Agricultural Research Policy

Agricultural research is recognized the world over as one of the major catalysts for the development of sustainable agriculture. Agricultural research has characteristics of a public good because much of the knowledge produced is for wider consumption. Therefore in ideal situations, most research should be funded by governments and other relevant stakeholders. Highly developed and industrialized countries still consider agricultural research as vitally important to continued progress and therefore do not leave research to markets alone. Zimbabwe was recognized for its strong agricultural industry and, in the 1980s, the country was widely praised for pursuing sound agricultural policies. Research played an important and critical role in the country’s agricultural success. Development of agricultural research and its impact on the national economy before 1950 was discussed by Weinmann (1975). This chapter traces the historical development of agricultural research and research policies from 1948 to 2003, assesses the impact of new technology on national agricultural development, and suggests changes needed in agricultural research policy for the success of future research and development.