IFPRI Policy Seminar "African Agricultural Research and Development Progress, Challenges, Opportunities" 7 April 2011
1. African Agricultural R&D Investments and Capacities: Trends and Challenges Nienke Beintema Head, Agricultural S&T Indicators (ASTI) initiative,IFPRI-Rome office Presentation at the IFPRI Policy Seminar “African Agricultural Research and Development: Progress, Challenges, Opportunities”Washington, DC – April 7, 2011
2. Outline Trends since 2001 Key investment challenges Key human resource capacity challenges Recommended action points
3. Importance of Agricultural R&D R&D is a major contributor to economic growth and poverty reduction Greater investments in R&D are crucial for productivity growth in SSA Monitoring and benchmarking inputs, outputs, and performance of agricultural R&D is essential NEPAD target: Allocation of at least 1 percent of GDP to R&D