IFPRI ASTI Archive

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/137915

The ASTI program ran for two decades at IFPRI before transitioning to FAO management in the early 2020s. For more on the program during its time at IFPRI, go to https://www.asti.cgiar.org/.

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 307

Agricultural R&D spending at a critical crossroads
(Journal Article, 2006) Pardey, Philip G.; Alston, Julian M.; Beintema, Nienke M.
Since 1980 many countries have changed the ways they invest in and organise public agricultural research and development (R&D). Support for public R&D has diminished, especially for near-market, applied, productivity-enhancing research, with funds being diverted to new agendas with environmental and food quality and safety objectives. These changes have important implications for sustaining productivity in developing countries, which in the past have relied on agricultural R&D spillovers from other countries. Some developing countries are becoming more self-reliant and developing their own R&D programs. However, the more disadvantaged countries will struggle to maintain productivity growth in the face of declining applicable spillovers.
The Agricultural Science Technology Indicators (ASTI) initiative: methods and trends
(Abstract, 2007) Beintema, Nienke M.
Malaysia
(Brief, 2005) Stads, Gert-Jan; Tawang, Ariffin; Beintema, Nienke M.
Morocco
(Brief, 2005) Stads, Gert-Jan; Kissi, Ali
Sri Lanka 2006
(Brief, 2005) Stads, Gert-Jan; Gunasena, Herath; Herath, Walter
Papua New Guinea
(Brief, 2005) Stads, Gert-Jan; Omot, Norah; Beintema, Nienke M.
Comparing farm and village-level determinants of millet diversity in marginal environments of India: the context of seed systems
(Working Paper, 2005) Nagarajan, Latha; Smale, Melinda; Glewwe, Paul
The purpose of the research paper is to characterize biological diversity related to millets in the semi-arid regions of India at various spatial scales of analysis (e.g., farm household versus community levels) and place that evidence in a broader seed systems (includes both formal and informal) context. An important finding of this research is that producer access to millet genetic resources is affected by the extent to which seed is traded via formal markets or through other social institutions, along with farm and household characteristics. Findings also underscore the need for an enhanced theoretical understanding of local seed markets in analyzing crop variety choices and the diversity of materials grown in less favored environments.
Agricultural science and technology policy for growth and poverty reduction
(Working Paper, 2005) Omamo, Steven Were; Naseem, Anwar
This paper argues that the largely unrealized potential of agricultural science and technology (S&T) in promoting growth and poverty reduction in developing countries results from deeply rooted incompatibility among policy environments, institutional arrangements, and micro conditions and behavior in agricultural research and development (R&D). Achieving growth and poverty reduction based on greater agricultural productivity therefore means achieving greater compatibility among these three dimensions of agricultural innovation systems. Research is sorely needed to build understanding of (1) the “big picture” influencing agricultural S&T policy design and implementation in developing countries, (2) strategies for sustainable funding and delivery of agricultural R&D, (3) priorities for and impacts of emerging and prospective agricultural technologies, and (4) the role of science in food and agricultural policy processes. Agricultural S&T policy analysis as presented here extends beyond the current boundaries of agricultural economics into such disciplines as public finance, public administration, political science, history, sociology, and psychology. The economics of science and innovation in industry has embraced some of these disciplines and benefited greatly from having done so, as has industrial policy in the developed world. The fundamental horizontality of agricultural development policy and the long reach of agricultural S&T policy suggest similarly high returns were agricultural economics to do the same for science and innovation in agriculture.--Author's Abstract
Dialogues: the shaping of biotechnology in Southern Africa
(Brief, 2005) Omamo, Steven Were; von Grebmer, Klaus
IFPRI and FANRPAN outlined and managed a highly participatory process involving high-level policymakers, senior representatives of a range of stakeholder agencies, and respected scientific leaders, who came together for an integrated series of roundtable discussions. The initiative is distinctive for having an explicitly process-based perspective in a framework involving many stakeholders.The first of three policy dialogues took place in April 2003 in Johannesburg, South Africa. A subsequent dialogue took place in Harare, September 20–21, 2004; a third is planned for 2005. In selecting topics for the first dialogue, IFPRI and FANRPAN identified five areas in which governments are required to make new and unfamiliar choices in order to regulate agricultural biotechnologies: intellectual property rights, biosafety, trade, food safety and consumer choice, and public research.
Predicting farmer demand for transgenic cooking bananas in Uganda
(Brief, 2006) Edmeades, Svetlana; Smale, Melinda
In contrast to cross-breeding, genetic transformation allows for enhancement of one trait in a variety while retaining other desirable traits or attributes. Host varieties can be hybrids bred by scientists or endemic types maintained by farmers. Varieties that are popular among farmers are those whose traits or attributes are appreciated by farmers. Inserting a gene into a host variety that is already popular among farmers will increase the transgenic variety’s chances of being successful.
Agricultural research: a growing global divide?
(Report, 2006) Pardey, Philip G.; Beintema, Nienke M.; Dehmer, Steven; Wood, Stanley
