects up to strategic partnerships involving shared goals and resources.
4) The need for universities to respond to changes in the global economy by forming new types of industry partnerships focused on innovation.
Eucatex Group reported a 2.2% increase in net revenue to R$299.6 million in 4Q14, with recurring EBITDA growth of 6.6% to R$60.5 million and an EBITDA margin expansion of 0.8 percentage points to 20.2%. While revenue was flat for the full year, adjusted recurring EBITDA declined 10.4% to R$205.8 million due to economic challenges in Brazil. The company maintained a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 1.4 times and has planned capital expenditures of R$94 million for 2015.
Leslie Appleton Young, CAR Chief Economist, spoke at the Real Living Lifestyles New Year, New You Real Estate Symposium on January 31, 2012. She shared her economic forecast for the coming year, and all of the latest charts and stats on the California economy.
PA Resources SEB Enskilda Nordic Seminar Jan 2011PA Resources AB
PA Resources is an international oil and gas company that operates in 8 countries across 3 regions. In Q4 2010, PA Resources averaged 12,100 boepd in production. The company's focus over 2010-2014 is to accelerate development of existing assets, including the Azurite field in the Republic of Congo and Didon North in Tunisia. PA Resources will also focus on selective exploration, with a planned exploration budget of $200 million over 2010-2014. Upcoming exploration activities include drilling on the Jelma permit in Tunisia and the 12/06 license in Denmark.
The document provides information to attract investors to Colombia, including competitive tax incentives for investors in free trade zones and through legal stability contracts. Key sectors highlighted for investment opportunities include biofuels, cosmetics, IT services, tourism, and medical tourism. Colombia's GDP and exports have grown in recent years, while unemployment and inflation remain moderate. The government offers world-class services to support foreign investment.
-In order to feed a growing population and to address other challenges (including climate change and food price volatility), it is crucial that agricultural productivity is increased.
-Agricultural R&D is a major contributor to productivity growth, food security, and poverty reduction.
-Quantitative data are essential to analyze trends in agricultural R&D investments; identify gaps; set future investment priorities; and better coordinate agricultural R&D across institutes, regions, and commodities.
-R&D indicators are also an indispensable tool when assessing the contribution of agricultural R&D to agricultural growth and to economic growth more generally.
Productivity and the Performance of Agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean: From the Lost Decade to the Commodity Boom
By Nin Pratt, Alejandro; Falconi, César; Ludeña, Carlos E.; Martel, Pedro
-Between 2001 and 2012 we observed the best performance of LAC’s agriculture of the last 30 years
-Policy changes and high commodity prices seem to have played a major role in this improved performance.
-Most important, a better policy environment allowed countries to incorporate new technologies that resulted from regional R&D investment and a growing contribution of the private sector.
-Without fast growing prices and no positive shock from policy changes, future growth will depend on the development of efficient innovation systems in the region
Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI) interactive tools for Latin America.
-Tools to compare, graph, filter, and download agency-level data.
-Online survey system for data collection, reviewing, and sharing with responding agencies.
-Overview of policy and institutional environments
-Discussion forum.
-Tutorials/methodology.
-Database tracking stories on impact and use of data at country level.
By Gert-Jan Stads, Senior Program Manager of Agricultural Science and Techonlogy Indicators (ASTI) at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Presented at the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Economic Research Service (USDA-ERS) West Asia and North Africa (WANA) Region Seminar.
This document summarizes key findings from an ASTI survey of agricultural research and development (R&D) capacity and investment in Nepal. It finds that Nepal's total public agricultural R&D spending is low at 0.28% of agricultural GDP, and it has faced volatile spending over time. Human resource indicators also show insufficient agricultural researchers in Nepal compared to other countries, with only 15% having PhDs. The survey identifies several policy implications to strengthen Nepal's agricultural R&D system including increasing autonomy, funding, recruitment, training, incentives, and infrastructure.
Presentation of "Investment and Capacity Trends in Agricultural R&D: New Evidence for West Asia and North Africa" at the the Association of Agricultural Research Institutions in the Near East and North Africa (AARINENA) General Conference in Izmir, Turkey on October 1, 2014. Presented by Gert-Jan Stads, Senior Program Manager, of the Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI) initiative, led by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in Washington, D.C.
Presentation of "Benchmarking Agricultural R&D Capabilities Across Countries", specially in Sub-Sahara Africa countries to the Meeting in Support of Scientific & Technical Partnerships in Africa at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in Washington, DC on September 29-30, 2014. Presented by Nienke Beintema, Program Head of the Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI) initiative, which is led by IFPRI.
