The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in Promoting Agriculture, Agro-Industry and Agribusiness in Africa

Abstract

This contribution starts with an identification of the three major economic problems of Africa. These are the stagnation of yields in African agriculture, the deindustrialization with regard of manufactures production, and the marginalization of trade in respect of manufactured exports. These three negative trends are also prevalent along the value chain from production of agricultural raw materials to agroindustries and the services produced by agribusiness. The situation of agriculture, agro-industry and agribusiness in Africa is unsatisfactory; so far all attempts from national, regional and international actors have failed to reverse these negative trends. This is a surprise in so far as it is assumed that Africa is richly endowed with land and agricultural resources so that it has a clear comparative advantage in these areas.