Sustainable agriculture and food security in Africa: The role of innovative technologies and international organizations

Abstract

This paper argues that input-intensity and a lack of democratic control over the conditions for advanced technology adoption indicates that low-tech approaches, despite generating lower yields, may be best positioned to improve food security as a basis for sustainable agriculture. Advanced technology adoption by smallholders can become a choice, dependent on the containment of ecological risks, rather than a survivalist strategy. We examine research led by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research and make clear that public-sector research and the international organizations can significantly contribute to the adoption of evidence-based policies that support context-specific combinations of low- and high-tech approaches.