|
|
|
|
Science-Based Economic Development edited by Susan Raymond
Ousman Kane
Deputy Executive Director
The African Regional Centre for Technology
The technological advancement of a nation or a region, particularly within the present context of globalization and liberalization of the world economy, cannot occur automatically or by chance, but should rather be subject to a cautious planning and management, integrating education, research, transfer of technology, industrial property, the promotion of local enterprises, etc.
In this regard, research and the whole process of science and technological innovation play a vital role as they are key elements to the increase of economic performance, which, in turn, promotes employment, security, and well-being. Research and innovation therefore play a fundamental role in the improvement of the standard of living of a nation (OECD, 1984) and should thus be governed by a strong policy and be paid particular attention by public authorities as well as by the populace, if research results are to be transformed into genuine development.
In Africa, the development, management and integration at subregional and regional levels of the technological capacities of the continent should be the main elements of the social and economic development strategy in meeting the main challenges our region is faced with.
When subscribing to the Lagos Plan of Action (OAU, 1980) and to various special resolutions of the OAU and the ECA, African heads of state have often expressed their political will to use science and technology as the basis for the endogenous, and self-sustaining development of the continent. This will has again been highlighted by the establishment by OAU, in collaboration with ARCT and WIPO, of the Cheikh Anta Diop prize awarded yearly as an incentive to innovative and inventive capacities in the continent (OAU, 1991).
Fully aware of the necessity to combine their efforts, given the importance of such challenge and the limited resources available, the African heads of state and plenipotentiaries decided, in 1977, to establish the African Regional Centre for Technology (ARCT). The ARCT became operational in 1980, with a current membership of 31 member states, for which it aims to become an efficient instrument for the promotion, coordination, integration and management of their technological potential, so as to meet global development objectives, such as security and the satisfaction of energy and food needs. The ARCT thus adopts the basic orientations of the Lagos Plan of Action, the United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development (UNPAAERD), 1986-1990, and the more recent Abuja Treaty for the establishment of the Panafrican Economic Community. In spite of its youthfulness and thanks to the support of several member states as well as various international institutions like UNDP, IDRC, Carnegie Corporation of New York, OPEC Fund for International Development, ECA, UNIDO, OAU, FAO, WIPO, etc., the Centre has managed to implement many programs for the benefit of African countries. Through its multidisciplinary work programs, the ARCT has put a special emphasis on technological innovation in the region of Africa.
It has to be noted, however, that in spite of all such efforts, the linkage between research and development in Africa is still weak and subject to many bottlenecks. Thus, the performance of the production systems of exploitation and valorization of our natural resources is very weak, mainly because of the inadequate levels at which technological packages are being delivered and used. This, of course, affects the modernization, streamlining and efficiency of production systems, and largely contributes to the perennial deficit in the region of food crops, medico-pharmaceuticals, and capital goods, for example.
The obstacles hampering technological innovation in the continent are numerous and stem both from a set of economic, political, and structural parameters related to public authorities, but also to the research institutes, and development enterprises as well as market specificities and consumption habits of the local populations.
After a brief description of the experience and strategy of the African Regional Centre for Technology we will outline through some examples, the prospects and some elements of the strategy which are likely to promote a better management of technological innovation in the region.
ARCT's Experience and Strategy
Managing technological innovation requires a multidisciplinary, strategic, integrated and multisectoral approach, but one which takes due account of specific concerns (customer's approach). This implies, of course, the intervention of several partners or target groups, which is why the operational work programs of ARCT, still directed towards the priority sectors of food, energy, and capital goods, have several elements. Futhermore, the direct collaboration of African national institutions as well as that of regional and international agencies are sought for the implementation o these programs. These programs cover technological needs assessment and survey scientific and technical information and documentation, research development, and technological extension and demonstration, Techno-Enterprises Incubation for SMEs, and technological consultancy and advisory services as well as training and human resources development.
Technological Needs Assessment and Survey
The Centre has carried out experts meetings and comprehensive surveys on food production, preservation and processing methods in Africa and has organized special international workshops on themes suggested by the following titles: "Towards Self-Sufficiency in Food Production: Reduction of Post-Harvest Losses" (1981); "Roots and Tubers, Production, Storage, Processing and Marketing in Africa" (1982); and "National Programming and Inter-country Cooperation in Food Loss Reduction" (1991; held jointly with the FAO). Moreover, technological needs assessment surveys in rural areas have been carried out in several countries (Burundi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania and Zambia) and are to be implemented in others (Guinea, Niger, Benin, Somalia and Tanzania). These various surveys aim at identifying technology constraints and innovation opportunities to define a realistic strategy for the implementation of operational programs that could meet specific needs in every country.
