Weak linkages among research, education and extension institutions result in systematic "bottlenecks" in national agricultural technology systems and can limit their effectiveness to contribute to development. Evidence shows that integrating research, education and extension can improve the overall performance of agricultural technology systems.

Weak linkages among research, education and extension institutions result in systematic "bottlenecks" in national agricultural technology systems and can limit their effectiveness to contribute to development. Evidence shows that integrating research, education and extension can improve the overall performance of agricultural technology systems.

The improvement of a country's human resource capacity for productivity is a pre-requisite for social and economic development. In the agricultural sector, both formal and non-formal education are essential for improving food security and rural employment and reducing poverty. To meet the challenges of agricultural production and food security facing Africa today and in the 21st century

A major challenge of the 21st century will be that of implementing sustainable development and meeting the food needs of an increasing world population. Technical experts from a range of disciplines have analysed the links between population and food and one of the conclusions reached is that, in view of the limited scope and high economic and environmental costs of expanding crop land, 80 percent of food production increases will have to come from increased yields on lands already in production.