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Agricultural R&D investment and human resource capacity in Nepal grew in recent years in response to increased government funding; nevertheless, much more is needed to address the agricultural sector’s many critical challenges.        

NARC is by far the largest agency conducting agricultural R&D in Nepal, accounting for more than 80 percent of the country’s agricultural R&D investments and human resource capacity in 2012.      

The total number of agricultural researchers in Bangladesh increased considerably in recent years, largely due to a major influx of PhD-qualified scientists at BARI and the agricultural universities.

Agricultural research spending has followed a somewhat erratic trend over time, but the launch of NATP (2009–2014) spurred a marked increase in overall investment levels.

Growing civil unrest caused agricultural R&D spending in Yemen (adjusted for inflation) to fall considerably during 2009–2012.

Turkey’s total number of agricul- tural researchers (in FTEs) grew considerably during 2009–2012. At GDAR agencies, this growth mostly represented increased numbers of MSc-qualified scien- tists, whereas at the universities the increase was predominantly in PhD-qualified scientists.

The 2011 restructuring of Turkey’s agricultural ministry led to a stronger government commit- ment to agricultural R&D, but the level of investment as a share of AgGDP remains relatively low, particularly compared with average shares of most European Union countries.

Based on increased government support, agricultural R&D spending rose by roughly one-third during 2007–2012. At 6.5 percent, Oman’s agricultural research intensity ratio (investment in agricultural research as a share of agricultural GDP) is among the highest in the world, but such high ratios are not uncommon in countries with small populations and relatively high per capita income.

High population growth, deteriorating soils, climate change, and volatile food prices are major factors affecting food security in Africa south of the Sahara (SSA). To respond effectively to these challenges, agricultural productivity in the region needs to be accelerated without delay.

Despite substantial fluctuations in yearly spending patterns, agricultural research spending in The Gambia rose by 25 percent during 2008–2011, primarily due to increased donor funding.

As of 2011, only 9 percent of the country’s agricultural researchers were qualified to the PhD degree level. This share is one of the lowest among African countries and is of concern given that a critical mass of PhD-qualified researchers is necessary to ensure the quality and effectiveness of research.

By virtue of size, Nigeria leads  SSA in terms of agricultural  research capacity and spending levels. Nevertheless, its investment in agricultural research as a share of agricultural GDP has always been quite low (0.33 percent in 2011).

Yearly growth in agricultural R&D spending slowed during 2009–2011 and fluctuated significantly from year to year. The country still needs substantial research-related infrastructure, equipment, and facilities.