The role of nongovernmental organizations in agricultural research and technology transfer in Latin America

Abstract

The technology demanded by Latin American agriculture and the institutions involved in research and technology transfer are changing. New types of technology are needed to achieve a more sustainable and equitable pattern of development. Traditional research and extension institutions are poorly equipped to meet these challenges. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) can contribute in this regard, but they must improve their technical capacity and expand their coverage, without adversely affecting their positive characteristics, such as flexibility, social consciousness, and a concern for farmer participation. One partial solution is to promote coordination among NGOs and between NGOs and research institutions.