Information and Documentation
The development of capacities of the Centre's Information System (ARCTIS) and of its databases and library, with the support of UNDP, UNIDO and IDRC, makes it possible to take stock of alternative food and energy technologies that could be employed by national or regional institutions as well as any other potential user. ARCT is presently endowed with a highly efficient computer stock that facilitates access to several databases. Furthermore, the operation of a local microcomputer network, the use of new software as well as cooperation with other information networks (AGRIS, PADIS, RESADOC, TIES, INTIB, etc.), the access to commercial servers like Telesystem Questal, ESA/IRS, Dialog, and Quickcom, are all appropriate means for the acquisition, processing, analysis, and diffusion of information on these technologies.
In addition, the updating of the data bank on science and technology resources in Africa made it possible to publish a new issue of the Directory of Scientific and Technological Institutions, Research Consultancy Units and Experts in Africa, the production for UNIDO of an African directory of sources of industrial and technological information (referral system), as well as the publication, jointly, with UNESCO/ROSTA of a directory of technician training institutions in Africa.
The collaboration with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), has also made it possible to extend this data bank to scientific and engineering societies in sub-Saharan Africa, the last issue of which has been updated in collaboration with the Pan African Union for Science and Technology (PUST).
Also to be noted is the publishing of the following periodicals in both English d French:
the newsletter "Alert," specially issued for decision-makers and dealing with frontier technologies (e.g., biotechnologies, micro-computers, new materials, freeze-drying, controlled atmosphere, food irradiation, etc.); and
the bulletin "Infonet," dealing with information on transfer of technology and published in collaboration with UNIDO within the context of TIES and INTIB programs.
Finally, to be noted is the participation of the Centre in the Advanced Technology Alert System network (ATAS) sponsored by UNCSTD, and its collaboration with ECA in the establishment of a similar network in Africa (ATAS Africa).
Research & Development and Demonstration
The preservation or valorization of several types of food in Africa (e.g., cereals, legumes, roots and tubers, horticultural products, sea products, etc.) often requires specific research and development or support research activities. These activities aim at meeting commercialization requirements for these products and at respecting native populations' culinary and gastronomic habits, considering their socioeconomic and cultural specificities. Moreover, the popularization of some food technologies, especially in rural areas, is generally done through the establishment of pilot units to demonstrate their efficiency and cost-effectiveness, so as to make the best profit from local raw materials.
Among the many projects implemented is the establishment in several countries of pilot units for the processing of various food products and/or the use of biogas. The specific objectives of the pilot and demonstration units are the following:
to use new and renewable energy sources;
to use each unit as a demonstration and training center for national processors as well as technicians and processors of these products from neighboring countries, so as to enhance the diffusion of the improved technology in the region or subregion.
Besides, it should be noted that in most cases the objective is to try to integrate the energy dimension in the food technologies being promoted. Thus, for instance, in the pilot and demonstration unit for the production of gari (Ghana) the coupling of the processing line with a pre-drying solar tent is combined with a biogas digester that uses cassava peelings as fermentation substratum for the generation of biogas for frying/cooking the gari.
Technology Advisory and Consultancy Services
The main objective of these services is to advise African states or regional and international agencies in the choice of sound technologies and in the formulation, planning, and implementation of integrated science and technology policies and programs. Activities include the determination of priorities and constraints that interfere with the production, packaging, preservation, processing, handling and commercialization of the various types of food. The studies that were finalized in the past five years deal with science and technology, transfer of technology and technological development policies and strategies (Senegal, Ivory Coast, Rwanda), the setting up of a supervision, promotion and support structure for SME/SMI (Equatorial Guinea), the relevance of food-irradiation technology for Africa, the prospects of biotechnology development in African states, the production of a compendium on the development and transfer of technologies for decision-makers and officers in charge of planning, the conduct of a study on the rationalization of production capacities and revitalization of the industrial sector in West Africa, the conduct and coordination of scientific seminars (Cameroon, Guinea, Rwanda, Senegal, etc.).
