INTEGRATING AGRICULTURAL-RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-TRANSFER

Many agricultural technology systems in developing countries fail to make sufficient and relevant technologies available to farmers. This stems, in part, from poor linkages between research and technology transfer components. Attempts to improve these linkages include reorganizing research or extension units and creating special linkage units. This paper argues that the key constraint to effectiveness is the lack of a true system perspective with shared goals, synergy, systemwide leadership, accountability and partnership with farmers. A 'chain-link' approach to technology generation and transfer can strengthen these features in agricultural technology systems.