ABSTRACT
The impressive expansion of food supply in recent human history has been chiefly due to technological progress. To further boost food supply, it is necessary to induce an adequate pace of technological progress in agriculture. To this end, it is essential to invest in research, development, extension, and education activities. In this chapter, after explaining the contributions technological progress has had on food supply and food security, the status of investment to induce such progress in different parts of the world is examined. Options to secure investment are discussed. It is held that while investment by the private sector and contribution from farmers should be mobilised, adequate public investment remains crucially important for many countries to induce/sustain agricultural technological progress.
