VASTLY UNTAPPED? HOW SCIENCE DIPLOMACY CAN ENHANCE POLICIES IN SUPPORT OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES IN GHANA.

Abstract

A new era of civilisation has ushered in a global village where nations are intrinsically linked in their shared prosperity and adversity. Challenges such as climate change, food security, poverty reduction, biodiversity loss and pandemics are global and therefore require concerted efforts from the global community in tackling them. Although efforts are continually being made by the international community in tackling these challenges, the desired results are yet to be achieved. This research assesses the integration of two tools, science, and diplomacy, in addressing agricultural policy development in Ghana. The study gives a brief account of science diplomacy and its efforts towards agricultural development. It then provides a perspective on the role of agriculture in poverty reduction and approaches to agriculture policy development in Africa. The study further examines connections between strategy and policy framework by Africa and how they have influenced Ghana’s agricultural policy development. It also evaluates what impact institutions; bilateral and multi-lateral cooperation may have had on content of Ghana’s agricultural policies. Science diplomacy has played a significant role in the formulation of the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). The CAADP has significantly improved quality and outcome of agricultural policies of African countries and promoted greater participation of multiple state and nonstate actors in agricultural policy dialogue and strategy development. However, there isn’t sufficient data to conclude its impact on agricultural policies, let alone its implementation.

Date of Award	31 Dec 2021
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Kieron Flanagan (Supervisor) & Simone Turchetti (Supervisor)