National Agricultural Research Systems Research Articles

Breeding Indigenous Cattle Genetic Resources for Beef Production in Sub-Saharan Africa

This paper reviews breeding technologies vital for breeding programme development in Sub-Saharan Africa while considering indigenous cattle genetic resources for beef production. The importance of beef cattle is highlighted, given the globally and regionally growing demand for meat and the fact that Sub-Saharan Africa is home to a large population of indigenous cattle – for which, however, few examples of successful breeding programmes exist. Examples are analysed, including the N'Dama pure breeding programme in western Africa, the Boran improvement programme in eastern Africa, Nguni cattle breeding in southern Africa and the Ankole cattle of Uganda. The characteristics of livestock production systems, livestock breeds and socio-political aspects of Sub-Saharan Africa have largely inhibited successful breeding technology transfer from developed countries. Technological adjustments and the increasing consideration of target group involvement in livestock breeding programmes may offer better possibilities for raising production by breeding in low-input and medium-input livestock production systems. Livestock keepers can be differentiated into breeder groups and commercial groups. Breeder groups are important targets for genetic improvement programmes via community-based genetic improvement organizations. Breeding programmes are suggested for Sub-Saharan Africa within the concept of regional genetic improvement programmes controlled by breed societies, government and national agricultural research systems.

Designing a Model for Integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the Iranian Agricultural Research System

Capacity Development is needed in the Iranian Agricultural System. Integrating Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the agricultural research system is an appropriate capacity development mechanism. The appropriate application of ICTs and information such as a National Agricultural Information System requires a systemically developed strategic plan, based on identifying and recognizing system-wide organizational implications. In this regard, this paper focuses on the implications of integrating ICTs in the Iranian agricultural research system. To this aim, the authors conducted a survey research study using qualitative analysis of interview data from a select sample of agricultural researchers and agricultural faculty members. After designing an interview protocol and doing interviews with the select sample of agricultural researchers and faculty members (n = 29), a qualitative procedure was used to analyze the data, based on conceptual extraction and thematic categorization of statements. Categories included guidelines, expected outcomes, challenges and barriers of appropriate ICTs integration in the Iranian agricultural research system. In addition, different phases of the ICTs integration process were identified in the form of a pathway diagram. Finally, based on related Iranian lessons learned, which are explained in this research, some appropriate mechanisms for integrating ICTs in national agricultural research system were indicated.

Technological tools to address the food crises.

Abstract Many causes have been proposed for the recent food crises that are currently afflicting the world, especially the developing countries. These causes include both the demand- and supply-side factors. One major cause identified was low productivity of agriculture, which has led to the inability of the sector to satisfy traditional and new demands for food. Yet, the food crisis offers an opportunity to revive food and agricultural systems and improve their productivity. This paper identifies various technological tools and options for addressing the food crisis through increased agricultural productivity. The present paper concludes that in order to tackle the problems of low productivity, effective organization, and management of national agricultural research and innovation systems is imperative. Equally important are the institutional innovations that will help close the food demand-supply gaps.

Scholarly publishing initiatives at the International Rice Research Institute: Linking users to public goods via open access

Scientists at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines, generate a large volume of research results emanating from donor-funded projects. The main objective is to disseminate, as widely as possible, the results of IRRI's research. There is also a strong push to provide free open access to these information resources through modes convenient to researchers in both developing and developed countries.
 
 Certain instruments for open access (OA) are already in place at IRRI, including links to full-text publications posted on the Institute's Web site (http://www.irri.org/), especially via the Library branch site (http://ricelib.irri.cgiar.org/), the Rice Knowledge Bank (http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/), and Rice Publications Archive (http://rice-publications.irri.org/). The joint initiatives of the Library and the Institute's main science publishing units, particularly Communication and Publications Services and the Training Center, typify a convergence of practices to overcome hurdles to OA implementation. 
 
 This paper explores how the links in IRRI's scholarly publishing chain, bridging information management and publishing, can effectively deliver public goods (knowledge about rice, in this case) to the intended primary users -- researchers and extensionists in the national agricultural research and extension systems (NARES) in developing countries.
 
 It also discusses publishing models for delivering public goods generated by an international research organization. To meet its mission, IRRI must employ various demand-supply models to disseminate information. Open access publishing is one model to adopt but first, the onus is on the Institute to overcome issues such as intellectual property rights, funding, and connectivity.
 
 IRRI's donors, NARES partners, governments, and rice farmers and consumers expect it to create and share information for the common good, and it strives to convert its resources into electronic format for delivery over the Internet. However, not all its stakeholders are connected.
 
