Preliminary : strategic framework for agricultural technology development and transfer in sub-Saharan Africa

This preliminary strategic framework provides guidance for the Africa Bureau and its Missions in this area. Building on A.I.D."s experience over the past 20 years, the framework recommends a shift from supply-oriented technology development (which focuses on agricultural production) to demand-oriented development (which focuses on the demand for a given commodity in domestic, regional, and international markets); this shift may require public and private sector agents and institutions to make major operational changes. The framework also provides a structure for identifying key agents in the technology system and making decisions, it discusses institutional and policy reform measures that may be needed, and it emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to technology development and transfer. A final chapter outlines steps in designing and applying a demand-driven approach and clarifies A.I.D."s roles and responsibilities. Includes a directory of commodity systems research centers and a bibliography. (Author abstract, modified)