Planning linkages between research, technology transfer and farmers' organizations : Results of an action-oriented project in Mali, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe

Linkages between major institutional actors in agricultural knowledge and information systems (AKIS) are widely recognized as essential for an effective flow of technology and information between research, extension, and farmers. The types and nature of linkages between actors within an AKIS directly influence its effectiveness for improving levels of production, particularly for non-commercial and resource poor producers. It is commonly recognized by AKIS stakeholders that poor performance of the system is often related to linkage problems. The report is based on a project which aimed to assist the participating countries (Senegal, Mali, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe) in addressing research-user linkage problems, in building a capacity to analyze and resolve these problems, in improving methods and guidelines for linkage planning and implementation, and in disseminating linkage knowledge, lessons, and experiences. Based on their experiences, important lessons emerged and requirements for success in linkage planning and implementation were identified. eng