domestic markets. Coherent policies require an integration of AKST and agricultural production in national development strategies and plans to reconcile conflicting views and ambitions with regard to national goals such as national security, food sovereignty (virtual water trade, etc.), economic growth and development, and quality of life. To strengthen the position of CWANA producers and agrofood businesses in international, globalized markets the negotiating capacity in trade talks may have to be further developed since proactive engagement in trade negotiations and active participation in international programs and initiatives will be required. Reducing the costs and delays associated with border transit procedures and intensifying current efforts to create a low-cost, green corridor that gives improved access to neighboring markets (trade agreements with regional trading partners) may represent further options for making CWANA markets more efficient. Principles of good governance such as representation, transparency, accountability and civil society participation may ensure that social and environmental concerns will be better represented in negotiation processes and resulting agreements.

5.2.4.5 Risk management and property rights

Besides risk-reducing approaches at production level, such as investments in supplemental irrigation facilities or diversification of production, policies have to provide a framework that promotes innovation by reducing associated risks. Well-functioning savings and credit schemes and the development of insurance programs for farmers will encourage farmers to make necessary investments and implement innovative technologies and approaches. Proactive risk management strategies and policies will have to replace the currently prevailing reactive disaster management. This is particularly important in view of the increasing threat of more frequent extreme events caused by climatic change such as droughts, storms and floods, and possible abrupt changes in globalized markets. Improved social safety nets and compensatory policies may also help safeguard the disadvantaged against likely negative effects of structural adjustments and reforms.

Although intellectual property rights are intended to stimulate innovation, enhancing investment in research and access to potentially useful technologies from abroad, they are based on a paradigm of market-led development that contrasts with the traditional approach in agricultural research, which focused on sharing ideas and producing public goods. Currently the issue of IPR is particularly discussed in the domain of plant breeding and biotechnology. The IPR regulatory environment needs to be reshaped to facilitate the generation, dissemination, access to and use of AKST. IPR regulations will have to balance private and communal rights while considering national interests and benefits for local communities. Benefits based on local and traditional knowledge will particularly have to be protected and shared in an equitable manner.

5.2.4.6 Institutional reform and role of government

In CWANA countries where private sector institutions are weak and reform still has far to go, the state retains