Linking agricultural research with the agribusiness community from a pro-poor perspective: the importance of human capital development

Published in International Food and Agribusiness Management Review 15 (Special Issue A): 99-103, 2012

Laura Donnet, Jon Hellin and Jens Riis-Jacobsen

Improved crop varieties are a key output of agricultural research and have contributed to significant increases in agricultural production and productivity However, the benefits from advances in plant breeding have often not reached the majority of poor farmers. This essay tackles the challenge of enhancing human capital development in the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in order to enhance impact on food security and poverty reduction. Key changes in strategic planning, leadership, organizational alignment, talent and performance culture along with the need for new ways of thinking and action are outlined.