POLICY, MARKETS AND TRADE
In its broadest sense, policy research responds to the demand of policy- and decision-makers for information on how to improve policy, and create the enabling environment for high levels of sustained economic growth in the sector. The policy research strategy informs and influences the approach to policy research adopted by technical research Programmes. The skills needed to establish strong inter-personal links are different from those required for facilitating the articulation of demand for technical research. These skills may not necessarily exist at present and some development and/or enhancing of competencies may be required. Once available they can be used to establish the platforms to facilitate consultation and articulation of demand. Depending on the type of activities and stakeholder groups, it may be necessary to formalise these through written agreements, although this is not be a precondition of involvement. Technical partners in policy research are involved through specific research interventions and the formulation of options to present to the decision makers. These partnerships use conventional tools such as MoU, joint ventures, joint planning and co-financing. A key element of the policy Programme is to ensure that the technical programmes integrate socio-economic issues into their strategies. The new paradigm supports and encourages this Programme on Policy, Trade, Markets, Institutions and Socio-economics. Its creation emphasises CORAF/WECARD’s commitment to these issues and the importance of considering wider influences on agricultural impacts than those arising through technical research alone. This is an area where there has been a paucity of work and activity by CORAF/WECARD constituents within the sub-region. Advocacy is also an element of this programme.
This Programme aims to achieve, for West and Central Africa, sustainable improvements in broad-based productivity, competitiveness and markets through:
- Developing strategic decision-making options for policy, institutions and markets
- Strengthening the sub-regional agricultural research system relevant to policy
- Facilitating and meeting the demand for knowledge relating to agricultural policy, institutions and market options
Due to the current low level of expertise it is likely that the research under this Programme will be mainly commissioned through specialist centres, although scientists within these centres will be obliged to compete for funds. Research partnerships will involve specialized national, regional and international centres, and networking in this way will be supported on a competitive basis.
Generic activities are indicated in the draft logframe (see Annex in Volume 2 of Operational Plan).
Current initiative under this programme – The following projects are being implemented:
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Regional Integration, Market Access and Diversification of Agriculture within the UEMOA zone: Policy Options for Competitive and Sustainable Milk Sub-Sector [Intégration régionale, accès aux marchés et diversification de l’agriculture dans la zone UEMOA : Options politiques pour des filières laitières compétitives et durables]
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Promotion of agricultural products processing technologies in Benin, Togo and Burkina Faso [Promotion des technologies de transformation de produits agricoles au Bénin, Togo et Burkina-Faso]
Programme Manager: Dr. Mbene Dieye FAYE