Tackling rural poverty, together

Pillar 4: Agricultural research, technology dissemination and adoption

Pillar 4 aims at an enhanced rate of adoption of new technologies to increase productivity (through better delivery systems and mechanisms that reduce the costs and risk of adopting new technologies), as well as the ability of the research systems to generate and adapt new knowledge and technology. The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) is taking the lead in the implementation of CAADP Pillar 4 and has developed a strategic document, the Framework for African Agricultural Productivity (FAAP), which sets out the principles and orientations for agricultural research and extension in the near future. It aims to make research more relevant and to establish the capacity to implement an integrated agricultural research approach, ensuring that researchers work together with smallholders, pastoralists, extension agencies, the private sector and NGOs to increase impact on the ground.

Actual State of Affairs Pillar 4

Some successful specific initiatives (e.g. on cassava and rice) have been conducted. To promote regional and continent-wide approaches, to continue practical work on specific initiatives and to develop a database of current spending and activities to provide the basis for systematic monitoring will be major challenges in the near future.

See related documents:

•  NEPAD: CAADP 3rd Quarterly Report 2007 (July-September)
• Presentation on Pillar 4, held by David Howlett, DFID, during the Platform General Meeting 2006
• African Partnership Forum Report for further Information on Pillar 4 Performance.

Pillar lead: Monty Jones, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)

Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)

FARA is an umbrella organisation bringing together and forming coalitions of major stakeholders in agricultural research and development in Africa. FARA complements the innovative activities of national, international and sub-regional research institutions to deliver more responsive and effective services to its stakeholders. FARA is taking the lead in the implementation of CAADP Pillar 4 and has developed a strategic document, the Framework for African Agricultural Productivity (FAAP), which sets out the principles and orientations for agricultural research and extension in the near future. It proposes i.a. more emphasis on cross-country collaboration through the mechanism of Sub-regional Research Organisations (SROs).