African Agricultural R&D in the New Millennium: Progress for Some, Challenges for Many

Investment in agricultural research and development (R&D) in Sub-Saharan Africa increased by more than 20 percent from 2001-08 but most of this growth occurred in only a few countries, principally Nigeria. Spending in most of the region stagnated or fell. Even where funding increased, much of the money went to boost low salaries and rehabilitate infrastructure after years of neglect. The situation is particularly grave in francophone West Africa, where insufficient national investment has left programs debilitated and dependent on volatile external funding. Well-developed, funded, and staffed agricultural research programs are crucial if farmers are to be more productive and prosperous. Few countries are making the necessary investments, however. This report is based on surveys conducted in 32 African countries in collaboration with 370 research agencies. In addition to examining funding and investment issues, it assesses human resource capacity and challenges by country.