Scientific, technical & research commission (OAU/STRC)

Abstract

Research into Food Grains in the semi-arid regions of Africa has been carried out under the auspices of the Scientific Technical Research Commission of the Organization of African Unity for the past eight years. The co-ordination of research activities is effected by the Co-ordination Office headed by an International Co-ordinator and assisted by a Director of Research. Until 1982, the entire research activity was undertaken by International Agricultural Research Centres-namely IITA and ICRISAT while Purdue University pioneered Farming Systems Research in Burkina Faso. IFAD's Technical Assistance Grant (No. 110) to OAU/STRC in 1983 provided funds for strengthening the Co-ordination office and for the employment of scientists now working in three SAFGRAD countries: the Northern area of the Republic of Benin (INA), Northern part of the Republic of Cameroon (Marua) and in Burkina Faso (Kamboinse). These scientists are responsible for the identification of appropriate technologies best suited for small farmers of the semi-arid regions of Africa. These technologies in turn are used to strengthen national farming systems research. The scientists are integrated with the national Agricultural Research Systems so that they ensure that the newly generated technologies are implemented at the national level. This report gives a comprehensive account of SAFGRAD's Farming Systems Research component and some of the early results obtained by scientists working with agronomic practices in three selected rural areas of the semi-arid regions of Africa. Management of the project's FSR component is effected through a Project Management Committee which. Includes representatives of OAU/STRC, USAID, FAC/IRAT, FSU/PU, IITA and IF AD, as well as by the Project Co-ordination Office, while management of funds is carried out by two internationally qualified accountants.