The linkage between technology transfer and productivity gains in agriculture Andrea Sonnino FAO -Research and Extension Division Rome, Italy Rome, Italy 28 th Session of the WG on Trade and Transfer of Technology Geneva – 14 July 2009

Yield increase of selected crops in developing countries (% over previous period)

Food production increased faster than population over the past 30 years

Development of agricultural production The Green Revolution allowed to feed 6.4 billion people,The Green Revolution allowed to feed 6.4 billion people, improved the livelihoods of several million farmersimproved the livelihoods of several million farmers saved landsaved land increased per capita food availability > 18% from mid ’90s.increased per capita food availability > 18% from mid ’90s. But: 1,020 million still undernourished1,020 million still undernourished 1,2 billion absolute poor1,2 billion absolute poor Vast areas excludedVast areas excluded Natural resources base erodedNatural resources base eroded

Food demand is growing as result of growth of population, per capita food consumption % +11% +70%

... and a shift towards a more nutritious and balanced diet

The growing food demand will be met mainly by increased yields

Leveraging existing assets and knowledge base Improving Research SystemsImproving Research Systems Modernizing the Technical Advisory ServicesModernizing the Technical Advisory Services Building research – extension – farmers linkagesBuilding research – extension – farmers linkages Exploiting the potential of ICTsExploiting the potential of ICTs Bridging yield gaps Protecting yield gains Minimizing post- harvest losses Diversifying and adding value to agricultural products Improving access to market

Exploitable yield gaps: actual versus obtainable yields Wheat (high input, suitable land, rain-fed) Germany Ukraine USA Turkey Argentina Iran Ethiopia Brazil Tanzania t/ha Potential Actual source: FAO (2002)

Generating knowledge to improve productivity and sustainability Exploiting the molecular biology advances to improve plant varietiesExploiting the molecular biology advances to improve plant varieties Genetic improvement of animal and fishGenetic improvement of animal and fish Good agronomic practices to manage water availability and soil fertilityGood agronomic practices to manage water availability and soil fertility Integrated control of animal and plant pest and diseasesIntegrated control of animal and plant pest and diseases Redirecting R&D towards the needs of the poorRedirecting R&D towards the needs of the poor Enhancing yield ceilings managing the natural resources base promoting adaptation to climate change and disaster preparedness seeking congruence of productivity, profitability and equity

More investments in Agricultural R&D are needed Spending in Agricultural R&D

Insufficient and unstable investments in R&D are only a part of the problem: Full participation of farmersFull participation of farmers coherent research and extension policiescoherent research and extension policies enabling regulationsenabling regulations strengthened institutionsstrengthened institutions skilled human capacitiesskilled human capacities adequate infrastructuresadequate infrastructures Capacity buildingCapacity building

Summary and conclusions Message 1: Technical innovation in agriculture allowed to feed the growing population, but leaving some problems unresolvedMessage 1: Technical innovation in agriculture allowed to feed the growing population, but leaving some problems unresolved Message 2: Agricultural production should increase 70% by 2050 to meet the increasing food demand, by using an eroded resources base, and facing environmental challengesMessage 2: Agricultural production should increase 70% by 2050 to meet the increasing food demand, by using an eroded resources base, and facing environmental challenges Message 3: this target can be achieved mainly by rising crop yields:Message 3: this target can be achieved mainly by rising crop yields: –making available to farmers existing technologies –developing new technologies –improving innovation systems Message 4: sustained investments and capacity building are crucial to exploit the potential of traditional and new knowledgeMessage 4: sustained investments and capacity building are crucial to exploit the potential of traditional and new knowledge