Abstract
The case for demand-driven research and development has received important considerations among governments, donors and programme implementing partners in development planning and implementation. Addressing demand is believed to be a bottom-top approach for designing and responding to development priorities and is good for achieving development outcomes. In this paper, we discuss the concept and application of demand-driven research and development (DDRD) in Africa. We use evidence of six projects implemented under the BiomassWeb Project in Africa. We focus on parameters on level of engagement of stakeholders—whose demand is being articulated, the processes for demand articulation, capacity building and implementation processes, innovativeness of the project, reporting and sustainability of the project. We find that the nature of the institutions involved in articulation and implementation of demand-driven research and development projects and their partnerships influence the impact and reporting of demand-driven projects.
Highlights
There is an increasing recognition of the challenge that African agriculture faces to grow more food to feed its fast growing and urbanizing population in situations of greater uncertainty because of impact of climate change and growing instability associated with land, water and energy shortages
Using evidence on the emerging results of six projects implemented in Ethiopia, Ghana and Nigeria, this paper examines the following questions
Discussions are centred on BiomassWeb demand-driven research and development (DDRD) project planning, innovations in the use of biomass, capacity building/demonstrations, delivery and adoption of innovative technologies
Summary
There is an increasing recognition of the challenge that African agriculture faces to grow more food to feed its fast growing and urbanizing population in situations of greater uncertainty because of impact of climate change and growing instability associated with land, water and energy shortages. The ability of science to lead to agricultural transformation depends to a considerable extent on what science is to be applied and for which constituency. This has a bearing on the use of research evidence, policy action, adoption rates as well as sustainable of project and programme outcomes. This brings to the fore the concept and application of demand-driven research and development (DDRD). Demand-driven and locally-driven national agricultural research systems are believed to support better overall institutional capacities, linkages among partners in the sector as well as sustainability of outcomes
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