Key Messages

1. The expected structural transformation of sub Saharan Africa’s economy is not expected to diminish the importance of agriculture to the region’s socioeconomic development, both as a source of livelihoods and as a linkage to other sectors. The fostering of participatory and decentralized structures of governance inclusive of farmers, marginalized groups, regional and local authorities, and enterprise is an important step toward the development of the agricultural sector. Decentralization of funding sources and market development, including an emphasis on the cross-sectoral benefits of agriculture (to health, nutrition, education, environment), regional market-chain approaches and local government funding can raise the profile and contribution of agriculture for development.

2. The presentation of a “basket” of agricultural technology options, would allow farmers the flexibility to choose among options that best match the site-specific diversity of their fields and socioeconomic contexts. This approach is in contrast to the typical approach in which only a small number of technologies are made available through extension services. Almost 90% of sub-Saharan African farmers currently practice diversified agricultural production systems. Participatory and community-driven approaches to research and technology development can increase both the relevance of AKST for small-scale producers and their likelihood to adopt new technologies and practices. Research and extension efforts can improve rates of adoption by addressing concerns of language and gender.

3. Markets for agricultural products remain relatively inaccessible to sub-Saharan African farmers. Technical assistance, extension and capacity development is needed to link producers to markets and transform farming activities into agribusiness ventures. Improvements to basic infrastructure, market information systems and levels of market integration are critical.

4. There is a large scope for increasing the role and participation of women in agricultural research, extension and development. Women account for over 70% of agricultural workers and 80% of food processors in sub- Saharan Africa, yet comprise 17% of agricultural extension workers. Increased access for women to microfinance and education is likely to increase the involvement and adoption of AKST by women.

5. Land degradation, and poor soil fertility in particular, is a critical factor in limiting agricultural production in SSA. Options for soil, water, and nutrient management exist; approaches that address resource management in an integrated way are more likely to offer sustainable solutions than practices that focus on management of a single resource.

6. The full extent and long-term economic costs of environmental degradation to individual farms and agricultural landscapes is seldom clear to farmers or decision makers. Increased understanding and information flow of the full costs of environmental degradation at

all scales is a critical step to the design of policies and incentives that can simultaneously support long-term sustainable development and agricultural production. Land tenure and access to credit are key elements to improving rural livelihoods in an equitable fashion.

7. In situ conservation is the most appropriate means to preserve the indigenous germplasm and seed varieties that sustain the majority of small-scale rural farmers. Agricultural intensification is most often accompanied by a decrease in agricultural biodiversity. Conservation of biodiversity requires the involvement of local communities and can be facilitated by government-funded initiatives. Strategies for the preservation of wildlife biodiversity are significantly improved when local communities are active in the responsible organizations.

8. A de facto open access situation is typical of forested lands in SSA. The contribution of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) and other market-based schemes to address deforestation is as yet unknown. Agroforestry, simultaneously offering improvements in soil fertility, provision of animal fodder, and the supply of poles, timber and fuelwood holds the potential in the short and long term to relieve pressure on forested lands.

9. Centralized fisheries management strategies hold limited potential for addressing the poverty of fisheriesdependent populations. Current limitations in technical capacity, funding levels and management schemes have left
most fisheries overexploited. Aquaculture holds some potential to relieve pressures on fish stocks and will require significant cooperation between fishers and governments and between fishing communities.

10. Agriculture policies in SSA continue to primarily promote production, reducing the potential of agriculture to contribute to the improved health and nutritional status of households through the production and consumption of diverse and micronutrient-rich foods.

5.1 Governance, Institutions, and Funding
Agriculture plays a central role in the livelihoods of the majority of sub-Saharan Africans, providing the basis for social and economic development and providing crucial linkages to environmental sustainability, peace and security. While a structural transformation of SSA economies is expected to see agriculture contribute relatively less to employment creation and GDP, in absolute terms agriculture is expected to contribute even more to sub-Saharan Africa’s socioeconomic development, by providing vital linkages to other sectors of SSA economies, especially manufacturing, industries and the service sector. AKST has a significant role to play in facilitating a viable transformation of SSA economies by enhancing agricultural productivity and increasing rural incomes. An economically viable and environmentally sound agricultural transformation strategy would include harnessing AKST to increase efficiency and sustainability in farm production, agro-industrial and product development, and improvements in distribution and marketing networks.