Training and Human Resources Development
The training activities of the Centre are carried out in the form of seminars/workshops, courses, study tours, or personalized traineeship. They cover such sectors as research-development, information systems, computerized documentation, planning, and development of scientific and technological policies.
To be noted also is the organizing of several seminars-workshops, in collaboration with various institutions, such as the FAO on post-harvest food loss reduction technologies (including those for roots and tubers), the Economic Development Institute of the World Bank (choice and management of foreign technologies in Africa), WIPO (role of patent documentation as a source of technological information), and UNIDO (INTIB and Africa ties networks: negotiations on transfer of technology). Other training activities have also been undertaken for other types of food products on the site of the pilot and demonstration units (maize shelling techniques in Zambia, oil press in Ghana, rice parboiling in Sierra Leone, production of gari in Ghana, palm oil extraction in Senegal, etc.).
Finally, to be mentioned is the existence of an "in situ" training program called Attachment Program for nationals of ARCT member states. This program is implemented in the areas of food, energy, capital goods or computerized documentation. Nationals from Zaire, Uganda, Guinea, Senegal, Burundi, Zambia and Niger have benefited from the program.
Prospects and Elements of Strategy
The linkage between research and development, and more particularly technological innovation, calls for the intervention of many operators and the need for an integrated, multidisciplinary, and participative approach. This approach will take into consideration the scientific and technical aspects which generate "technological packages and also the economic, social, and cultural parameters of target populations.
The transfer of technology from research to development, be it at the industrial or artisanal level, could not indeed just be a passive phenomenon of mere diffusion of processes, products or engines, but should rather correspond to a willingness to acquire an appropriate know-how, out of a free choice, which is aimed at meeting clearly defined needs. In this way, the elements of strategy that seem relevant to us are directed to public authorities, officials in charge of the national technological innovation policy, the research-development centres, and development structures.
Public Authorities and National Technological Innovation Policy
The world is becoming more and more competitive, and knowledge is becoming synonymous with development. Hence, the absolute necessity for any government to promote a strong technological innovation policy, which should become one of the main elements of the national scientific and technological development strategy, which in turn will be harmoniously integrated into the global economic and social development policy of the country. Science and technological innovation should be systematically taken into consideration in national development planning, for example, through their sectoral components (e.g., agriculture, industry, health, housing, environment, etc.).
The implementation of the national technological innovation policy will thus require an appropriate structural framework including the following:
Regular structures of open planning which combine government action with that of development enterprises of the public, parastatal and private sectors, of consumers associations as well as R&D and scientific and technical committees, national advisory commissions (NAC), Regional (RDC) or departmental (DDC) development committees devoted especially to scientific and technological research. These structures should meet frequently and their decisions or recommendations should be subjected to better implementation, longer follow-up, and stricter evolution.
A bridging structure, which will be permanent and autonomous, for the valorization of research results, like ANVAR (National Research Valorization Agency in France). It will deal with information, extension, demonstration and marketing aspects, as well as with consultancy or feasibility studies and nursery or techno-enterprises incubation.
Furthermore, the national technological innovation policy should also be articulated towards the following axes:
Development of human resources capable of managing the various technologies and anticipating their technical, economic, legal and sociocultural implications. It would be necessary to redynamize technical instruction and involve initiation courses on industrial property at all levels.
Strengthening physical, financial, and information resources of R&D institutions.
Establishment of a special status adapted to the specificity of R&D, which goes with a large flexibility in the management of research centers and guarantees good career prospects for the scientific and technical R&D personnel.
Promotion by the government of measures likely to favor the increase of local products consumption (e.g., sensitization campaigns, taxes on the import of competing products), as well as measures to encourage economic operators to invest in the valorization of local resources, including the exploitation of endogenous research results (e.g., establishment of a special trust fund to cover possible losses, easy access to bank loans, alleviation of administrative procedures, tax and tariff exemptions, etc.).
Establishment of prizes to be awarded by the head of state to motivate and stimulate inventive and innovative capacities at national levels.
Promotion of frontier technologies in specific sectors, taking into account local conditions (e.g., biotechnologies, remote sensing, new materials, micro-electronics, micro-computers science, etc.).
Education and sensitization of the public at large in science and technology as the generators of the social and economic welfare of a country, so as to promote a real scientific and technological culture among populations.
