RESULT-ORIENTED RESEARCH ORGANIZATION:

THE CASE OF INSTITUTE FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

gAMRU**

* 'H*

By

J. Y. YAYOCK**
Institute for Agricultural Research, Samaru
Ahmadu Bello University,
P.M.B. IOI4J4 -, Zaria,
Nigeria.
A•

INTRODUCTION

Function

According to the statute incorporating the then Research

and Specialist Services of the Northern Regional Ministry of

Agriculture as part of the newly established Ahmadu Bello

University in October 1962, the roles of the Institute for

Agricultural Research (IAR), modified over the years to bring

them into focus with the broad agricultural policies and

priorities of the country,, presently include the following:

1. Conduct of research into the development of farming

systems which involve crops of the Savanna ecological

zones and result in the maintenance or improvement of

the soil resources. In particular, IAR .conducts research

into:-

* Symposium on the contribution of Agricultural Research

Institutes to the development of agriculture in Nigeria,
under the auspices of the Agricultural Section of the
Science Association of Nigeria, 2nd December, 1982, Ibadan.
** Deputy Director, IAR & Professor and Head, Depa ' nt Of
Agronomy, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,
a) , the improvement of the genetic potential of the

specified crops,

b) , the improvement of agronomic and husbandry practices.

c) , the mechanization and improvement of the methods

of cultivation, harvesting, processing and sttrage

d). Llization of by-products,

e) . the ecology of pests, diseases and weeds of the

specified crops and the improvement of their methods

of control,

f) , the technical, social and economic integration of

the cultivation of the crops into farming systems

in the different ecological zones and their impact

on the economy,

g) i irrigated agriculture, and

h) . any other problems related to the specified crops.

Dissemination of knowledge of agricultural matters and

of the results of research conducted by the Institute.

Arrangement for such conferences of government officers

and other persons and for such courses and lectures as ray

be considered desirable to further achievements of the

functions of the Institute,

 3

Ip Participation in the teaching functions of the Ahmaiu

Bello University at all levels,

Simply put, the main thrust of research at IAR is toward

improving ' the income and welfare of the small farmer through

increased crop production and reduction of losses. Since each

crop has a demanding time sequence of farming operations,

research at IAR is in the context of the wh*le system, from

initial land preparation through processing and marketing.

Recent Achievements ?

Research activity at IAR has resulted in substantial

progress in agricultural development from several perspectives.

For one thing, the Institute has turned out several experienced

and high-class researchers who have continued to play important

t#p-level roles f n o t h e r national as well as international

agricultural organizations and training institutions. For

another, results of work at IAR has continued to constitute

a remarkable contribution to knowledge in terms, of quality

and quantity in tropical agriculture. Thirdly and more importantly

is the fact that work at IAR has resulted in specific recommenda­

tions for direct application by farmers in the savanna

ecological zones. For example, as a direct result of it^s work,

the Institute has recommended several varieties of each of

the important crops which form, part of the farming system of

 4

the area serviced* Specifically, a total of 17 high-yielding

and striga-resistant/tolerant pure lines of guinea corn
(Sorghum hicolor) have been developed and released, including

3 short-season, 5 medium-maturing, 6 long-season and 3 late-

maturing types. Similarly, all the wheat (Triticum spp,).

varieties grown in the country today have been selected and

released from IAR, including 3> high-yielding bread types.

In the case of millet (Pennisetum typhoides), the 3 highest-

yielding cultivars in general production throughout the

Northern Guinea, Sudan and Sahel zones have been developed

at IAR. And so the list goes for some of the other cereal

crops and many of the oilseed, fibre, grain legume and

horticultural crops which are cultivated in the savanna zones.

As a back-up for the research undertaken on crops, a

reservior of data have been generated over the years and

consisting of basic farm practices. Indeed, there is hardly

a report written in recent times on the agriculture of Nigeria

that does not utilize the data in question. As additional

back-up data needed to guard against the misuse of one of the

most important input in agriculture which is most difficult

to renew - the soil -, tentative recommendations have been

made on intensive tractor cultivation of savanna soils.

