U.S. – African Agricultural Science Cooperation

From August 2010 until January 2012, CSIS conducted a project on how best to promote exchange on agricultural science between U.S. scientists and policymakers and their African counterparts.  This project grew out of previous work conducted by the CSIS Global Food Security Project which highlighted the challenges to the recognized need for enhanced, focused research on staple crops, and revitalized partnerships with research centers in developing countries, especially in Africa.  The goals of this project include raising the profile of the agricultural research and development agenda; building support for an enhanced public role in agriculture; and bringing scientists together to share ideas around the role of R&D in the United States government’s new food security efforts.  

During the course of the project, CSIS engaged the African and U.S. scientific communities at roundtable discussions focusing on the current nature of agricultural science and research in Africa; public-private partnerships; and, strengthening the African university system.  The project resulted in a report which recommended policy approaches to complement the scientific research and technological development being conducted by centers of excellence in Africa, and to identify ways the U.S. government can facilitate this cooperation in the context of its current pledges.