USAID and agricultural research : review of USAID support for agricultural research

Section II outlines the four phases of USAID support for AR (the extension phase of the 1950s and 1960s, the initial and maturing research phases of the 1970s and 1980s, and the sustainable agriculture phase of the 1990s). Section III examines trends in USAID AR funding, surveys current program strategies, and reviews changes over time in USAID technical staffing in agriculture. Section IV examines current issues facing USAID and international AR programs, including the emergence of a global AR system, development challenges (economic growth/poverty alleviation, food security, and environmental conservation), support needs for USAID country AR programs, the increased pluralism of research systems, and shifting trends in donor support for AR. Section V assesses current program activities, including support to national AR systems (NARS), Mission and country support, international AR centers (IARCs), the collaborative Research Support Programs (CRSPs), and USAID technical staffing. Recommendations are that USAID: (1) develop a strategy for emphasizing NARS development in building a global AR network and continue collaborating with other donors in this effort; (2) increase the involvement of U.S. agricultural scientists in the global AR network; (3) address financing issues for international AR programs through policy dialogue and innovative funding mechanisms, including establishment of endowments where appropriate; and (4) conduct a formal review of USAID AR activities (the last such review was conducted in 1983). Includes references and a list of the Agency"s AR projects.