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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Crafting Smallholder-Driven Agricultural Research Systems in Southern Africa |
Authors: | Rukuni, Mandivamba Blackie, Malcolm J. Eicher, Carl K. |
Year: | 1998 |
Periodical: | World Development |
Volume: | 26 |
Issue: | 6 |
Period: | June |
Pages: | 1073-1087 |
Language: | English |
Geographic terms: | Zimbabwe Malawi |
Subjects: | agriculture research centres small farms Bibliography/Research Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Development and Technology |
External link: | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-750X(98)00030-8 |
Abstract: | Despite the fact that the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARSs) in sub-Saharan Africa have made much progress over the past four decades, most NARSs are having difficulty in producing a steady stream of new technologies for small-scale farms and in securing adequate financial support from their respective governments. Zimbabwe and Malawi are among the first countries in Africa to embark on indigenous-led reforms of their NARSs. This article describes the steps taken by the Agricultural Research Council of Zimbabwe to generate a consensus among scientists, farmers and policymakers to reform the National Agricultural Research System by increasing the voice of smallholders and other stakeholders in setting research priorities, making scientists more accountable to smallholders and generating new sources of financial support from user fees and taxes on commodities. Malawi is pursuing a commodity approach to revitalizing its NARSs. The experience of both Zimbabwe and Malawi has shown that there is no blueprint for reforming NARSs in Africa. Donors can assist the reform process by supporting local initiatives to craft smallholder-driven research systems staffed with accountable scientists who are adequately financed from local sources. Bibliogr., notes, sum. |