 To create impact, IRRI must deliver information through whatever appropriate form, be it cutting-edge digital versions or traditional hard-copy books. This paper discusses this dilemma and hopes to encourage further research and thought on open access publishing.

Assessment of Pearl Millet Genotypes for Resistance to Downy Mildew (Sclerospora graminicola) Under Field Conditions in Nigeria

ABSTRACT One hundred and fifty-two pearl millet genotypes from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and West African National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) were evaluated at Samaru, Nigeria, for resistance to downy mildew under field conditions during the 2000, 2001, and 2002 wet seasons. Disease incidence and severity were assessed 65 days after sowing. Disease severity scores were taken on a 1–5 scale. The results indicated that 70 genotypes showed resistance, 43 moderate resistance, 35 moderate susceptibility and 3 genotypes were susceptible. Resistant genotypes included 27 ICRISAT pearl millet lines and 43 NARS genotypes. Results herein indicate the availability of germplasms with resistance to downy mildew.

Breeding and disseminating quality protein maize (QPM) for Africa

Quality protein maize (QPM) describes a range of maize cultivars with twice the content of limiting amino acids lysine and tryptophan compared with conventional maize, and has been developed to help reduce human malnutrition in areas where protein deficiency is prevalent and where maize is the major protein source in the diet, as in various parts of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in 17 countries of SSA, has developed a broad range of QPM cultivars responding to the needs of different countries and agroecological zones. Commercial QPM seed is currently available in all collaborating countries and, based on average 2003-2005 seed production, approximately 200,000 hectares of land are being planted to QPM cultivars. Key words: Quality protein maize, opaque-2, en-modifiers, aa-modifiers, genetics, plant breeding, dissemination, impact assessment, human nutrition.

Can computer models stimulate learning about sustainable land use? Experience with LUPAS in the humid (sub-)tropics of Asia

In many rice-cultivating regions of east and south-east Asia, competition for land and water resources is strong and increasing. This calls for exploration of future technology and policy options in support of sustainable land (and water) use. Sustainable land use is a complex issue, that involves uncertainties about the dynamics of the biophysical system and the social system, as well as multiple perspectives. The capacity to identify options for sustainable and equitable development depends on the acquisition of knowledge and skills for (a) holistic analysis of the biophysical system dynamics, (b) analysis of the multiple positions, perceptions, values, beliefs and interests of the relevant stakeholders, (c) contemplation of the action needed to fill the gap between the desired socio-technical system and the perceived real-world situation. Learning is contextual and gradual: historically, agricultural scientists have moved from a reductionist to a holistic hard system perspective, while now slowly embracing the interpretive system perspective. Under the Ecoregional Initiative for the humid tropics of Asia, SysNet (1996–2000) trained scientists at four National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in trans-disciplinary analysis through development and application of the LUPAS (Land Use Planning and Analysis System) modelling framework. Aim was to develop a holistic land use analysis methodology for four different rice-cultivating regions. To ensure relevance for land use decision making, scientists organized meetings with planners and other stakeholders. Four NARS teams of 12–24 scientists acquired and/or increased expertise and skills outside their own disciplines, in modelling and improved data management, and learned to perform agro-ecological analyses. Regional planners were presented with region-specific data in support of formulation of area-specific technical and policy recommendations, and agricultural experts used LUPAS tools to extrapolate research results to other areas. Much learning was acquired within the technical–economic domain, but the exchange with stakeholders did not yet lead to a critical learning system approach. Nevertheless, NARS highly appreciated the new tools and knowledge, and made a significant step forward from mono-disciplinary to holistic agro-ecological analysis. Application of the LUPAS methodology has been expanded following finalization of the project, despite practical problems such as diminishing long-term funds and the high demand for IT people outside agriculture. NRM decision making demands reflexivity and skilful facilitation. In these processes, LUPAS modelling has a specific added value: it enhances long-term strategic thinking about sustainable land use and rural development issues.

Induced technical and institutional change in tropical agriculture

The author employs a model in which the direction of technical change is induced by changes in relative resource endowments to interpret the trajectories of technical change in both developed and developing country agriculture. An international agricultural research system, an institutional innovation supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), has become an important source of advances in yield enhancing biological technology. National agricultural research systems in a number of developing countries have been strengthened. Concern is expressed about the failure of national governments and international donors to sustain investment in agricultural research capacity.

