Abstract:

With the current government emphasis
on increased productivity and poverty eradication through the
policies of decentralisation, liberalisation commercialisation and private sector involvement, NARO had to
realign its strategic direction. Arising from the strategy and Medium term Plan was the need to respond to
needs of farmers and other key stakeholders. The strategy of decentralisation of research services was
identified as key in involving clients as equal partners. The other one was the need to avail research outputs
to intermediary organisations, service providers and selected end-users (uptake pathways). In an effort to
provide high quality, relevant and effective research outputs, NARO is strengthening its adaptive research
by involving Fanner Research Groups (FRGs) and having location specific research based on the needs of
clients. It is also forging linkages and partnerships as well as encouraging networking.
Preliminary indications of core elements for successfully meeting the clients needs seem to include community
mobilisation and action, partnership between researchers, farmers and extensionists, voluntary participation, active feed back from clients and blending scientific ideas with farmers own knowledge and practices. Farmers' active participation in monitoring and analysing of the changes as well as sharing experiences among themselves had a positive contribution. There arc however, possible challenges from attitudes by all stakeholders at individual, institutional and organisational levels. This calls for a well managed transition to a new paradigm. The incentives particularly in terms of improved livelihoods seem to be low for farmers to
actively participate in the process.