With regard to the development of farm equipment, IAR

has designed, tested and fabricated several prototype machines

which are presently awaiting mass-production for marketing

 5

to the benefit of the farmer. Among machines which design

and fabrication have been completed are a manually - operated

maize (Zea mays) shelter, guinea corn thresher, groundnut

(Arachis hypogaea) decorticator, multiple cereal thresher for

wheat, guinea corn and millet, straddle row weeder, groundnut

thresher (picker), and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) thresher.

It is common knowledge that a wide spectrum of assorted

equipment from practically all parts of the world gets imported

into the country virtually without proper evaluation as to

their suitability to local farming systems and conditions.

It is in light of this situation that the agricultural mechani­

zation work at IAR has recently compiled and released 22

technical reports in which imported equipment (and equipment

intended for importation) is assessed under Nigerian.s*il,

environmental and social conditions. Even in the absence of

any legislation making it compulsory for the pre-testing of

imported equipment, the effort by IAR* through its technical

reports, has been instrumental in stopping the importation

of some unsuitable equipments. Perhaps more important is the

fact that the reports have had a motivating influence on

foreign manufacturers to study the problems locally identified

relative to their respective machines.

Accompanying each crop variety developed and released

is attached a production package of recommended management

and cultural practices., including the proper preparation of

 6 -

seedbed, seed treatment, seeding rate, sowing date, fertilizer

use and manuring, animal-insect-disease-weed control, harvesting,

processing and storage. All recommendations are made available

to extension services of Federal and State Ministries of

Agriculture for subsequent use by the generality of farmers.

Objective of the Case Profile

The problems often experienced by extension services

in readily having the various recommended technologies adopted

by a significant number of farmers are usually outside the

control of research institutions whose mandate is to develop

suitable packages. For instance, the ineffectiveness of an

extension service, the non-availability of seeds, fertilizers,
pesticides and other inputs, the unwillingness or unpreparedness

of entrepreneures to take up the mass-production of tested

prototypes, and several other problems associated with the

adoption of tested technologies are aspects about which no

Research Institute can do much to solve.

Thus, viewed purely from its technical mandate to develop

suitable production packages for increasing crop yields and

reduce crop losses, it is without a doubt that the IAR has

continued to justify its existence. This appears to be the

case despite the many and oft-en frequent changes that have

occurred over the years both within the Institute and in its

relationship to national agencies - changes which necessarily

 7

require time for effective adjustments without which the stable

development as well as level of productivity of a research set

up could be negatively influenced. Bnt even with the changes

that IAR has had to go through, particularly since 1967 (creation

of 12 states and later 19, Interim Common Services Agency,

Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Agricultural Research

In stitutes decree No. 35>» Federalization of Universities in

the country, Nigerian Council for Science and Technology,

Nigerian Science and Technology Development Agency, Federal

Ministry of Science and Technology, etc.), productivity appears

to have been little affected, except, of course, from the

point of inadequate funding.

Although the theme of this Symposium is directed at

the contribution of Research Institutes to agricultural

development in Nigeria, the subject of this presentation is

not so uuch concerned with a catalogue of achievements by the

IAR as with the type of organizational set up that has enabled

the Institute to function the way it has* However, considering

its level of contribution to the country's agricultural

development, particularly in light of the diminishing annual

budget in relation to its broad mandate, considering that mcuh

of its facilities are hardly much to write home about particularly

in comparison with similar establishments in the country,

considering its positive contribution to the manpower of

 8

particularly international agricultural institutions, considering

that there seems to exist a greater tendency for research staff

to move from other national institutions to IAR than the reverse,

and considering the large number of national and international

personnel who have visited Samaru in recent times to study

its set up, there appears to be merit in examining the research

organization at IAR. Perhaps of importance is the fact that »

whatever the merits or demerits of the set up,^within hopefully

gives added value to this review in terms of perspective

and details.

