Abstract
The purpose of this article is to compare the theory and reality of agricultural research networks in sub-Saharan Africa. Networking is a mode of organization that generally suits the new environmental conditions. The analysis of the agricultural research network environment in sub-Saharan Africa shows that when institutional networks started to proliferate, human and institutional conditions were not yet ripe. This explained some of the problems. Nowadays, conditions have improved. Despite all difficulties, networks have contributed to creating a scientific community, have participated in apportioning and even harmonizing research activities, and have made it possible to maintain research activities in countries going through a crisis.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Allen, T. J., & Cohen (1969). Information Flow in Research and Development Laboratories.Administrative Science Quarterly, 14:12–19.
Amigues, J. P. (1993). Les développements récents de la théorie économique des contrats.Problèmes économiques, 2348:12–16.
Boulanger, P., & Perelman G. (1990).Le réseau et l’infini: quatorze scénarios pour réconcilier les distances dans l’entreprise et ailleurs. Paris: Nathan.
Bossuyt, J., Laporte G., & van Hoek, F. (1992). Une nouvelle voie pour la coopération technique en Afrique. Comment améliorer les résultats sur le plan du renforcement des capacités. ECDPM étude spéciale.
Butera, F. (1991).La métamorphose de l’organisation: du chateau au réseau. Paris: Editions de l’Organisation.
Callon, M. (Ed.). (1989).La science et ses réseaux: genèse et circulation des faits scientifiques. Paris: Editions de la Découverte.
Conseil Supérieur de la Recherche et de la Technologie (CSRT) (1993). Rapport annuel sur l’évaluation de la politique nationale de recherche et de développement technologique. Les réseaux: un contre-modèle? (Chap. X).
Contant, R. B., & Merlet J.F. (1994). Regional Research Cooperation and Priority Setting.ISNAR Internal document.
Crozier, M., & Friedberg E. (1977).L’acteur et le système. Paris: Editions du Seuil.
Curien N., (Ed.) (1992).Economie et management des entreprises en réseau. Paris: ENSPTT, Economica.
Davies, T. (1994). Some Historical Successes—Regional Approaches—Networks and Priority Setting. Paper presented at the Regional Priority Setting Round Table. ISNAR, The Hague, 18–20 April, 1994.
Eyzaguirre, P. (1992). The Role of Agricultural Research Networks in Small Countries. Paper presented at the International Workshop on Management Strategies and Policies for Agricultural Research in Small Countries. Réduit, Mauritius, 20 April–2 May, 1992.
Houssou, M. (1992). Les réseaux et le système national de recherche agricole: le cas de la direction de la recherche agronomique du Bénin. Paper presented at the International Workshop on Management Strategies and Policies for Agricultural Research in Small Countries. Réduit, Mauritius, 20 April–2 May, 1992.
de Lattre, M. (1990). La gestion stratégique des relations des instituts de recherche avec leur environnement. Le cas des instituts de recherche du Cameroun et du Sénégal. Thèse de doctorat. Paris.
Matlon, P. (1994). Regionalization of Agricultural Research: The Concept, Benefits and Obstacles. Draft paper for comment. Prepared for SPAAR Networking Working Group, February.
De Meyer A. (1993). Management of an International Network of Industrial R&D Laboratories.R&D management.
Miles R. E., & Snow C.C. (1992). Causes of Failure in Network Organizations.California Management Review, (35)2: 53–72.
Plucknett, D. L., Ozgediz S., & Smith N.J. (1991). Assessing Current and Potential IARC/NARS Networks: A Focus on Institutional Impact. In: Assessing the Impact of International Agricultural Research for Sustainable Development. Proceedings from a Symposium at Cornell University.
Plucknett, D. L., Smith N.J., & Ozgediz S. (1990). International Agricultural Research. A database of Networks.CGIAR study paper, 26.
Prométhée (1992). Networks and Markets: More than a Marriage of Convenience. Project Prométhée Perspectives. Study group report no. 21.
Snow, C. C., Miles R.E., & Coleman H.J. (1992). Managing 21st Century Network Organizations.Organizational Dynamics, 5–19.
Thorelli, H. B. (1986). Networks: Between Markets and Hierarchies.Strategic Management Journal, 7:37–51.
Tushman, M. L., & Katz R. (1980). External Communication and Project Performance: An Investigation into the Roles of Gatekeepers.Management Science, 26 (11): 1071–1085.
Tushman, M. L., & Nadler D. (1986). Organizing for Innovation.California Management Review, 28(3): 74–92.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Marie de Lattre-Gasquet is a researcher from the Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD), in France. Within the external relations directorate of CIRAD, she has been responsible for the relationships between CIRAD and international organizations. She has also actively participated in the preparation of CIRAD’s long-term strategy. She worked for the International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR) in The Netherlands from 1983 to 1985. She holds a Master in International Management (AGSIM, Thunderbird Campus) and a Doctorate in Economy (Université de Paris X).
He is mostly working on the agricultural research networks in sub-Saharan Africa. He holds a diploma from the Institut National d’Agronomie—Paris Grignon.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
de Lattre-Gasquet, M., Merlet, J.F. Agricultural research networks in sub-Saharan Africa: An analysis of the situation and its consequences. Knowledge and Policy 9, 36–48 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02832232
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02832232