Organization of scientific and technological study tours for researchers or youngsters, as well as mass events on science and technology (exhibition, fairs, technoparks, etc.).
Promotion of partnership and institutional cooperation in R&D and industrial promotion at national, subregional, and international levels.
Research Institutes
The utilization or commercialization of research results for developments should be the finality of any applied or oriented research program. From then on, the researcher, especially when he or she is at a university while training students/researchers and carrying out certain medium or long-term fundamental research activities, should make efforts to find a solution to real and urgent problems facing the enterprises which could, in turn, fund further research activities. It might be useful to modify research and development structures. In this regard, the following elements should be considered:
Suitable communication, information, extension and demonstration structure should be established or strengthened for economic operators, including the private sector.
The researcher, in the African context, should more and more "work out of his laboratory" and his curriculum should integrate other dimensions (e.g., socioeconomics, communication, etc.) so as to help him take into account both the physical and human environments.
Techno-Enterprises Incubation
Techno-enterprises incubation for promoting technological innovation is a new approach of the African Regional Centre for Technology (ARCT). It is based on the experience gained through the Technological Information System (ARCTIS) and the Pilot and Demonstration Units (PDU) of the Centre. The optimization of these PDUs could turn them into real breeding grounds for SME/SMI intended for valorizing and commercializing technological R&D results.
The main objective here is to increase the local value added through integrating technology in the concerns of the potential processor. Thus, technological extension, training, and all the factors hampering the development of small-scale enterprises/industries are taken into account by the PDU, which, in turn, also associates both donors (like UNDP), entrepreneurs, funding agencies, and national officers in charge of the development of SME/SMI. The incubation of techno-enterprises, thus make it possible to reduce risks facing the various partners and could serve as a model of technological innovation.
Development Structures
For better prospects of utilization of research results by development enterprises, several political and general measures, in addition to those mentioned before, will have to be adopted by public authorities. Furthermore, the following elements are likely to effect positive results:
Organization of visits or "on-site training course in enterprises" for researchers and students working in similar or related sectors.
Involvement in the funding processes of some research activities, the results of which could be beneficial to them.
Developing strategies for bringing together or merging enterprises with a view to enhancing the regional and subregional African integration.
Contribution towards the establishment of "technopoles" guaranteeing an interface between advanced research and development, including the diffusion of highly efficient technologies (e.g., biotechnologies, new material, telecommunication, alternative energy, etc.).
Partnership and Scientific and Technical Cooperation
Maintaining a current of information or experience exchange is a must to stimulate research activity or technological innovation. Very often, African researchers or industrialists do not have the appropriate scientific environment, because of the non-existence of a well organized scientific and technological community, such as would be found in federations or associations by subject matter (e.g., physics, chemistry, biology, etc.) or by corporation (e.g., agronomists, nutritionists, physicians, etc.) and which participate actively in solving development problems. African researchers are generally isolated and affected by the absence, in their own country, of valid interlocutors in their areas of specialization. In the same way, the rule is the inadequacy of information media (updated documentation centers, specialized periodicals or publications, etc.) or of quick communication on new scientific and technological results (access to databases and data banks), etc. Furthermore, it should be noted that the participation of African researchers in international scientific events like seminars, symposia, and congresses is most often hindered by the lack of financial means to cover registration, travel and/or subsistence fees. This, of course, results in their almost chronic absence from the fora where scientific and technological world events are being discussed. All this also has a negative impact on the inventive and innovative capacities of Africans as well. Moreover, the limited possibilities of national markets, the complementarity of resources (e.g., cereals, horticulture, livestock, sea products, forestry, etc.) according to environmental specificities (e.g., sahelian, equato-guinean, coastal, equatorial zone, etc.) and the scarcity of resources (human, physical and financial) make it necessary to avoid duplications and to promote subregional, regional, and international cooperation.
This cooperation, strongly advocated by the Lagos Plan of Action (OAU, 1980) and the African Economic Community treaty, could materialize through the establishment of consortia, partnerships, joint ventures, or thematic networks. It would thus be convenient, though an integrated approach, to harmonize national scientific and technological development or technological innovation strategies within the context of sub-regional, politicoeconomic organizations (EWA, CEPGL, ECCA, ECOWAS, ZEP, SADC, etc.). In this regard, it would be necessary to seek support from the technological institutions operating in the region (WARDA, AAU, AUPELF/UREF, ECA, ARCT, ARCEDEM, FAO, WIPO, UNIDO, UNESCO, etc.). Such cooperation should also be extended to other developing (e.g., Asia, Latin America) or developed (e.g., Europe, North America) regions of the world, including that requested for the development of human resources or the acquisition of specific technologies and capital.