The document summarizes previous agricultural research surveys conducted by ASTI in Central America and the Caribbean between 1997-2008. It then highlights some key findings from the 2007-2008 ASTI-IICA survey in Central America. There were 903 agricultural researchers located across 63 public agencies in Central America in 2006. Agricultural R&D spending in the region totaled $105 million in 2006, with Costa Rica and Nicaragua accounting for about one-third each. Government financing was the largest source of agricultural R&D funding overall at 37% while reliance on donors was highest in Nicaragua.
By Gert-Jan Stads, ASTI program coordinator, International Food Policy Research Institute.
Presented at the Development Partners Business Meeting on CAADP
Brussels | 5–6 February 2013
By Gert-Jan Stads, ASTI Program Coordinator, International Food Policy Research Institute. Presentation given at ASTI seminar at CIAT, Cali, Colombia, August 27, 2012
By Nienke Beintema, ASTI program leader. Presented at the 2nd Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD2), Punta del Este, Uruguay, 29 Oct–1 Nov 2012.
This document summarizes findings from ASTI, an initiative that collects data on agricultural research and development (R&D) spending in developing countries. It finds that after a period of decline, global public spending on agricultural R&D increased 22% from 2000-2008, driven largely by growth in middle-income countries like China, India, and Brazil. Private sector R&D spending, concentrated in OECD countries, also increased significantly. However, agricultural R&D spending remains low and volatile in the world's poorest countries. The document concludes that while global agricultural R&D investments are no longer declining overall, more attention needs to be paid to increasing investment in the poorest nations.
This document discusses challenges in measuring the effectiveness of agricultural R&D systems in sub-Saharan Africa and ways to improve results measurement. Key challenges include long time lags between investment and returns, constraints on human and financial resources, and the need for well-functioning support systems. Common practices for measuring outcomes focus on adoption rates, but data is often case-specific and limited. Improving results measurement requires valid and shared data as well as approaches to quantify externalities. Strategic focuses should support national agricultural research systems in institutionalizing data collection and expanding indicators of outputs, outcomes and impacts.
The document discusses the need for an evolving organizational architecture for agricultural research and development (R&D) in Africa. It notes that most African countries have small research capacities and are vulnerable to funding volatility. It proposes that regional cooperation could help address issues of small size and lack of economies of scale. Key elements of the existing regional architecture include sub-regional organizations (SROs), CGIAR centers, and national agricultural research institutes (NARIs). However, fully realizing the benefits of regional research requires functioning NARIs, testing of networks, sustainable funding commitments, and differentiated capacities between larger and smaller countries.
This document discusses sustainable financing of agricultural R&D in Africa. It notes that while African government and donor investment in agricultural R&D grew 20% from 2000-2008, this growth was uneven and not sustainable in many countries. The region also suffers from fragmentation of funding sources, underinvestment relative to GDP, and volatility in funding levels from year to year. Many African nations are highly dependent on unstable donor funding for agricultural R&D. The document suggests commodity levies could generate up to $500 million annually for agricultural R&D in some African countries.
The document discusses public agricultural research and development (R&D) in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. It finds that while all three countries have national agricultural research councils to coordinate R&D, their roles and scope of authority differ. Bangladesh spends the least on agricultural R&D at $126 million in 2009, followed by Nepal at $22 million, while India spends $2.276 billion, accounting for 94% of total spending among the three countries. The document also examines trends in spending, staffing levels and qualifications, commodity focus, and challenges facing Bangladesh's agricultural research system.
The document discusses ASTI's experiences collecting agricultural R&D data in India. Some key points:
- ASTI conducted two surveys of India's public agricultural R&D system, identifying 167 agencies and collecting data on spending and staffing. However, response rates were incomplete.
- Public agricultural R&D spending in India increased substantially between 1996 and 2009, with ICAR and SAUs accounting for most funds. However, India's R&D intensity ratio remains below countries like US and China.
- ASTI faces challenges in establishing sustainable data collection and expanding the scope of its analysis. It proposes to institutionalize data collection in India through ICAR and SAUs to address these issues.
Agricultural R&D is crucial for food security and economic growth. Tracking investments and capacities in agricultural R&D through indicators is important for setting priorities and coordinating research. The Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI) program collects data on agricultural R&D in developing countries through institutional surveys. Key findings include that global public spending on agricultural R&D was $25 billion in 2000, with low- and middle-income countries accounting for 46% of spending. China and India have seen high growth in R&D spending since 2000, contributing to productivity gains.
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The Agricultural R&D Challenges of Small Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
1. THE AGRICULTURAL R&D CHALLENGES
OF SMALL COUNTRIES
IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Kathleen Flaherty
Prepared for the ASTI/IFPRI–FARA Conference
Agricultural R&D: Investing in Africa’s Future
Analyzing Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
Accra, Ghana, December 5–7, 2011
2. Agricultural R&D in Sub-Saharan Africa
■ Characterized by low research capacity and vulnerability to
funding volatility in most countries.
