Previous page | New search |
The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here
Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | The Role of Private Sector Agricultural Research and Development in Southern Africa: A Case Study of Sugarcane |
Author: | Donovan, P.A. |
Year: | 1995 |
Periodical: | African Rural and Urban Studies |
Volume: | 2 |
Issue: | 2-3 |
Pages: | 29-50 |
Language: | English |
Geographic terms: | South Africa Zimbabwe |
Subjects: | agricultural development agricultural research privatization Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Economics and Trade Development and Technology Bibliography/Research |
Abstract: | Public support of agricultural research and development (R&D) is under stress in many countries in southern Africa, and many governments and donors are raising questions about the feasibility of privatizing agricultural research. Using the model of the South African Sugar Association's Experiment Station, this paper makes a case for the privatization of agricultural commodity R&D in southern Africa. A history of agricultural R&D is followed by an examination of private agricultural R&D in Africa in the fields of tea and tobacco. In this respect, attention is also paid to the Agricultural Research Trust of Zimbabwe. Next, the paper deals with the South African Sugar Association's Experiment Station (Mount Edgecombe, South Africa), which started operations in 1925. It discusses its establishment, early policy decisions, funding, mission and objectives, management and culture, and costs and returns on R&D. In conclusion, the advantages and disadvantages of private-sector R&D are examined. Bibliogr., notes. |