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Assessment of technology
generating institutions in biotechnology innovation system
of South-Eastern Nigeria
E. N. Ajani, M. C. Madukwe,
A. E. Agwu* and E. A. Onwubuya
Department
of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture,
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
vnglajani@yahoo.com
Accepted
13 February, 2009 |
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The study was carried out in Southeastern agro-ecological
zones of Nigeria. Questionnaire was used to collect data
from a sample of forty-three heads of departments from
research institutes and universities involved in
biotechnology research. Results of the study revealed that
some of the institutions have been involved in biotechnology
research for the past two decades but have only
significantly invested on bio-processing (58.8%) and cell
and tissue culture (88.2%). The mandates of the institutions
and donor agencies constituted the major determinants of
biotechnology research. The institutions sourced research
funds mainly from the government and donor agencies.
However, their biotechnology research activities were highly
constrained by several factors namely poor funding,
unavailability of research equipment, and high cost of
maintenance of equipment, among others. The study recommends
that government should increase investment in human resource
capacity building, infrastructural development and encourage
public-private partnership for development and safe
application of biotechnology innovations. Awareness campaign
among researchers, consumers and farmers on the potentials
of biotechnology for food security is expedient.
Key
words:
Biotechnology, innovation system, research institutions,
universities and agricultural development programme. |
