Development and promotion of integrated CROPS PRODUCT value chains.
Efforts to increase crop productivity, frequently hampered by poor quality and high cost of inputs, remains a major preoccupation of producers. Whilst some of the input-related problems can be addressed through biophysical research interventions, others are dependent on the development of appropriate policies, the absence of which acts as disincentives to producers. Poor infrastructure, narrow product range targeting limited markets and poor marketing strategies have continued to slow the rate of commercialization of crop-based enterprises. In addition, meeting the stringent market requirement of crop products to facilitate trade has affected profitability and productivity. Increasingly, the profitability of the crops sub-sector products requires improved accessibility to both internal and external markets.
Dependency on rain-fed agriculture which in most places is inadequate and unreliable has also created fluctuations in production and supply of agricultural products. Little has been done to exploit the irrigation potential in the country. Across all crop production agro-ecosystems, management of diseases, pests and weeds requires integrated approaches that are both crop and agro-ecology specific, affordable and environment friendly. Erosion of genetic biodiversity and low adoption of improved crop varieties and associated technologies have impacted negatively on efforts to address issues on food security and wealth creation
The crops thematic area of research will be expected to contribute to the attainment of the overall institutional purpose through the attainment of its purpose of generating and promoting crops.
knowledge, information and technologies that respond to clients’ demands and opportunities. This purpose will be delivered through the attainment of the following five results:
(i) Technologies and innovations for demand-driven crops product value chains generated and promoted;
(ii) Markets and marketing strategies for crops product value chains developed and promoted;
(iii) Policy options for enhancing demand-driven crops product value chains facilitated and advocated;
(iv) Capacity for implementing integrated crops product value chains research strengthened;
(v) Availability of knowledge, information and technologies on crops product value chains research enhanced.
In order to contribute significantly to the attainment of the institutional purpose, the crops thematic area of research will be structured into two broad based and interrelated research programmes as outlined below. Each of the research programmes will be expected to contribute to the attainment of the five crops thematic area of research results.
(i) Development and promotion of integrated food crops and crop health product value chains;
(ii) Development and promotion of integrated horticulture and tree crops product value chains.
