African Agricultural Research and Technological Development
African Agricultural Research and Technological Development

Author: Donald Pickering

Publisher:

Published: 1988

Total Pages: 232

ISBN-13:

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The future well-being of the peoples of sub-Saharan Africa depends on the development of science-based agriculture appropriate to the diverse physical, social, and economic conditions encountered in the countries of this region. Recognizing this fact, the World Bank commissioned comprehensive reviews of the status of international, regional, and national agricultural research activities in western, and in eastern and southern Africa. These reviews provided the basis for formulating a draft strategy for agricultural research in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this endeavor was to provide a framework in which the World Bank, its borrowers, and other interested parties could pool their resources for strengthening agricultural research systems in the continent. This report includes the views of decision-makers on African economic development and the closely related subject of agricultural research and technology on the Bank's proposed strategy on Africian agricultural research. It also helps provide a forum for an exchange of ideas on this important topic, and thereby helps concerned governments and regional and international agencies formulate programs to strengthen agricultural research in sub-Saharan Africa.

World Bank Assistance to Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa
World Bank Assistance to Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa

Author: World Bank

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 236

ISBN-13:

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This study assesses the development effectiveness of World Bank assistance in addressing constraints to agricultural development in Africa over the period of fiscal years 1991-2006. This IEG review of World Bank assistance to agriculture in Africa has a twofold purpose. First, it is a pilot for the proposed IEG study on Bank-wide assistance in agriculture scheduled for fiscal 2009. Second, the review provides timely insight into specific issues relevant to the Bank's renewed focus on agriculture in Africa, especially as expressed in the Africa Action Plan. The central finding of the study is that the agriculture sector has been neglected both by governments and the donor community, including the World Bank. In order to effectively support the implementation of the Africa Action Plan and its appropriate focus on agricultural development as a key priority, the study has three recommendations for the Bank. First, it should focus attention on achieving improvements in agricultural productivity. Second, it should increase the quantity and quality of analytical work and ensure that policy advice and lending are grounded in its findings, and rebuild its technical skills. Third, it should establish clear benchmarks for measuring progress.