SCAIN is a new initiative which builds on the SCARDA project and provides support to agricultural research and training organizations in sub-Saharan Africa
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Briefing Papers

In 2007, during the inception phase of SCARDA, a set of Briefing papers were written on five key topics which emerged from discussions with stakeholders.  The topics are cross-cutting issues which it was judged would need to be considered during the implementation of the project.  SCARDA was underpinned by innovation systems thinking and sought to promote gender and diversity equity as part of its change management strategy.  It was recognized that effective communication and information management was essential for modern organizations.  The emerging issue of climate change presents a serious challenge to smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and strongly influences the identification of research and capacity strengthening priorities.   Finally, biotechnology provides useful tools to enhance the efficiency of agricultural research but there is limited information on how they can be used safely and effectively.

 

Access individual Briefing papers below

  • Agricultural Information Management (0)

    This briefing paper aims to raise debate about agricultural information management (AIM) in the CORAF region. It draws attention to initiatives concerned with AIM and sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) from global to local levels. Using these examples, we pose questions as to what AIM is, highlight some key dilemmas, and some promising initiatives that may provide inspiration for debate about information in development.

  • Climate change and agricultural development (0)

    This paper discusses the influence of climate change on smallholder agriculture, with a special focus on West and Central Africa (WCA). The likely impacts of climate change on smallholder farmers are assessed and farmers’ strategies for adapting to these impacts are examined, drawing on examples from the WCA region. Key research and capacity strengthening priorities are identified, that will help to minimize adverse impacts and identify new opportunities. The paper is aimed at all stakeholders in agricultural research for development, because climate change will be one of the central challenges facing agriculture in Africa. References are made to publications that deal with specific topics in more detail and a glossary of terms is provided at the end of the paper.

  • Crop biotechnology and biosafety (0)

    Biotechnology refers to any technique that uses living organisms, or substances derived thereof, to make or modify a product or to improve plants, animals or micro-organisms. This discussion paper will focus on crop biotechnology issues of relevance to West and Central Africa (WCA) and specifically the application of molecular biology techniques to generate higher crop yields or plant varieties that can be grown under adverse conditions. Increased crop yields are necessary to assist Africa to meet its increasing food security needs; the continent’s estimated annual rate of population growth of 2.8% will lead to a doubling of the population in 25 years (see Eicher et al., 2006). In West Africa, agriculture contributes to more than 35% of the region’s GDP (CORAF/WECARD, 2004) and estimates show that a 10% increase in the level of agricultural productivity is associated with a 7.2% reduction in poverty (IFPRI, 2004).

  • Gender and diversity in sustainable agricultural research and innovation: Issues, challenges and the way forward (0)

    Inequality varies across countries and cultures, but women are usually more disadvantaged than men. Gender inequality has huge costs and represents many lost opportunities, not only for women, but for society as a whole. CTA (2000) defines Gender as socially constructed relations between women and men in a particular society. These relations and roles that women and men assume are culturally and institutionally embedded. Society ascribes different roles to men and women and what is considered socially acceptable behaviour is learned by boys and girls as they grow up and is internalised psychologically. Other forms of social difference are also the basis of disadvantage.

  • Agricultural Innovation Systems (0)

    This briefing paper sets out the general concepts and principles of the Agricultural Innovation Systems approach, and its application to agricultural research and development, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. It is not meant to be a comprehensive treatment of the topic, and suggestions for further reading are given at the end of the paper. It is intended for those interested in applying new approaches to research with farmers, NGOs and the private sector that lead to developmental outcomes.