Pursuing a Suitable Mix of Public and Private Technology Delivery Mechanisms

Bezaiet Dessalegn, Boubaker Dhehibi, Atef Swelam. (14/1/2019). Pursuing a Suitable Mix of Public and Private Technology Delivery Mechanisms. Beirut, Lebanon: International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA).

Abstract

Efficacy of public and private MRBT service providers: One ICARDA led research initiative, in collaboration with national Egyptian partners has, over the past decade, developed, tested and modified a mechanized raised bed planter which has shown to deliver outcomes of lower fertilizer and seed application, together with improvements in water use productivity and efficiency. With significant yield increase potential, there is great demand from farmers for this piece of equipment which is limited in supply. In part, this restriction in supply is due to a lack of incentives for private machinery service providers to purchase equipment given gratis provision through national systems of public extension, as well as donor funded projects which aim to enhance national wheat production potential. Understanding the differences in technology delivery mechanisms and its impact from various types of service provision (public, private, civil society, etc.) is very important for taking the developed technology to scale (broad uptake). This is will be used to inform the development of policy notes, as well as collaborative engagements with developmental partners to promote as well as the broad uptake and use of MRBT.