Challenges and experiences of Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) in making agricultural research work for end-users in Nigeria

The study reviewed the role of agricultural research in policy making for agricultural development in Nigeria. It specifically identified the salient challenges associated with making agricultural research work for end-users in Nigeria and proffered some solutions using the example of some initiatives implemented by the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, ARCN. The major end-users of agricultural research in Nigeria identified include: Research scientists and organizations, training and extension agents/organizations, farmers, industries (producers, consumers and cooperative organizations and policy makers). The major challenges identified include: issues with Funding of research and extension systems, Weak linkage between research, extension and farmers/industries, absence of appropriate communication Strategies and Conflicting expectations from research by various end-user groups. The study noted that the barriers to making agricultural research work for end-users must be addressed via multiple actions at all fronts. The experience of ARCN demonstrated that involvement of end-users in the process of technologies development to solve their challenges enhanced their sense of ownership and makes them more receptive. It has also be confirmed that multi-pronged approach to dissemination of agricultural research results would contribute significantly to making research technologies work for the end-users.