3 6 S O U T H E R N A F R I C A N D E V E L O P M E N T C O M M U N I T Y the development of agriculture and the sustainable 3.4.3.3 utilization of natural resources; and the development of Challenges in Current Policies and Strategies measures to alleviate poverty with a view to its ultimate • Lack of a market-oriented smallholder production eradication. The question is how effectively have these system where research is market led, demand met the strategic priorities. driven and follows the commodity chain approach; Agricultural Research and Training has provided a • Poor research-extension-farmer linkages, amelio- platform for closer interaction and collaboration between ration of which would improve the transfer and National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and adoption of technology; scientists within and outside the region. In addition, the • Need for policies and strategies to offset the high overall research capacity has been strengthened through rate of natural resource degradation, focusing on regional soil, water and biodiversity; interventions focused on training and networking. A key latent achievement has been the • Focusing research on soil fertility improvements, provision of an environment for researchers to remain on soil and water management, development of the knowledge and technology frontiers, and increased irrigation, promotion of integrated livestock – wildlife-crop production systems, and development efficiency in the utilization of the resources for of drought mitigation strategies; agricultural research. However the success of regional research inter- • farmers' organizations to support agricultural pro- ventions has directly depended on the performance of the NARS that has been constrained by limited capacity, especially in terms of size, funding and human resources, and weak linkages with local and international partner institutions. Strengthening the capacities of institutions and duction systems; • Information and communication for rural development; and • Integration of a gender perspective in agricultural research and training. The expansion of the mandate of Agricultural Research and Training from the original focus on coordinating research on food crops to research in 3.4.4 CROPS agriculture and natural resources, and the co-ordination of advanced professional training in agriculture, has not 3.4.4.1 been matched by increases in research activities in these Review of the Current Policies and Strategies areas and there has not been clear articulation of The ultimate objective of the sector is to promote the Agricultural Research and Training strategies in the same. production, protection, processing, storage and utilization As a result, Agricultural Research and Training has not of all crops, including perennial ones, as a means of been visible in initiating research on indigenous technical knowledge or guided research on emerging issues, such as biotechnology and intellectual property rights in indigenous flora and fauna. Furthermore, whereas Agricultural Research and Training has made progress in enhancing food security and promoting regional and global trade and economic development in the region. The immediate objective is to enhance regional co-operation through the development of coherent regional policies and programmes related to crop production, protection, storage, processing, utilization and trade. its crop research project and the gene bank, there has The strategies are to improve the availability of been limited promotion of research in indigenous agricultural inputs in order to improve crop production; in vegetables, which play a significant role in the diets of conjunction with the Water Sector, implement efficient rural people, and in floriculture, which is a major foreign use of water in irrigation; harmonize programmes related exchange earner in some countries. to sanitary and phytosanitary issues; harmonize the control of crop pests; and improve the distribution, marketing and availability of seeds.