Sustained, well-targeted, and effectively used investments in R&D have reaped handsome rewards from improved agricultural productivity and cheaper, higher quality foods and fibers. As we begin a new millennium, the global patterns of investments in agricultural R&D are changing in ways that may have profound consequences for the structure of agriculture worldwide and the ability of poor people in poor counties to feed themselves. This report documents and discusses these changing investment patterns, highlighting developments in the public and private sectors. It revises and carries forward to 2000 data that were previously reported in the 2001 IFPRI Food Policy Report Slow Magic: Agricultural R&D a Century After Mendel. Some past trends are continuing or have come into sharper focus, while others are moving in new directions not apparent in the previous series. In addition, this report illustrates the use of spatial data to analyze spillover prospects among countries or agroecologies and the targeting of R&D to address specific production problems like drought-induced production risks." Authors' Preface
Biodiversity of bananas on farms in Uganda
(Brief, 2006) Edmeades, Svetlana; Smale, Melinda; Karamura, Deborah
Uganda is among the world’s leading countries in terms of banana production and consumption. Bananas occupy the largest cultivated area among staple food crops in Uganda and are primarily grown on small subsistence farms (plots of less than 0.5 ha). In addition to being a major food staple, bananas are an important source of income, with excess production sold in local markets. Average per capita annual consumption of bananas in Uganda is the highest in the world, estimated at close to 1 kg per person per day.
Seeking a common path: structuring multistakeholder dialogue on agricultural biotechnology in Africa
(Working Paper, 2006) von Grebmer, Klaus; Omamo, Steven Were
This paper analyzes an ongoing effort by national, regional, and international partners to raise awareness, promote dialogue, and catalyze consensus-building mechanisms among stakeholder groups on the role of biotechnology in agricultural development and food security in southern Africa. Stakeholders include public bodies, the private sector, and civil society. The paper argues that while responsible adoption of agricultural biotechnology promises significant gains to the countries of southern Africa, governments must clarify its specific role, improve policies for its application, and assess the place of biotechnology in broader development strategies. The issues that surround the introduction, creation, and application of agricultural biotechnology in southern Africa are complex, and the passions behind them are strong. The best chance of building consensus lies in bringing different views to the table for deliberation and information sharing, thus starting a process of collaborative planning, implementation, and evaluation of various activities. Deepening the dialogue and involving more parties has many challenges. Strong conflicts among members are to be expected, and there is a risk of dissolution of the dialogue process as a result of these conflicts and other factors such as lack of interest and shortage of resources. If stakeholders focus on the process, these obstacles can be overcome. Building trust and commitment among the members, maintaining communication, exchanging knowledge, and being open to revision of old views will help the dialogue continue and will ultimately make it more productive.
Seeking a common path: structuring multistakeholder dialogue on agricultural biotechnology in Africa
(Brief, 2006) von Grebmer, Klaus; Omamo, Steven Were
In southern Africa, as in other parts of the world, agricultural biotechnology—particularly the production, consumption, trade, and transport of genetically modified (GM) foods—has been steeped in controversy. The divergent and sometimes contradictory positions are grounded in deep-seated beliefs about technology, the environment, the global order, and the meaning of development among the various stakeholders. This paper seeks to explain the arguments that underlie the different positions taken by national and regional stakeholders, including representatives of public bodies, the private sector, and civil society, on the role of biotechnology. It describes efforts to develop a common process for discussion of the issues. The aim of the dialogue is to agree on the process, rather than to develop consensus.
Women scientists in Sub-Saharan African agricultural R&D
(Brief, 2006) Stads, Gert-Jan; Beintema, Nienke M.
An exploration of the potential benefits of integrated pest management systems and the use of insect resistant potatoes to control the Guatemalan Tuber Moth (Tecia solanivora Povolny) in Ventaquemada, Colombia
(Working Paper, 2006) Falck-Zepeda, José B.; Barreto-Triana, Nancy; Baquero-Haeberlin, Irma; Espitia-Malagón, Eduardo; Fierro-Guzmán, Humberto; López, Nancy
CORPOICA and IFPRI implemented a research project in Ventaquemada, Colombia. The project’s goal was to asses the benefits of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and the potential of Genetically Modified insect resistant (Bt) potatoes to manage damage caused by the Guatemalan Tuber Moth (Tecia solanivora Povolny). The Guatemalan Tuber Moth is particularly destructive because field spraying on the adult stage is ineffective and there exists damage specificity to the tubers. Excessive pesticide sprays have resulted in resistance to several insecticides. Insect resistant (Bt) potatoes has been shown an effective means to control other members of the Tuber Moth complex. Thus a Bt potato may play a role in managing Tecia in Colombia. This is an ex ante study as there are no Bt potatoes currently under field conditions in Colombia.. To examine this issue, we conducted a survey in 2003 of 78 farmers in the region to estimate a baseline of traditionally and IPM managed systems. The first year survey was supplemented with focus groups to examine damage and production costs in 2003 and 2004. We also implemented activities such as field verification of IPM practices and damage, a Farmer Field School and other participatory methods. Our analysis uses methods such partial budgeting analysis, a production function input abatement expectations model, and an economic surplus model augmented by stochastic simulations. Results of the analysis presented here outlines estimated losses under field and storage conditions, likely range of benefits accrued by farmers in the region due to the potential adoption of a portfolio of IPM management practices and Bt potatoes. Results from the survey conducted in 2003 show that producers in the area