Progress and prospects of marker assisted backcrossing as a tool in crop breeding programs

Marker assisted backcrossing (MAB) is one of the most anticipated and frequently cited benefits of molecular markers as indirect selection tools in breeding programs. However, routine implementations of MAB in ongoing plant breeding programs are still scarce. Currently MAB of single gene is perhaps the most powerful approach that uses DNA markers effectively. Improvement of quantitative traits loci (QTLs) through MAB resulted to variable results ranging from limited success and/or even a failure to a few highly successful stories. A major constraint to the implementation of MAB in pragmatic breeding programs has been the high relative cost compared to conventional phenotypic selection. It is a popular misconception that a ‘DNA fingerprint’ is always to be preferred. To be useful to plant breeders, gains made from MAB must be more cost-effective than gains through traditional breeding or MAB must generate significant time savings, which justifies the additional cost involved. Currently, most national agricultural research systems (NARS) in Africa have either no or very limited facilities, skilled manpower, and financing for integrating molecular markers as part of their breeding programs. Therefore, conventional breeding methods remain the main option for NARS for many years to come, but targeted use of MAB may become a supplement if well-validated markers are developed or available through collaboration with the international agricultural research centers. This paper provides detail review of the current literature on MAB, including requirements and selected experimental results.

Responding to Food Supply Shocks through Global Partnerships in Technology Development and Transfer

Partnerships involving national agricultural research systems (NARS), the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), universities, advanced research institutes, the private sector, civil society, nongovernmental organizations, farmer organizations and international investors represent a global capacity to provide solutions to strategic problems and to fulfil the overall objective of combating rural poverty and food insecurity. Drawing on the experiences and achievements of the IITA-led biological control of the cassava mealybug in Sub-Saharan Africa, this paper gives an account of the role of global partnerships in technology development and transfer in addressing food security challenges. It concludes with implications for national and international agricultural research centres for an efficient, demand-driven technology development and delivery.

Moving beyond component research in mountain regions: Operationalizing systems integration at farm and landscape scales

Most research in support of agricultural development and natural resource management in densely settled mountain ecosystems continues to emphasize component over system-level goals. Research by plant breeders, foresters and animal scientists is generally designed to maximize the yield of products within their particular area of expertise (edible plant parts, tree products and livestock products, respectively), while soil scientists aim largely to increase soil nutrient stocks. At landscape level the same dynamic holds within the agronomic sciences, while water engineers work independently to conserve water through its isolation from broader landscape dynamics, and other common property resources remain largely ignored. Opportunities to foster positive synergies between system components, and to integrate livelihood with conservation goals, are generally missed. This paper presents experiences of the African Highlands Initiative, an ecoregional program of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and a network of the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), in operationalizing integrated research at farm and landscape scale. Following a discussion of the shortcomings of the conventional research paradigm that beg for stronger integration and a review of the contributions of extant research paradigms that help us move in the right direction, the paper lays a conceptual foundation for integrated research. System components at farm and landscape level are delineated, and this somewhat arbitrary conceptual partitioning of agroecological systems shown to influence the current research paradigm as well as the partitioning of institutional mandates. Diverse meanings of systems integration are then discussed to illustrate the synergies that might be built into agricultural and natural resource research programs. The distinction between the logic of maximization and optimization is then utilized to distinguish between component and “system-level” goals. This conceptual overview is followed by several case studies to illustrate how these concepts can guide the formulation of integrated research objectives, methods and outputs at farm and landscape scale. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of this alternative research paradigm for the structure, function and skill base of national and international agricultural research systems.

Development of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) in Sri Lanka with special reference to food crops sub-sector : issues related to science policy

Keywords: Agriculture, agricultural research, national agricultural research system, science and technology, science policy, Sri Lanka J. Natn. Sci. Foundation Sri Lanka 2006 34 (2): 69-83 Doi: 10.4038/jnsfsr.v34i2.2085

Agricultural Biodiversity, Nutrition, and Health: Making a Difference to Hunger and Nutrition in the Developing World

In spite of the strides made globally in reducing hunger, the problems of micronutrient deficiencies and coexisting obesity and related cardiovascular and degenerative diseases constitute a formidable challenge for the future. Attempts to reverse this trend with single-nutrient intervention strategies have met with limited success, resulting in renewed calls for food-based approaches. The deployment of agricultural biodiversity is an approach that entails greater use of local biodiversity to ensure dietary diversity. To outline a new strategy proposed by the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) that employs agricultural biodiversity as the primary resource for food security and health. The authors carried out a meta-analysis to review and assemble existing information on the nutritional and healthful properties of traditional foods based on a diverse set of case studies and food composition and nutritional analysis studies. The methods highlight particular examples of foods where analysis of nutrient and non-nutrient composition reveals important traits to address the growing problems of malnutrition associated with the rise of chronic diseases. Finally, the authors analyze social, economic, and cultural changes that undermine the healthful components of traditional diets. Based on this multidisciplinary and comparative approach, the authors suggest a holistic food-based approach that combines research to assess and document nutritional and healthful properties of traditional foods, investigating options in which nutritionally valuable traditional foods can contribute to better livelihoods, and ways that awareness and promotional campaigns can identify healthful components of traditional diets that fit the needs of urban and market-oriented consumers. There is an urgent need for agricultural research centers, national agricultural research systems, universities, and community-based organizations to work together under a shared policy framework with the aim of developing a strong evidence base linking biodiversity, nutrition, and health. Although these initiatives are still ongoing, the gains realized in small-scale and local pilot efforts have encouraged IPGRI to work with local partners toward the implementation of scale-up efforts in various regions.

