Agricultural Science and Technology Policy System Institutions and Their Impact on Efficiency and Technical Progress in Kenya and Uganda

Authors
G. L. Mugunieri 1
S. W. Omamo 2
G. A. Obare 3
1 Socioeconomics and Biometrics Programme, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, TRC Center, P. O. Box: 362 Kikuyu, 00902 Kenya.
2 United Nations World Food Programme, Via C.G.Viola 68, Parco dei Medici, 00148, Rome, Italy.
3 Department of Agricultural Economics, Egerton University, P. O. Box: 536, Egerton, 20107 Kenya
Abstract
Results of an evaluation of the impact of agricultural science and technology (AS and T) policy system institutions on efficiency and technical change in Kenyan and Ugandan agriculture are presented here. Data envelopment analysis was used to derive efficiency and technical change and logistic regression applied to delineate AS and T institutions that induced efficiency and technical progress. Technical progress was positively influenced by transboundary technology transfer, decentralization of extension services, thematic agricultural research and the literacy rate of the agricultural labour force. The intellectual property rights regulatory system negatively impacted on technical progress. On the other hand, efficiency progress was supported by the enactment of a regulatory framework for intellectual property rights system, but negatively influenced by transboundary technology transfer and decentralization of extension services.
Keywords
Agricultural science and technology policy
Kenya
Uganda
Reconstruction and Liberalization: An Overview. In: "Uganda’s Recovery–Role of Farms, Firms and Government", Reinikka, R. and Collier, P. (Eds).
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume 13, Issue 1
January and February 2011
Pages 1-15