Abstract
Investments in agricultural research and extension have consistently demonstrated high rates of return in Asia and the Pacific. However, the recent global food crisis exposed the vulnerability of food supply systems and reversed many past achievements in the fight against hunger and malnutrition. It also demonstrated the need for continued innovation. In view of the emerging economic, climatic, and political scenarios in the region, this paper explores the role of applied research for development and extension services through the two-pronged approach of boosting food production and preventing losses. Priority areas for research emphasize attention to smallholder farming systems, practical business models, the integration of gender, and multidisciplinary research that is sensitive to nutritional outcomes. In addition, pioneering mechanisms to public-private partnerships are examined towards the strategic use of renewed stakeholder commitments to achieve food security and prevent future crisis. By learning from the past and looking into the future, this paper makes a case for sustained investments in research and extension to address the numerous challenges along the pathway from agriculture production and distribution to consumption and utilization.
Highlights
The current global challenges of ensuring the availability of and access to food, in both quantity and quality, require deliberate and far-reaching solutions
Strategic investments in research and development (R&D) and extension services in the Asia and Pacific region can play a critical role in addressing numerous challenges along the pathway from agricultural production to consumption and utilization
This paper examines the role of agricultural research for development, which includes applied research as well as extension programs, for boosting agricultural production and productivity levels, and preventing losses before and after the harvesting of crops
Summary
Research and Development and Extension Services in Agriculture and Food Security This paper explores the role of applied research for development and extension services through a twopronged approach of boosting food production and preventing losses. Evidence presented in the paper seeks to demonstrate how strategic investments in research and extension services in the Asia and Pacific region can play a critical role in addressing challenges along the pathway from agricultural production to consumption and utilization. About the Asian Development Bank ADB’s vision is an Asia and Pacific region free of poverty. Its mission is to help its developing member countries reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of their people. ADB is committed to reducing poverty through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Based in Manila, ADB is owned by 67 members, including 48 from the region. Its main instruments for helping its developing member countries are policy dialogue, loans, equity investments, guarantees, grants, and technical assistance. AsiAn Development BAnk 6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550 Metro Manila, Philippines www.adb.org
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