Scoping Study: Africa-Britain-China (ABC) Agricultural Technology Research Collaborations for International Development - Executive Summary

This study recommends an approach for the design of a future programme.

Abstract

The prospective Africa-Britain-China (ABC) trilateral agricultural technology (agri-tech) research programme has the potential to contribute to Africa’s agricultural transformation. Research, development, adaptation, and adoption of sustainable agri-tech solutions will help Africa meet the future demands and challenges of the agricultural sector. A strong and growing agricultural sector will in turn help feed Africa’s growing population and contribute to an expected $1 trillion agri-food industry by 2030. However, significant gaps still exist in agricultural research and development (R&D), which this should be addressed by mobilising public, private, and academic research expertise to develop and scale up new agricultural technologies that support critical value chains in Africa.

In this Scoping Study, a consortium formed by Elsevier BV, Development Finance International and CABI recommends an approach for the design of a future programme. This Study employed a programmatic and iterative approach, using skilled experts with global networks, and a deep knowledge of current and past global agricultural programmes. The consortium conducted a comprehensive assessment including: (i) bibliometric analysis of peer-reviewed and non-peer reviewed scientific publications, (ii) a desk-based review of key strategy, policy, investment, and programme documents, (iii) consultations with 157 stakeholders across Africa, Britain, and China, and (iv) four consultative workshops. The findings from these investigations are synthesised in this report, feeding into four programme design options and into the key decision points.

Citation

Anon. Scoping Study: Africa-Britain-China (ABC) Agricultural Technology Research Collaborations for International Development - Executive Summary. Elsevier BV, Amsterdam, Netherlands (2016) 4 pp.

Scoping Study: Africa-Britain-China (ABC) Agricultural Technology Research Collaborations for International Development - Executive Summary

Published 1 January 2016