The objective of this study is to examine the relationships between agricultural research, technology and nutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), drawing upon a rich and insightful literature. African agriculture has the lowest productivity compared with other regions of the world. Huge productivity gains are possible and accrue where governments allocate the necessary resources to agricultural research and development. In SSA, however, public investment in agriculture is still far lower than needed. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates show a rise in hunger globally as well as in Africa. The deterioration has been most severe in SSA. Agricultural development has enormous potential to make a significant contribution to reducing malnutrition and associated ill health. An assessment is carried out through a review of a large number of studies. These examined the factors determining adoption of innovative agricultural technology; their benefits and the underlying mechanisms; sustainability of the benefits; empowerment of women farmers and child nutrition; and the prospects of youth employment in agriculture and elsewhere. A case is then made for greater investment in agricultural research.

While entitlement protection is intrinsically a short‐term task, building flexible and effective response mechanisms is a long‐term one. So a more comprehensive research agenda is needed – especially in the context of countries/regions characterised by low and varying yields and with limited opportunities for trade with the rest of the world. A case is, therefore, made for prioritisation of agricultural research, a pivotal role for the private sector and expansion of technology. Institutions matter a great deal, as ownership and access rights to natural resources (land, water) can have a significant impact on incentives to adopt sustainable agricultural options.

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