Go to AfricaBib home

Go to AfricaBib home Africana Periodical Literature Go to database home

bibliographic database
Line
Previous page New search

The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here

Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Crafting Smallholder-Driven Agricultural Research Systems in Southern Africa
Authors:Rukuni, MandivambaISNI
Blackie, Malcolm J.ISNI
Eicher, Carl K.ISNI
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.
Views
Cover