ABSTRACT
This chapter concerns ways of rethinking the ways in which agricultural science relates to the problems of the rural poor, especially with respect to conditions in sub-Saharan Africa. For some time now relevant scientific communities have been under pressure to show national governments and donor communities that their work is indeed having some tangible impact on the resolution of poverty, levels of which are becoming less tractable across large geographical areas. The problem seems to be that the institutional patterns and norms that govern scientific behaviour (and the organizations within which science is conducted) have great difficulty relating to the general issue of poverty impact. Scientists are caught between two stools. On the one hand, they have been brought up to apply rigorous experimental procedures to precisely defined problems with results that have to meet standards of peer review. On the other hand, they are being told that such reductionism is insufficient and that unless they broaden the scope of their work they will suffer reduced support. Scientists then reply that the lacuna is not the responsibility of science as such but that of other downstream bodies better placed to deal with poverty issues, bodies such as extension agencies, NGOs, local government departments, private firms, etc. Moreover, broadening the scope of their work would dilute its value and ultimate impact.