ADMINISTRATIVE SET UP

Historical Development

In 1922 the administrative headquarters of the then Department

of Agriculture in the then Northern Provinces of Nigeria was

established in Samaru. Research into agricultural problems

began in 1921+ with the posting of a British botanist to

Samaru. In 1927 a herd of caftle was established and in the

,f y
following year research into dattlfijhrefding'and livestock

management began at the then Shika Research Station - now

headquarters of the National Animal Production Research Institute

(NAPRI) of the University. T^e training of Nigerian staff

 9

began in 1931 and the need for thia was better met two years

later when a schoolmaster was appointed to Samaru; this was

the origin of what is now the Samaru College of Agriculture,

which| combined with the colleges at Kaduna, Kabba and Bakuraj

constitute the Division of Agricultural Colleges (DAC) of

Ahmadu Bello University.

By the end of World War II the number of research staff

at Samaru was about six, and by 1950 it had grown to about

a dozen. In 1957 the Department of Agriculture became the

Ministry of Agriculture, with Samaru serving as the headquarters

of the Research and Specialist Services Division of that

ministry. On 1ipbh October, 1962 this division was transferred

by law to the new Ahmadu Bello University and became the

Institute for Agricultural Research and Specialist Services.

In 1963 the then Northern Regional Ministry of

Agriculture established an Extension and Research Liaison

Section (ERLS) as part of its Field Services Division and

stationed this at Samaru to serve as a link between research

and the Ministry's regional extension services. In 1968

the ERLS was merged with the Institute following the disolution

of the Regional Ministry of Agriculture on the first creation

of (12) states. By 1975 the ERLS had grown sufficiently to

become established as an independent unit named the Agricultural

 10

Extension and Research Liaison Service (AERLS) and absorbed

the special services function of the Institute for Agricultural

Research*

Administrative Structure

With the incorporation of the IAR into Ahmadu Bello

University, all the disciplinary departments of the Faculty

of Agriculture (FOA), also established in 1962, were affiliated

by law to IAR. This, in effect means that of the six

departments of the FOA today, five are joint with IAR (Fig. 1).
The sixth, the Department of Animal Science, ceased to be

a functional part of IAR when the Institute transferred to

NAPRI in 1976 the Animal Husbandry and Pasture Research

Section and the Shika Research Station*.

In addition to the joint departments with the FOA, IAR

also administers yet another department - Agricultural

Engineering - jointly with the Faculty of Engineering.

Agricultural Engineering had its nucleus in IAR and was

formalised as a full-fledged, joint FOA-IAR department in

197If, but was later, in 1976, transferred to the Faculty

of Engineering.

Each of the six departments consists of a teaching unit

and two or more research- Sections. As of today there are

12 research Sections. However, with effect from January 1983

 11

the Sectional arrangement is to be discontinued in favour

of a programme set up (Fig. 2),

In order to facilitate the implementation of research,

the Institute has established sub-Stations which are headed

by senior and experienced personnel and manned by staff from

the various disciplines. There are at the moment, 5 sub-Stations

serving different purposes: for rai nfed agriculture - Kano

for the Sudan and Sahel ecological zones and Mokwa and Yandev

for the Southern Guinea; for irrigated agriculture - Kadawa

and Bakura serving primarily Hadejia - Jama’are and Sokoto-Rima

River Basins, respectively.

Apart from Institute and Faculty Staff who undertake

research at IAR, research personnel of other institutions also

have close working relationships with IARi As at present

researoh staff of the International Institute for Tropical

Agriculture (IITA), the International Crop Research Institute

for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the Semi-Arid Food

Grain Research and Development (SAFGRAD) project of the

OAU/STRC have a physical presence at IAR. Although their

mandate is regional in nature, their day-to-day activities are

in the context of the IAR set up. In addition to these

institutions, the University also has joint agricultural projects

 12

with several other organisations within and outside the

country.

In order to enhance the rate of implementation of

w
researoh programmesyaddition to the departmental and sectional

set up, a strong service back-up exists as part of the central

administration and include an Agricultural Ljbrary, Publications

and Information, Data Processing, Field Experiments and

Agricultural Estate unitsl

The inter-relationships with the other units of the

Agricultural Complex of the University are depicted in Figs

1 and 2. The linkages with the IAR Professional and Academic

Board, the Board of Governors and the University Council should

also be noted. The point to emphasize is the fact of the close

working relationship which exists with all units of the

Agricultural Complex and particularly between the IAR, FOA

and AERLS. As would be noted later, this good working

relationship is of paramount importance in enhancing the

implementation of the programmes of the Institute.

