Needs and Opportunities for Agricultural Research from the Perspective of Sub-Saharan Africa

Paper prepared for the first meeting of the Global Forum on Agricultural Research held during the CGIAR International Centers Week in October - November 1996. It deals with the challenges to agricultural development in Sub Saharan Africa. These are listed as development and/or adaptation of technology meeting African needs, an efficient system for technology transfer, effective post harvest and marketing systems, and maintaining the sustainability of the resource base.The relative weakness of NARS in Africa is discussed. Regional cooperation is suggested as a means of harnessing economies of scale and scope.The document was circulated as an input to GFAR discussions leading to the Declaration and Action Plan for Global Partnerships in Agricultural Research.