How to Organise Agricultural Research and Technology Transfer: Lessons from India and Nigeria

Is there a “best” way to set up national systems to develop and transfer better agricultural technology? The answer is of particular significance to African countries, which are struggling to solve their food problems. Drawing on a comparison of two developing countries, this article argues that a matrix structure, in which there are multiple organisational links reaching upward and across the system,is essential to propagate new farming technology. Successful restructuring of technology systems along these lines, however, requires political mobilisation of farmers, something few African governments have been willing or able to do.