THE IMPACT OF GREEN REVOLUTION ON RICE PRODUCTION IN VIETNAM

The current paper reviewed the development of the Green Revolution in Vietnam, using long-term regional yield and modern variety adoption statistics, as well as household data collected in 1996 and 2003. The present study indicates that the Green Revolution began in irrigated favorable areas and spread to the less favorable areas in Vietnam such as in other Asian countries. What is unique in Vietnam is that although the Green Revolution ended in the mid-1980s in the Philippines and Indonesia, it has still been sustained as of 2003. Our analyses revealed that such growth had been supported by continuous improvements of modern varieties by regional research institutes. The varieties imported from China have contributed to the Green Revolution in northern Vietnam and those developed by the International Rice Research Institute in southern Vietnam. The national agricultural research systems have also played a critically important role in developing location-specific and appropriate technologies.

Crop biotechnology and the African farmer

Recent reports, workshops and meetings on GM (Genetically Modified) crops tend to characterize GM food production as a solution to Africa’s food crisis. However, GM crops are currently grown commercially in only one country in Africa – South Africa. Biotechnology tools range from tissue culture to molecular breeding and genetic engineering. This paper focuses on GM crop improvement and analyzes the development of seven GM crops (six food staples and cotton) over the past 15 years in Africa. The case studies reveal a number of unexpected scientific, legal, economic and political barriers to the development of GM crops and long delays in developing and implementing national biosafety regulations and guidelines. We conclude that most GM crops are at least 10–15 years or longer from reaching smallholder farmers in Africa. During this time special attention should be given to strengthening conventional plant breeding programs in NARS (National Agricultural Research Systems), African universities and the CGIAR. Biotechnology approaches must be nested and integrated into plant breeding programs. Special attention should also be given to raising public awareness of biotechnology, mobilizing political support and commitment to strengthening African capacity in biotechnology, biosafety, food safety and IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) and mounting long-term training programs to train the next generation of African plant breeders and GM crop specialists.

Assessment of National Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Capacity in Africa and Recommendations for Future Capacity Building

The demands being placed on crop production are increasing, particularly in developing countries. In many instances, the rate of gain in crop yields has dropped while input costs (e.g., fertilizers) have undermined the potential benefi ts gained from introducing new varieties. This situation is particularly true in Africa. The challenge is to meet increased demands for food from a growing population by developing new varieties and improving agricultural production methods that are sustainable in the long term, with minimal negative consequences for the environment. There is an opportunity to enhance agricultural production by applying the results of research to meet the demands for food security and environmental conservation. We believe that ensuring strong plant breeding programs in national agricultural research systems (NARS) will be essential in ensuring the sustainable use of plant genetic resources for the benefi t of mankind. Our fi rst step was the assessment of the current state of 12 African plant breeding programs and trends in the allocation of resources within NARS. This has been the key to identifying gaps in order to develop strategies to strengthen sustainable use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) in these programs. The FAO of the United Nations, in collaboration with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) centers and other stakeholders, is assessing plant breeding and related biotechnology country capacity, as set out in the Global Plan of Action (article 14) of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). As such, FAO is surveying country information and trends in resource allocation for plant breeding and biotechnology, with the aim of raising awareness and evaluating opportunities for investment. This is the fi rst step towards designing national, regional and/or global strategies to strengthen the capacity of national plant breeding programs. This report concentrates on 12 African countries. In this paper we 1) describe the survey mechanism used by FAO; 2) report on preliminary information gathered on 12 African countries; 3) summarize the recommendations

The Asian Maize Biotechnology Network (AMBIONET): A Model for Strengthening National Agricultural Research Systems

This report reviews the impacts of the Asian Maize Biotechnology Network (AMBIONET), organized by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) with funding from the Asian Development Bank to strengthen the capacity of public maize research institutions in China, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam to produce high-yielding, disease resistant, stress tolerant maize cultivars. It was found that, during its lifetime (1998-2005), AMBIONET clearly benefited researchers and institutions in participating countries, as well as CIMMYT. In addition, there was good progress toward developing improved cultivars. Asian farmers are just beginning to gain from the work, but their future benefits will likely pay for AMBIONET’s relatively modest expenditures many times over.

