Agriculture is the engine for improved rural livelihoods and economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Recognizing this, African political leaders have positioned agriculture at the center of their new vision for the future of the continent. In full support of this vision, the SSA agricultural research and development community has called for regional agricultural production to grow at an annual rate of 6% through 2020. The African vision for agricultural research and development envisages that by 2020, the region should:

• have dynamic agricultural markets among nations and between regions;

• be a net exporter of agricultural products;

• have food availability and affordability, equitable distribution of wealth;

• be a strategic player in agricultural science and technology development;

• have a culture of sustainable use of the natural resource base.

The target level of agricultural growth can not be achieved without a focused and market-driven technology development and transfer system, an enabling policy environment, and effective institutions.

The following initiatives are part of this new vision for Sub-Saharan Africa:

Perhaps the most significant development in this field in the last decade is the recognition that participatory research can be done well or not, and that it matters. Beyond the mere presence or absence of participatory methods, the character and quality of participatory research can affect the health and well-being of people and ecosystems. There can be serious social, economic and ecological consequences of participatory research done badly. Even a good participatory process does not guarantee successful production, conservation and empowerment outcomes. Just as with the choice of research designs within a more traditional set of options, the wrong approach – otherwise well implemented – can lead to problems. The question of professional standards and accountability, while seemingly mundane, even petty, is crucial to improving the process and the results of participatory research.

Dianne Rocheleau