Analysis into the effectiveness of the provincial agricultural research systems of KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: With the advent of Globalisation, the need for improved competitiveness illagriculture, as in all sectors, has become increasingly important in obtainingsatisfactory levels of growth and development. International producers are competingfor South African markets while local producers must not only defend these markets,but also seek out opportunities globally. Agricultural research has been identified asone of the more important agricultural support services contributing towards the goalof increased competitiveness. Innovation and new technology are central towardsachieving satisfactory competitiveness, and in order for these to be adequatelyavailable, the agricultural research system in place must be effective and efficient inits tasks and responsibilities.The objective of this study was to determine whether or not the agricultural researchsystems of KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape conform to the current challengespresented by the market, technology and economic environments. The effectivenessand efficiency of these systems regarding structural interactions, research investmentsand the involvement of the private sector was critically analysed with regard to thestakeholders within the system, namely: producers, co-operatives, private sectoragribusiness companies and agricultural research institutes. The findings arediscussed in terms of their implications for the agricultural sectors concerned andrecommendations made for potential improvements and future areas of research.It was found that most of the structural interactions between the various stakeholdersinvestigated were conducted inefficiently and have thus resulted in a lack ofcooperation, poor relationship building, and sub-optimum productivity and growth.Furthermore, it was established that investment in agricultural research is too low.Although research expenditure growth rates and expenditure per fulltime researcherare high, most of the growth rates are on the decline and most of the organizations donot employ fulltime researchers, while the actual total amounts invested are low.Investment in market research for current products is satisfactory, while investment inmarket research prior to conducting research is poor. Finally, increased private sectorinvolvement has not been realized. Incentives for greater private sector involvementbased on profitability, have not been adequately developed. Of those companies whohave recognized the need for increased commitment to research, all but one havepredicted zero to low increases in research expenditure for the future, while currentresearch expenditures are also low.There are many areas in which the agricultural research systems of the two provincesconcerned must improve. A culture inductive of greater research spending and privatesector participation should be fostered to overcome the causes and motives behindthese problem areas. Currently, the research systems investigated seem incapable ofeffectively and efficiently supplying the agricultural sectors concerned with the muchneeded new technologies, innovations and research management necessary toadequately increase competitiveness. However, if all the shortcomings of the systemare recognized and a new demand driven orientation adopted, the research systems ofSouth Africa will in the future be more likely to promote increased productivity andgrowth in agriculture through greater competitiveness.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University