Transforming agricultural research systems
There is substantial evidence that investments in agricultural research can lead to significant agricultural growth and poverty reduction. By focusing on the needs of smallholders and family farmers, agricultural research can play a major role in enabling them to sustainably improve their production and livelihoods.
In order to do this, National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) have to evolve and become more efficient and effective. They must respond to farmers’ demands, benefit from the potential offered by new funding mechanisms and national or international partnerships, and consider both the immediate and long-term needs of farmers. They also need to follow the shift in the research agenda away from productivity gains only, towards environmental concerns and efficient resource use covering the entire food systems.