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This in response to the previously circulated message, seemingly from D Dalrymple although it was not clear. Demand or supply led research? To me what should be informing research priorities is the impact which work will have upon the economic performance of the agricultural sector in the country/region/agroecological zone or what ever which it is serving. Thus, for instance relatively long term work on developing disease resistant varieties could have an enormous positive impact while being relatively long term. Conversely, working out how to apply chemicals more efficiently could also have a significant impact, but shorter term. Cannot economics as I have previously suggested for extension for those also reading the growth and poverty stream, not also be a very useful too in setting and managing research priorities? I know that agricultural economists are out of fashion, but we do have utility! Is this a thread of work which DfID could usefully introduce to its clients at home and abroad through consultancy, training, courses, application to project appraisal, monitoring and evaluation etc? Thank you James Biscoe 29/4/04 1045hrs
Please visit dfid-agriculture-consultation.nri.org.