Agribusiness and Innovation Systems in Africa

Marc Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index. Table of Contents: Preface -- Contributors -- Acknowledgments -- Abbreviations -- Part I. Introduction and Main Messages / Ronald Kim, Kurt Larsen, Florian Theus -- Agriculture and Development -- The Sub-Saharan African Context and Focus of the Book -- A Changing Landscape -- Agricultural Innovation Systems -- Agribusiness, Value Chains, and Public Policies -- Main Messages -- Notes -- References -- I. Value Chains, Innovation, and Public Policies in African Agriculture: A Synthesis of Four Country Studies / John Lynam, Florian Theus -- Agricultural Innovation Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Value Chains -- Agricultural Innovation Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: Beyond the Value Chains-Support Structures and Services and the Intermediary Domain -- Agricultural Innovation Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Impact of Public Policies and Institutions on Agribusiness Innovation -- Conclusion -- Notes -- References -- Part II. The Agribusiness Country Reports -- 2. Ghana: Cassava, Cocoa, and Poultry / George Essegbey -- Executive Summary -- Background and Policy Context -- An Overview of the Subsectors and Their Value Chains -- Innovation in the Subsectors: Innovations within the Value Chains -- Support Structures and Services -- Coordination within the Innovation System: The Systems Approach -- Public Policy Influence on Agribusiness Innovations -- Conclusion and Summary of Recommendations -- Notes -- References -- 3. Kenya: Maize, Tomato, and Dairy / Hannington Odame, Philliph Musyoka, Joseph Kere -- Executive Summary -- Introduction to Kenya's Agricultural Sector -- Overview of the Subsectors, their Value Chains, and Innovations -- Links and Coordination within the Innovation System -- Public Policy Influence on Agribusiness Innovations -- Conclusion -- References -- 4. Tanzania: Sunflower, Cassava, and Dairy / Joseph Mpagalile, Romanus Ishengoma, Peter Gillah -- Background Information -- Overview of the Subsectors, their Value Chains, and Innovations -- Further Aspects of Innovation Related to all Subsectors -- Support Structures and Services -- Coordination among Key Actors of the Innovation System -- The Impact of Policies -- Conclusion -- Notes -- References -- 5. Uganda: Fish, Bananas, and Vegetables / Paul Kibwika, Florence Birung Kyazze, Maria Nassuna Musoke -- Background -- Innovation across the Value Chains -- Links among Key Actors of the Innovation System -- Policy Influence on Agribusiness -- Conclusion -- Notes -- References -- Appendix. Survey Questionnaire -- Design -- The List of Interview Questions -- Note -- Reference -- Index. Publisher Marketing: This book examines how agricultural innovation arises in four African countries Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda through the lens of agribusiness, public policies, and specific value chains for food staples, high value products, and livestock. Determinants of innovation are not viewed individually but within the context of a complex agricultural innovation system involving many actors and interactions. The volume is based on qualitative interviews with agribusiness representatives that were designed to shed light on their experiences on public policies that either enhances or impedes innovation in Africa s agriculture sector. Following are the volume's main messages on policies, institutions and strategies that nurture innovation in the agriculture sector: 1) agribusiness innovation is in many cases driven by the need to maintain grades and standards within the value chain, not only in the case of export markets, but also in evolving domestic and urban markets and value chains; 2) that staple food sector has potential to be a source of growth, innovation and poverty reduction; 3) successes in value chain innovation and agribusiness production depend critically on the structure of the whole agricultural innovation system and are highly context specific; 4) especially successful innovation were dependent on creating synergies between market-based and knowledge-based interactions and strong linkages within and beyond the value chain; and 5) the public sector s innovation support has to extend to interactions, collective action and broader public-private partnership programs. This book will be of interest to policymakers, agribusiness leaders, farmer organizations, NGOs, and researchers." Review Citations: Choice 02/01/2010 (EAN 9780821379448, Paperback) Reference and Research Bk News 11/01/2009 pg. 116 (EAN 9780821379448, Paperback)