Revitalizing agricultural research in the Sahel: A proposed framework for action

The problem which this Framework for Action (FFA) to Revitalize Research in the nine countries collaborating in the Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) seeks to address is the slow rate of technology generation of the agricultural research system in the region. To overcome this problem, the FFA proposes to strengthen the national agricultural research systems in the region through a three-pronged effort: (1) institutional reform of the national agricultural research systems to evolve an 'enabling' environment for creativity, innovation and improved performance; (2) new modes of regional cooperation based on the principle of comparative advantage and the relative strengths of national agricultural research systems; (3) a series of cross-cutting actions to support the revitalized national and regional efforts. It is expected that a more demand-driven national/regional research agenda and more vibrant linkages between scientists and clients will lead to faster rates of technology generation, as was demonstrated by the success of cotton research in the Sahel. A pilot version of the Framework is being tested in Mali, where activities include a regional sorghum programme, substantial institutional reform of public sector agricultural research, and giving full management autonomy to the National Agricultural Research Institute. Mali will also be spearheading innovative approaches to participatory research with farmers and extension services. ISNAR and SPAAR are actively promoting the implementation of the Framework recommendations in Burkina Faso, the Gambia and Senegal; a collaborative research programme on small ruminant productivity improvement and pathology is about to be launched in Senegal. Cape Verde, Chad, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Niger are expected to follow soon in this long-term programme of revitalizing agricultural research systems. (CAB Abstract)