OAR@ICRISATImpacts of sorghum and millet research in West and Central Africa (WCA): A synthesis and lessons learnt. Working Paper Series no. 22YCamaraauthorM C SBantilanauthorJNdjeungaauthorIn a time of increasing scrutiny about the usefulness of investments in agricultural research, impact assessment studies assist to demonstrate the value of continued investments in research. Lessons learnt from impact assessments can be used to improve future research strategies, plans and management. This paper reviews and synthesizes the findings of various studies on the adoption and impact of the research on sorghum and millet technologies in West and Central Africa (WCA). The review covers Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Nigeria and Niger, where relatively more breeding research has been conducted. Furthermore, the information presented in this paper is mainly drawn from the diffusion and impacts of varieties generated by ICRISAT and the national agricultural research systems (NARS) of WCA. Findings from reviewed studies show that returns to research (and diffusion) investments are quite high, but the performance varies across countries. These results could be of use to policy makers, donors and other scientists within the region of WCA. This fundamental information about the levels of adoption and impact of sorghum and millet is critical for priority setting and impact assessment. However, the results of the studies reviewed also indicate that if improved technology is to make a meaningful impact at the farm level, it must be accompanied by at least three complementary factors: (1) an effective extension service, (2) an efficient inputs distribution system, and (3) appropriate economic incentives.MilletsSorghum2005International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid TropicsMonograph

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