Instability of national agricultural research systems in sub-Saharan Africa : lessons from Nigeria

This report examines six types of instability (policy, program, institutional, funding, research staff, and governance), using estimated indices to give empirical results on the levels of instability in Nigeria"s research institutes. Among other results, the findings confirm the proposition that capital budgets tend to be more unstable than recurrent budgets. The report presents empirical indicators and analyses at the institute-specific level that NARS leaders and managers can use in their discussions with decisionmakers and in regional and global policy dialogues. The constraints that induce instability in research institutes are examined within the framework of a hierarchy of constraints. The implications of the analysis are examined, and strategies for strengthening the stability of the Nigerian NARS are suggested. Includes bibliography. (Author abstract, modified)