Skip to main content
Log in

Agricultural research networks in sub-Saharan Africa: An analysis of the situation and its consequences

  • Published:
Knowledge and Policy

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to compare the theory and reality of agricultural research networks in sub-Saharan Africa. Networking is a mode of organization that generally suits the new environmental conditions. The analysis of the agricultural research network environment in sub-Saharan Africa shows that when institutional networks started to proliferate, human and institutional conditions were not yet ripe. This explained some of the problems. Nowadays, conditions have improved. Despite all difficulties, networks have contributed to creating a scientific community, have participated in apportioning and even harmonizing research activities, and have made it possible to maintain research activities in countries going through a crisis.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Allen, T. J., & Cohen (1969). Information Flow in Research and Development Laboratories.Administrative Science Quarterly, 14:12–19.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amigues, J. P. (1993). Les développements récents de la théorie économique des contrats.Problèmes économiques, 2348:12–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boulanger, P., & Perelman G. (1990).Le réseau et l’infini: quatorze scénarios pour réconcilier les distances dans l’entreprise et ailleurs. Paris: Nathan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bossuyt, J., Laporte G., & van Hoek, F. (1992). Une nouvelle voie pour la coopération technique en Afrique. Comment améliorer les résultats sur le plan du renforcement des capacités. ECDPM étude spéciale.

  • Butera, F. (1991).La métamorphose de l’organisation: du chateau au réseau. Paris: Editions de l’Organisation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Callon, M. (Ed.). (1989).La science et ses réseaux: genèse et circulation des faits scientifiques. Paris: Editions de la Découverte.

    Google Scholar 

  • Conseil Supérieur de la Recherche et de la Technologie (CSRT) (1993). Rapport annuel sur l’évaluation de la politique nationale de recherche et de développement technologique. Les réseaux: un contre-modèle? (Chap. X).

  • Contant, R. B., & Merlet J.F. (1994). Regional Research Cooperation and Priority Setting.ISNAR Internal document.

  • Crozier, M., & Friedberg E. (1977).L’acteur et le système. Paris: Editions du Seuil.

    Google Scholar 

  • Curien N., (Ed.) (1992).Economie et management des entreprises en réseau. Paris: ENSPTT, Economica.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davies, T. (1994). Some Historical Successes—Regional Approaches—Networks and Priority Setting. Paper presented at the Regional Priority Setting Round Table. ISNAR, The Hague, 18–20 April, 1994.

  • Eyzaguirre, P. (1992). The Role of Agricultural Research Networks in Small Countries. Paper presented at the International Workshop on Management Strategies and Policies for Agricultural Research in Small Countries. Réduit, Mauritius, 20 April–2 May, 1992.

  • Houssou, M. (1992). Les réseaux et le système national de recherche agricole: le cas de la direction de la recherche agronomique du Bénin. Paper presented at the International Workshop on Management Strategies and Policies for Agricultural Research in Small Countries. Réduit, Mauritius, 20 April–2 May, 1992.

  • de Lattre, M. (1990). La gestion stratégique des relations des instituts de recherche avec leur environnement. Le cas des instituts de recherche du Cameroun et du Sénégal. Thèse de doctorat. Paris.

  • Matlon, P. (1994). Regionalization of Agricultural Research: The Concept, Benefits and Obstacles. Draft paper for comment. Prepared for SPAAR Networking Working Group, February.

  • De Meyer A. (1993). Management of an International Network of Industrial R&D Laboratories.R&D management.

  • Miles R. E., & Snow C.C. (1992). Causes of Failure in Network Organizations.California Management Review, (35)2: 53–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Plucknett, D. L., Ozgediz S., & Smith N.J. (1991). Assessing Current and Potential IARC/NARS Networks: A Focus on Institutional Impact. In: Assessing the Impact of International Agricultural Research for Sustainable Development. Proceedings from a Symposium at Cornell University.

  • Plucknett, D. L., Smith N.J., & Ozgediz S. (1990). International Agricultural Research. A database of Networks.CGIAR study paper, 26.

  • Prométhée (1992). Networks and Markets: More than a Marriage of Convenience. Project Prométhée Perspectives. Study group report no. 21.

  • Snow, C. C., Miles R.E., & Coleman H.J. (1992). Managing 21st Century Network Organizations.Organizational Dynamics, 5–19.

  • Thorelli, H. B. (1986). Networks: Between Markets and Hierarchies.Strategic Management Journal, 7:37–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tushman, M. L., & Katz R. (1980). External Communication and Project Performance: An Investigation into the Roles of Gatekeepers.Management Science, 26 (11): 1071–1085.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tushman, M. L., & Nadler D. (1986). Organizing for Innovation.California Management Review, 28(3): 74–92.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

Marie de Lattre-Gasquet is a researcher from the Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD), in France. Within the external relations directorate of CIRAD, she has been responsible for the relationships between CIRAD and international organizations. She has also actively participated in the preparation of CIRAD’s long-term strategy. She worked for the International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR) in The Netherlands from 1983 to 1985. She holds a Master in International Management (AGSIM, Thunderbird Campus) and a Doctorate in Economy (Université de Paris X).

He is mostly working on the agricultural research networks in sub-Saharan Africa. He holds a diploma from the Institut National d’Agronomie—Paris Grignon.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

de Lattre-Gasquet, M., Merlet, J.F. Agricultural research networks in sub-Saharan Africa: An analysis of the situation and its consequences. Knowledge and Policy 9, 36–48 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02832232

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02832232

Keywords

Navigation