Africa-EU research collaboration on food security: A Critical Analysis of the Scope, Coordination and Uptake of Findings
This report (PDF) by CAAST-NET Plus presents the key findings from an analysis of research cooperation between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. Two issues were investigated: first, the extent to which joint EU-SSA research cooperation has impacted on Africa-EU joint FNS priorities; and, second, the extent to which research outputs have been used in policy-making and implementation, are contributing to knowledge generation, and supporting innovation in products, processes and markets for increasing impact on FNS outcomes. The report has identified gaps in the capacities and funding for Africa-Europe food security research collaborations, and the need to strengthen such networks and research uptake. An important finding is that there is little involvement in research of large businesses and small-scale farmers, which hinders research adaptation. Important recommendations include: 1) Strengthen research networking and priority setting by establishing a high-level Africa-EU think tank; 2) Scientific publications should not only be published in peer-reviewed journals but also converted into policy briefs and working papers for wider dissemination to other stakeholders so as to better influence policies and programmes; and 3) Joint research priorities should be co-funded and co-owned.