Published online by Cambridge University Press: 03 October 2008
In recent years many economists have been posted to agricultural research stations in Africa but their roles and methodologies have not been clearly defined. Maize research in Nigeria has an exceptionally good structure, good facilities and highly trained manpower, yet the innovations recommended to farmers are not entirely satisfactory. Deficiencies are the result of inadequate attention to the way innovations fit into the farm-household system, identification of farmer's objectives, the uses made of maize and problems of resource shortage. Pilot studies demonstrated how these deficiencies may be rectified by an economist, and suggest changed production recommendations and research priorities.