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Contact: Eileen Herrera
Background:
Economies of countries in sub-Saharan Africa are growing, but not fast enough to reduce the absolute number of poor. Food insecurity is increasing where war, environmental, or other stresses have caused problems (e.g. Darfur, Eritrea, Democratic Republic of Congo). In addition to economic and socio-political stresses, diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS, impact the populations of Africa substantially. Certain countries, such as Ghana, have seen some progress, both economically and socially. African countries differ greatly, and there is no universal formula for change that will bring ultimate success. However, many of these countries have similar issues, particularly regionally, and can draw on experiences from one another. The United States policy is to help the world's poor based on the premise that development depends on good, accountable governance and economic policies that support private sector growth.
Cooperative research with Africa benefits US agriculture, as well. Africa has a high level of biodiversity and is a center of origin for several food crops and animals. In addition, several animal and plant diseases occur endemically in Africa or first appear there. Africa offers U.S. researchers the opportunity to test disease resistance, vaccine efficacy and rapid detection in the field.
State of Science in sub-Saharan Africa:
Research capacity in sub-Saharan Africa varies between countries; applied and/or adaptation research is common. Government budget support is generally adequate to sustain existing infrastructure and to cover salaries to some extent, but is not generally adequate to upgrade laboratories, fund innovative research or even expand existing research. The national agricultural research institutions (NARIs) are frequently co-supported by other donors, such as US Agency for International Development (USAID), Germany’s GTZ, the European Union and the Rockefeller Foundation. International Agricultural Research Centers, such as the International Wheat and Maize Improvement Center (CIMMYT), the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), and the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), also partner with National Agricultural Research Institutions (NARIs), and have local offices and research facilities in-country. In addition, agricultural research organizations, such as ARS, CIRAD (France), CABI, and universities work with NARIs in a variety of cooperative research activities. NARI research is thus enhanced to some extent through these partnerships and linkages. NARIs frequently have existing mechanisms to transfer technologies to end-users, which helps leverage the inputs of external partners. Despite continuing political and financial problems, researchers in Sub-saharan Africa manage to conduct research and publish.
Find out more about ARS’ projects and activities in sub-Saharan Africa
Useful links:
International Agricultural Research Centers of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR/Future Harvest). The following research centers of the CGIAR have either field offices or Headquarters in sub-Saharan Africa:
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The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - works to improve the well-being of people in developing countries by enhancing the diverse and essential contributions livestock make to smallholder farming, focusing on animal health, production, and management issues.
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Regional Organizations. Recognizing the value of pooled resources and coordinated responses, several regional organizations have arisen in Africa over the past several years.
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African Agricultural Technology Foundation. AATF facilitates and promotes partnerships with public and private sector entities to remove barriers that prevent smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa from gaining access to existing agricultural technologies that could help improve food security and reduce poverty. It is based in Africa and is led, managed and directed by Africans. USDA signed an agreement with AATF in 2004.
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