Successes and challenges for agricultural research for development

New Agriculturist reports on the Second Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD2) held in late 2012 in Uruguay, particularly discussions surrounding the future direction of agricultural research to best reduce poverty and hunger.

Here is a summary of the article, by theme, which includes quotes by scientists from various CGIAR Centres and other prominent research institutions and NGOs.

Positive developments

  • Striving to understand research to development pathways and ensure research efforts match the needs of stakeholders
  • Growing trend for participative research that involves producers to better ensure results are applied
  • Broadening of agricultural research to address interactions between different enterprises on farms
  • Research success being measured by the socio-economic benefits of new practices or policies
  • Researchers working more closely with beneficiaries and development practitioners

Future directions

  • Agro-ecological approaches that can be profitable, sustainable and equitable
  • Eco-agriculture or agricultural biodiversity for smallholders
  • Engaging youth in the research process
  • Consideration of the proper use of natural resources, restoration and maintenance of watersheds and respect for nature in research
  • Before seeking to increase productivity, determine if farmers have the basic means, i.e. capital, land and labour force

Partnerships

  • Research needs to strengthen each part of the agricultural industry from production to processing, marketing and to the final consumer
  • Key partnerships need to be fostered with regional and national research organizations from the earliest stages
  • No one organisation has all the skills and expertise, so strategic partnerships are needed to implement new technologies
  • To achieve the greatest impact with the funds available, partnerships must be focused and prioritized with a demand driven approach
  • Successful research partnerships require investment of human and financial capital
  • The expectations of partners need to be managed and roles clearly defined

Capacity building

  • To meet future challenges, a new generation of agriculturalists of all types is needed
  • Need to broaden approaches from single topics to address integrated management issues
  • Youth and women farmers must be well-represented and well-equipped

Read the full story: Agricultural research - the road ahead