Conclusion
The inadequate global research capacities, the weakness and general layout of industry, as well as the various difficulties facing the manufacturing sector are all negative factors hampering technological innovation in Africa. Research results, however, especially in the agronomy and agro-food sectors, are far from being negligible and their commercial exploitation would have a significant impact on the social and economic development of the region. It has therefore become urgent to promote, within the African states, a strong technological innovation policy, based mainly on the valorization of local resources and directed towards research institutions as well as entrepreneurs to strengthen their capacities and potentials.
It would also be necessary to increase the global resources allocated to R&D institutions to enable them to define promptly for potential promoters all the technical and financial specifications and the practical modalities for the commercial exploitation of technological results at industrial or artisanal levels, owing to national socioeconomic and cultural specificities.
Taking into consideration the richness of its natural resources, the international solidarity and cooperation, through the partnership initiatives and above all, the determination and political will of its leaders, reaffirmed once more by the treaty signed on the establishment of the Pan-African Economic Community (OAU, 1991), we see that Africa has many assets to ward off pessimism. However, the price to be paid for this will be a determined option to increase and develop scientific and technological capacities and technological innovation policy, the basis of which are mainly SME/SMI-oriented and will be the guarantee for any viable endogenous and self-sustained development.
After the assessment of technological needs in Africa, the ARCT, through its work programs, embarked in the promotion of technology innovation, particularly by the acquisition and use of environmentally sound technologies. By so doing, the Centre is willing to strengthen its cooperation and partnership with all national, regional, and international institutions involved in the techno-development process of Africa.
Bibliography
CEA. Rapport Economique sur l'Afrique 1993. Doc.E/ECA/CM.19/3 (1993).
CEA. Objectifs stratégiques pour le Développement Socio-économique de l'Afrique dans les Années 90. Doc.E/ECA/CM.19/4 (1993).
CEA. Harmonisation de la mise en oeuvre de la deuxième décennie du développement industriel de l'Afrique et de la deuxième décennie des Nations Unies pour les transports et les communications en Afrique. Doc.E/ECA/CM/19/14 (1993).
De Hemprine, Y. et al. Inventaire du Potentiel Scientifique et Technologique de l'Afrique de la Communauté Economique de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (CEAO). Analyse de Données, Paris: UNESCO, 1985.
Diop, O. "Les sources de l'innovation." Technopole Enjeux, March 1992, 21-24.
Dragne, J. Le Role du Gouvernement dans l'Encouragement de l'lnnovation Technique: Apercu de la Situation Francaise. Doc. I.N.P.I. (1988).
Ghersi G. and P. Van Nieuwenhuyse. "Valorisation de la Recherche, Diffusion des Connaissances et Formation Continue." Journées d'Etudes Agronomiques (1992). (CIDEFA.AUPELF/UREF, Quebec, August 28-September 1, 1992).
Kane, O. Le Développement des Ressources Humaines pour la Recherche-Développement en Afrique: Situation et Eléments de Stratégie. Presented at the CRDI-Sponsored seminar entitled "Méthodes d'Approche du Développement des Ressources Humaines en Afrique de l'Ouest, du Centre et du Maghreb dans le contexte de la Recherche-développement". Yaoundé, Cameroun, February 2-5, 1988.
Kane, O. La Liaison Recherche-Développement du Secteur Agro-Alimentaire en Afrique: Problèmatique et Éléments de Stratégie. (Journees d'Etudes Agronomiques: Développement Agricole et Agro-alimentaire: Problèmatiques et Formations Superiéures" AUPELF/UREF, Montpellier, May 2-4, 1990.
Kane, O. "Impact de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique sur le Développement d'un pays: Role et Responsabilité de l'Organe de Coordination de la Politique Scientifique et Technologique." Given at the Université Nationale du Rwanda à Butare under the auspices of l'UNESCO, on the occasion of a meeting of Etats Généraux de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique in Rwanda April 8-9, 1992.
