MSSD (Markets and Structural Studies Division) Discussion Paper 53, entitled "Successes in African agriculture: Results of an expert survey", by E. Z. Gabre-Madhin and S. Haggblade, has just been published by the International Food Policy Research Institute (January 2003), one of the 16 research centres supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research . The paper presents an analysis of results of a survey of experts on African agriculture in which they were asked to identify the instances they considered most important in advancing the state of African agriculture. The successes include breakthroughs in maize breeding across Africa, sustained gains in cassava breeding and successful combat of its disease and pests, control of the rinderpest livestock disease, booming horticultural and flower exports in East and Southern Africa and increased cotton production and exports in West Africa. The paper also attempts to identify key ingredients that appear necessary for building on these individual cases and expanding them into broad-based agricultural growth. MSSD Discussion Papers contain preliminary material and research results and are circulated prior to a full peer review in order to stimulate discussion and critical comment. See http://www.ifpri.org/divs/mssd/dp/papers/mssdp53.pdf (320 KB) or contact [email protected] for more information.

01/02/2003