Agricultural Biotechnology Research in Sub-Saharan Africa

Technology development is a crucial issue for economic development in Sub-Saharan African countries. However, various studies indicate that infrastructure, institutions and human capital in the region are insufficient to close technology gap. Investments in education and science development are fundamental to increase the capacity for countries in the region to both develop innovations and effectively absorb technology transfer. It is especially important for the agricultural sector, which many countries of the region highly depend on. A number of research facilities financed by the state and foreign entities conduct the research in order to change this situation. In this paper current research on biotechnology in African countries is analyzed. The institutional character, areas of research and funding mechanisms of the research institutions contributing to agricultural sector technological advancements were examined. Also the environmental factors, such as legal framework and cultural and social values for the biotechnology research in the region were explored. Literature review and the qualitative analysis of data on research facilities and the papers from the region were applied in the research. An inductive approach was adopted in the analyses of the data.