Kane, O. "L'lnnovation Technologique en Afrique Sub-Saharienne: Situation et Esquisse de Stratégie. Assises Francophones de la Recherche." Presented at the seminar Régional Afrique-AUPELF/UREF, Abidjan, 16-17 July 1993.
Karl, Wolfgang Menck and Gmelin Wolfgang. Promotion of Technology Policy and Science Management in Africa—The Results of a DSE Conference Programme on the Promotion of Science and Technology Development. 1986.
Mest. INNOV—ACTION—La Stratégie en Matière de Sciences et de la Technologie. Ministère d'Etat-Science et Technologie, Canada. 1987.
OCDE. Spécilisation et Compétitivité des Industries Manufacturières de Haute, Moyenne et Faible Intensité de R-D: Tendances Générales. Documents de Travail No. 4 D.S.T.I. Paris. 1984.
OUA. Plan d'Action de Lagos pour le Développement de l'Afrique 1980-2000. Lagos, Nigéria. 1980
OUA. Resolution CM/RES. 1324 (L 111) sur l'attribution des Médailles d'or aux Inventeurs Africains. Presented at the 53rd session of the Conseil des Ministres February 25-March 1, 1991.
OUA. Traité Instituant la Communauté Economique Africaine. Abuja, Nigeria. 1991.
ONUDI. Programme Sous-Régional de la deuxième IDDA pour l'Afrique de l'Ouest (PSRAO). Doc. PPD. 241 (SPEC.) March 30, 1993. [Réunion Sous-Régionale de suivi sur la promotion de la coopération industrielle en Afrique de l'Ouest dans le cadre de la décennie du développement industriel de l'Afrique.] Abidjan, Cote d'lvoire, June 14-18, 1993.
Savarain, M.F. Aide Mémoire of the Technology Management, High Level Experts Meetings. UNIDO - Rev D: 1 June 1993 (1993).
UNESCO. Statistiques Relatives à la Recherche Scientifique et au Développement Expérimental en Afrique CASTAFRICA II/REF.2. [Deuxième conference des Ministres chargés de l'application de la science et de la technologie au développement en Afrique, Arusha, République Unie de Tanzanie.] July 6 15, 1987. CASTAFRICA II/Ref. 1.
UNESCO. CASTAFRICA 11—Trends in Development of Science and Technology in Africa, in particular since CASTAFRICA 1. [Deuxième Conférence des Ministres Charges de l'Application de la Science et de la Technologie au Développement en Afrique, Arusha, République-Unie deTanzanie.] July 6-15, 1987. CASTAFRICA ll/Ref.1.
UNESCO. Programme spécial d'Aide à l'Afrique dans les Domaines de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique et de la Recherche-Développement. [Déuxieme conference des ministres chargés de l'application de la Science et de la technologie au développement en Afrique, Arusha, République Unie de Tanzanie.] July 6 15, CASTAFRICA II/Ref.6.
UNESCO. WorldScienceReport(1993).
UNESCO. Annuaire Statistique (1994).
UNIDO. The Uruguay Round Agreements, Impact on Technology Flows, 6th African-Ties Meetings, International Conference Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius, November 21-23, 1995. Working Paper No. 4 (1995).
UNIDO. Technology Management and Competitiveness at the Enterprise Level, 6th African-Ties Meeting, International Conference Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius, November 21-23, 1995, Working Paper No. 6 (1995).
UNIDO (1995-III). Industrial Development-Global Report 1995 Executive Summary. Wayne S.; Brown and Roy Rothwell. Entrepreneurship and Technology: World Experiences and Policies. Longman. 1986.
APPENDIX I: ABBREVIATIONS
AAU Association of African Universities
AIPO African Intellectual Property Organization
ANVAR National Agency for the Valorization of Research (France)
ARCT African Regional Centre for Technology
AUPELF Fully or Partially French Speaking Universities Association
CEPGL Economic Community of Great Lakes Countries
ECCA Economic Community of Central Africa
ECOWAS Economic Community of West African States
ECWA Economic Community of West Africa
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization
IDRC International Development Research Centre (Canada)
OECD Organizations for Economic Cooperation and Development
UNDP United Nations Development Program
UNECA United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization
UREF University of French Speaking Networks
WARDA West African Rice Development Association
WIPO World Intellectual Property Organization
Email this citation