DAR ES SALAAM, Sept. 22 -- TODAYS discussion focuses on Tanzanias agricultural research, although similar arguments may apply to other African countries that share historical, political, economic, agro-ecological and human-resource characteristics.

The discussion is therefore also relevant to efforts to address agricultural challenges across the continent and beyond.

The importance of generating locally relevant agricultural knowledge can hardly be overstated.

While global markets can readily supply many agricultural products, commonly available skills and ready-to-use technologies, knowledge generated through research and intellectual property is different.

It is rooted in creativity and innovation, which are increasingly important i...