The world’s population is predicted to grow to nine billion by 2050, bringing with it a corresponding increase in food needs. Yet the amount of available arable and grazing land is on the decline, as are water resources. The situation demands scientific strategies that can raise levels of production despite changing cropping conditions, and secure the prospects of future generations without harming the environment or compromising species diversity.

Agricultural research: Securing livelihoods and creating opportunities for the future
Many developing countries with a large agricultural sector have invested heavily in agricultural science and technology in the past – for good reason: agricultural research is one of the preconditions for agricultural growth. Sustainable production systems in arable farming, livestock husbandry and aquaculture can generate new sources of income and new policy ideas. This in turn enables progress with regard to poverty reduction and food security. The resulting impulses radiate beyond the rural areas. Issues such as semi-urban agriculture and balanced, healthy nutrition are becoming ever more prominent.

International and local networks: Building expertise in developing countries
International agricultural research institutes – particularly the 15 research centres supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) – play a crucial role in this respect. Germany, a founder member of CGIAR, is represented in the group by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The research results generated by these institutes are freely available internationally. They are accessible to all and may not be patented. International agricultural research is therefore geared towards the transfer of know-how and expertise. Scientists are involved in helping to build productive research institutions in the countries concerned, working closely alongside local institutions and non-governmental organisations.

The role of GTZ
The following are the main areas of development-oriented agricultural research supported by GTZ:

• managing BMZ project and programme assistance for the international institutes involved in development-oriented agricultural research
• seconding German personnel to research institutes
• advising BMZ on all issues concerning national, regional and international agricultural research
• facilitating knowledge exchange between research institutes and those involved in technical cooperation projects
• fostering the involvement of German scientists and institutions in research activities at international institutes
• establishing information exchange between institutes and development-oriented agricultural research in Germany.