Livestock Revolution in India: Its Impact and Policy Response

A demand-driven revolution in livestock consumption and production is taking place in many developing countries, impacting on nutrition, health, the environment, and national and international agricultural marketing and research systems. This Livestock Revolution is most evident in China, India and Brazil because of the sheer size of these countries. While China and Brazil have a dominant role in meat production as part of this Livestock Revolution, the revolution will not be limited to China and Brazil, and extends beyond the meat market. The example of India is a case in point. The near doubling of aggregate milk consumption as food in India between the early 1980s and the late 1990s suggests that the Livestock Revolution goes beyond meat production and consumption. Now the critical question for economic managers and planners in countries such as India is no longer whether the Livestock Revolution is manifest in the country or not, but to what extent poor people and smallholders can play a significant part in this enterprise. This article charts the development of the Indian Livestock Revolution and assesses the potential impact of industrialization of livestock production on small farmers especially. It is argued that intensive livestock farming may not be appropriate for India on a number of grounds. There is a risk that the Livestock Revolution, similar to the Green Revolution, will polarize the inequality between rich and poor. Decisive action needs to be taken to ensure that the poor benefit from such developments, and some policy recommendations are made to address such concerns.

TOWARDS A REGIONAL APPROACH TO RESEARCH FOR THE CGIAR AND ITS PARTNERS

At its International Centres Week in October 2000 (ICW2000), the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) adopted a new Vision and Strategy. This paper is about Plank 4 of the CGIAR's Vision and Strategy which calls for the adoption, in collaboration with national and regional partners, of a regional approach to research planning, priority setting and implementation. Given the poverty and impact focus of international public goods research, both national agricultural research systems (NARS) and the CGIAR have advantages in pursuing a regional approach as a component of their respective activities. For the NARS in the region, this means seeking advantages at the regional level that they could not derive solely from a national-level approach. For the CGIAR, this means seeking complementary gains that it could not achieve exclusively through a global or ecoregional approach. These mutual advantages open the door for partnerships in regional research between NARS and their regional organizations, and the CGIAR. The paper highlights the advantages as well as risks and limitations of a regional approach to research. Since ICW2000, all regional and sub-regional organizations and CGIAR Centres have taken action to facilitate consultation processes that could eventually lead to the establishment of a regional approach to research for the CGIAR and NARS. The paper notes some emerging lessons, and takes a forward look.

Wheat farming in Syria: An approach to economic transformation and sustainability

Sustainability has recently become an ingrained concept in crop production systems worldwide, and is the cornerstone of research programs of the global network of research centers operated by the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), which functions in collaboration with the various national agricultural research systems. One of the major CGIAR centers, the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), focuses mainly on dryland agriculture, but increasingly on irrigation, in its mandate area of West and Central Asia and North Africa. ICARDA has collaboration programs with its host country, Syria, the cradle of civilization and of settled agriculture, and the center of origin of many of the world‘s major crops, notably cereals and pulses. Wheat is, and has been, the most important commodity food in Syria. The Center‘s goal is to enhance wheat productivity in a sustainable manner for the benefit of the country‘s resource-poor farmers and society as a whole. Wheat is grown on about 1.5 million ha or 27% of the total cultivated land in Syria, mainly under rainfed conditions (300–500 mm annual rainfall), which are increasingly experiencing supplemental irrigation, while drier (<200 mm) areas are fully irrigated. Improved cultivars generally combine high yield potential and stress tolerance and tend to have high yield stability, being input-efficient under limited resources in stress environments and input responsive under favorable environments. Such varieties are tested under farmers‘ conditions through multi-year multi-locations. Other aspects of the ICARDA–Syrian collaboration wheat program include improved tillage, with an emphasis on conservation systems, adequate fertilization, and improved agronomic practices, e.g., early sowing in relation to rainfall conditions, optimum row spacing and plant population, and adequate weed control. This vigorous collaborative research–technology transfer program has produced a major shift in wheat production in Syria, from traditional low-input practices with landrace or improved cultivars to widespread adoption (two-thirds of wheat area) of modern cultivars along with improved production technology. As a result of such efforts, national income has substantially increased, and Syria has become a net exporter of wheat. Thus, the collaborative efforts of an international research center and its host country have shown clearly that there is an alternative to a traditional, low-output agriculture and its associated ills.