Impact of science on African agriculture and food security

Abstract

Abstract This book, which contains 24 chapters and organized into three major parts, compiles available evidence of the impact of agricultural research in Eastern and Southern Africa to facilitate the mobilization of much needed additional investments for agricultural research and development in the continent. Part I addresses current issues, challenges and contributions in African agricultural development, presents available evidence to demonstrate the impact of research and development investment and discusses the role of science and technology in the transformation of African agriculture. Focus is placed not only on the investments made but also on the various technologies and the complexities involved in adopting these technologies by smallholder farmers in Eastern and Southern Africa. Part II is a collection of impact study results from the region dealing with a wide range of enterprises including food crops, cash crops, livestock, floriculture and forestry products. Production, income, sociocultural, institutional and environmental impacts and spill-over effects are covered. Part III provides an overview of the methodologies and best practices for conducting similar studies. This book addresses African agricultural development problems, and is intended for students of agriculture, economics, crop science and agroecology as well as research and development practitioners, policy makers, policy advisors and donors.