Research, Extension and Training

The long-term solution for improving agricultural performance in countries lies largely in the transformation of the agricultural sector through effective national agricultural research, extension, education and communication systems capable of generating, adapting and disseminating productivity enhancing technologies. In order for those institutions to function effectively and to address clients needs, it is imperative that they actively involve both public and private stakeholders, establish appropriate linkages in particular with marketing, credit and farmer organizations, and develop cost-effective, gender-sensitive, and participatory approaches and methodologies.

Agricultural research has been a major factor in increasing global food production by 80 percent since the mid-1960s, with more than half that increase occurring in the developing countries. Yields of maize, wheat and rice more than doubled in many regions during the period 1960-94 as a result of the introduction of improved varieties, irrigation, fertilizer and improved crop management. There was concomitant introduction of improved breeds and varieties of livestock, fish and trees. Agricultural research has also reduced the need for fertilizers and pesticides through approaches such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Plant Nutrition Systems. The resulting process of technology innovation must be seen as a continuum to ensure sustained interaction of all elements involved in research planning, technology generation, adaptation, validation transfer, dissemination and utilization. This integrative and holistic approach requires the full participation of all stakeholders.

FAO assists Member Countries in building and strengthening their capabilities in technology development, assessment and transfer of improved sustainable production systems. FAO is also helping Member Governments to restructure their agricultural research institutions to keep pace with new developments, achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness and better contribute to development agendas. Projects for strengthening agricultural extension, education and training of agricultural workers and farmers are formulated focusing separately on individual technical subject matter areas or in a multidisciplinary format.

 

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