have endured significant field and storage losses within the previous 10 years, but were low in that particular year. Initial results where confirmed by results of focus groups in 2003 and 2004 which show very low field and storage damage. Sustained precipitation explains the observed low levels of damage by the Tuber Moth. Low levels of damage induced zero (or even negative) cost differences between conventional and IPM management. In contrast, using the proposed expectation model to estimate expected payoffs to IPM investments show that even with low levels of damage it still pays for producers to invest in IPM practices. The economic surplus estimates show that even considering variability of field and storage losses, as well as of other critical parameters, the use of Bt potatoes in Colombia creates a positive return to investment to Bt potato research, assuming that damage is present under field conditions. We finalize by discussing some of the institutional and strategic considerations for the potential use of Bt potatoes in the country.
Local seed systems for millet crops in marginal environments of India: industry and policy perspectives
(Working Paper, 2006) Nagarajan, Latha; Pardey, Philip G.; Smale, Melinda
Changes in India’s seed regulations during the 1990s favored the growth of privately- as compared to publicly-funded sectors. Most advances have been made in the major millet crops, sorghum and pearl millet, as compared to finger millet and other minor millet crops, which in many ways dependent on local markets for seed purposes. In this study, we have analyzed the evolving interactions between formal systems related to the delivery of modern varieties and informal systems for maintaining traditional seeds in the semi-arid regions of India. It is evident that in these marginal environments, crop and variety use decisions, and the crop biodiversity levels take place within the context of local seed markets and a national seed industry. The outcome of the study would help to identify potential entry points for millet crop improvement and related seed system interventions for marginal environments of India.
Marketing underutilized plant species for the benefit of the poor: a conceptual framework
(Working Paper, 2006) Gruère, Guillaume P.; Giuliani, Alessandra; Smale, Melinda
Modern crop production is based on only a few plant species. Particularly in marginal environments of developing agricultural economies, many less well-known agricultural or non-timber forest species, continue to be grown, managed or collected, thus contributing to the livelihood of the poor and to agricultural biodiversity. Some of these species, called underutilized plant species, are characterized by the fact that they are locally in developing countries but globally rare, that scientific information and knowledge about them is scant, and that their current use is limited relative to their economic potential. In this paper, we first identify the economic factors that cause these plants to be ‘underutilized’. Based on this analysis, we propose a classification of underutilized plant species based on the relationship of the observed to the potential economic value of the species, and the presence or absence of and constraints to output markets. Then, focusing on a subset of underutilized plant species with market potential, we identify three necessary conditions for the successful commercialization of underutilized plant species for the benefit of the poor: demand expansion, increased efficiency of supply and marketing channels, and a supply control mechanism. This conceptual framework is intended to provide a basis for an empirical assessment of marketing solutions for underutilized plant species among the rural poor in developing economies.
Risk assessment and management of genetically modified organisms under Australia's Gene Technology Act
(Working Paper, 2006) Linacre, Nicholas A.; Falck-Zepeda, José B.; Komen, John; MacLaren, Donald
Compared to both Canada and the United States, Australia has been slow to approve commercial planting of transgenic crops. Two probable reasons exist for the slow approval rate of transgenic crops in Australia. The first reason is community perceptions about the risks associated with transgenic technologies. The second is the regulatory framework currently employed to approve commercial releases. This paper examines some of the potential regulatory issues that may be affecting the review process and approval of transgenic technologies. First we provide a brief introduction to the regulatory structure in Australia, second we consider the impact of regional, national and state jurisdictions, third we argue that the regulator needs to consider the use of benefits analysis in decision making, fourth we argue for the use of probabilistic risk assessments in certain circumstances, and fifth we look at potential problems inherent in majority voting in a committee and recommend alternatives.--Authors' Abstract
Comparative analysis of the national biosafety regulatory systems in East Africa
(Working Paper, 2006) Jaffe, Gregory
This paper analyzes the current and proposed biosafety systems in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda using a set of components and characteristics common to functional and protective biosafety regulatory systems. It also assesses how those systems take into account the major international legal obligations that relate to biosafety, such the Cartagena Biosafety Protocol. The paper identifies certain areas in each country’s biosafety regulatory systems where further development and clarification would improve the biosafety system, making it more functional and protective. Those areas include: (1) the addition of procedures to ensure the food safety of genetically engineered organisms; (2) the inclusion of the standard and criteria for making an approval decision; (3) the differentiation of regulatory procedures based on the relative risk of the organism; and (4) an explanation of how socio-economic considerations will be defined and assessed. Finally, the paper discusses possible ways the three countries can coordinate and harmonize their national biosafety regulatory systems so they are efficient, effective and make the best use of limited scientific and legal capacity.

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