South Africa: coping with structural changes

Abstract

This chapter presents South Africa's agricultural research and development policy within the historical framework of structural, institutional and political changes that took place during the 20th century. A brief overview of the agricultural sector and a review of the policy changes is provided to highlight the increased flexibility in input substitution, to which the research system has likely contributed. Thereafter an overview is provided of the overall science and technology policy and a detailed account of agricultural R&D policy focusing on the institutional structure, priority setting, sources of support, and agricultural R&D providers. The chapter concludes by discussing major lessons learned and summarizing the debate on a more sustainable national agricultural research system for the future.