■ 8 of the larger countries have driven recent growth in the
performance of agricultural research, accounting for two-
thirds of investment and capacity during the 2001–08 period.
■ For the remaining countries—most invest less than $25 million
PPP dollars per year and employ fewer than 300 FTE
researchers each.
www.asti.cgiar.org
3. Comparison of agricultural research systems
Sub-
Saharan United
Africa Brazil China India States
Indicators (2008) (2006) (2007) (2003) (2008)
Arable and permanent crop area 205 69 122 170 166
(million hectares)
Agricultural labor force (million) 186 12 505 249 3
Agricultural GDP (billion 2005 PPP dollars) 285 73 744 397 152
Annual public spending on agricultural R&D 1.7 1.3 3.6 1.4 4.8
(billion 2005 PPP dollars)
Public agricultural research agencies 353 130 1,105 131 51
(number)
Public agricultural researchers (FTEs) 12,120 5,376 70,000 13,089 9,965
Researchers with a PhD degree (percent) 30 75 <30 55 100
www.asti.cgiar.org
4. Small Country Challenges
■ Economies of scale and scope
■ Critical capacity issues
■ Lack of in-country degree
programs
www.asti.cgiar.org
5. Small Country Challenges
■ Vulnerability to funding fluctuations
■ Institutional and policy environment
■ Regional approaches
www.asti.cgiar.org
6. Lessons from a small-country study:
Findings from the study
■ Small countries have diverse institutional actors
■ Consolidation into one organization is often not advisable
■ Narrowing the scope of national research is difficult given policy
demands and changes in the agricultural and natural resource
sectors
■ Intelligent use of external knowledge requires a sophisticated
scientific research capacity that can relate local needs to available
technology
■ The smaller the system, the more complex the functions it will
perform
■ All research is increasingly done in networked and interdependent
modes; small countries can take a more active role in managing
partnerships with donors and other external agencies
Source: Eyzaguirre 1996: 191.
www.asti.cgiar.org
7. The Smallest of the Small
■ Population: Under 10 million
■ Capacity: Under 100 full-time equivalent (FTE)
agricultural researchers
■ Investment: Under 10 million PPP dollars in
agricultural research
Burundi, Gabon, Mauritania, Republic of
Congo, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Togo
www.asti.cgiar.org
8. Research agency sizes
9
8
Number of agencies
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Burundi Congo, Gabon The Mauritania Sierra Togo
Rep of Gambia Leone
<5 FTEs 5–10 FTEs 11–20 FTEs 21–50 FTEs 51–75 FTEs
www.asti.cgiar.org
9. Sectoral distribution of research
100
Shares of FTE researchers (%)
80
60
40
20
0
Burundi Congo, Gabon The Mauritania Sierra Togo
Rep of Gambia Leone
Crops Livestock Forestry Fisheries Natural resources Other
www.asti.cgiar.org
10. Institutional distribution
100
Shares of fFTE researchers (%)
80
60
40
20
na na
0
1991
1991
2008
2008
1991
2008
1991
2008
1991
2008
1991
2008
1991
2008
1991
2008
Burundi Congo, Gabon The Mauritania Sierra Togo SSA average
Rep of Gambia Leone
Government Higher education Nonprofit
www.asti.cgiar.org
11. Degree qualification distribution
100
Shares of fFTE researchers (%)
80
60
40
20
0
2008
2001
2008
2001
2008
2001
2008
2001
2008
2001
2001
2008
2001
2008
2001
2008
Burundi Congo, Gabon The Mauritania Sierra Togo SSA
Rep of Gambia Leone average
BSc MSc PhD
www.asti.cgiar.org
12. Donor funding distribution
100
Shares of funding (%)
80
60
40
20
0
Burundi The Gambia Mauritania Sierra Leone Togo
ISABU NARI CNERV&CNRADA SLARI ITRA
Government Donors, development banks, and SROs
Producer organizations Sales of goods and services
www.asti.cgiar.org
13. Conclusions
■ The experiences of the “smallest of the small”
countries in SSA illustrate the diversity of
agricultural research systems
■ Investment and capacity levels are low but other
constraints must also be addressed
■ Despite challenges, small-country research
systems in SSA should not be considered
unviable.
www.asti.cgiar.org
14. Conclusions
■ Small research systems must find ways to adapt
to the constraints they face through innovative
institutional arrangements.
■ Areas in need of further research:
■ determinants of the effectiveness of
agricultural research agencies in small
countries and linkages with performance
outcomes
■ strategies for managing
institutions, capacity, and funding in small
countries
www.asti.cgiar.org