COMMITTEES OF THE INSTITUTE

To create a conducive environment for research, and

in ordei^win the confidence of a majority of staff as well as

spread the work-load in such a way as to involve- as many

 Fig. 1 S T R U C T U R E OF O R G A N IZ A T IO N OF
IN S T IT U T E FOR AGRICULTURAL R E S E A R C H

RES E A R C H C O M M I T T E E S

OIL AGRIC. SOIL & CROPS SOCIO-ECONS. FOOD SCI. CROPPING

SEEDS HORTICULTURE ENVIRONMENTS & EXTENSION IRRIGATION
LEGUMES MECH . & TECH. SYSTEM
of the staff as are interested in the day-to-day decision­

making process of the Institute, most activities are in the

context of committees. Apart from the several University

committees which services IAR utilizes, including the

Appointments and Promotions Committee, Tenders Board, and

Committee of Deans and Directors, the Institute operates the

following internal committees. While the composition of each

committee is as detailed below, a total review would be

necessary once research Sections are disbanded and Programme

Leaders appointed.

Management Committee

The Management Committee presently consists of the Director,

Deputy Director, Dean of the FOA, Heads of Departments

(including Animal Science), Secretary and Finance Officer

of the Institute. The Committee is advisory to the

Director (and Dean) on matters of day-to-day management policies

of the Institute. The Management Committee meets every

Tuesday afternoon.

Administrative Committee

This Committee comprises members of the Management Committee,

Heads of research Sections and service Units, Officers-in-

Charge of sub-Stations and three representatives of research

 T -1-*
r j. 6* ^ •
STRUCTURE OF ORGANAZATION OF THE INSTITUTE FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA

UNIVERSITY
COUNCIL
VICE
CHANCELLOR

DEAN OF
agriculture!

I
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
(RESEARCH/PLANNING)

1 ;
»
I
AGRIC. i GRAIN
SOIL AGRONOMY AGRIC. CROP PLANT ECON. & lAMINAL J CEREALS FIBRE SOIL & FARMING FOOD SCI MECHANIZATION
SCIENCE ADMIN. HORTI. OILSEEDS IRRIGA. LEGUME
DEPT. ENG. PROTEC. SCIENCE RURAL | SCIENCE { RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH CROP SYSTEMS & TECH. RESEARCH
DEPT. DEPT. DEPT. SERVICES | DEPT. RESEARCH RESEARCH ENVIRON. RESEARCH
DEPT. SOCIC. » PROG. PROG. PROG.• PROG. PROG. RESEARCH PROG.
DEPT. t f PROG. PROG. PROG. PROG.
i f

KANO MGKWA BAKURA KADAWA YANDEV

RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH. RESEARCH RESEARCH
STATION STATION STATION STATION STATION
I >

- 16 -

staff who are not members by virtue of their offices^ The

Administrative Committee is chaired by the Secretary of the

Institute and meets once in three months. Issues taken up

at meetings of the Committee are normally related to admini-

S’

strative policies aimed at ensuring that everyone is well

informed such that the tempo of administration is similar

within and between the different units of the Institute.

Research Programme Committee

For each research programme there exists a Research Programme

Committee under the chairmanship of a Convenor/Chairman/Leader.

Each Research Committee consists of the Programme leader,

one representative from each disciplinary Department (except /

Animal Science) and a representative of the AERLS. In addition,

each Committee is free to invite the active participation

of outside agencies as well as personnel of other institutions

located in Samaru. The attendance of Committee meetings is

also open to all participating researchers as well as others

who may have other interests in sitting in. The Director

and the Deputy Director normally sit in at all meetings.

Research Committees are required to meet on not less than

three occasions in any one year, but are encouraged to meet

as many more times as the programme demands.

 17

Professional and Academic Board

The Professional and Academic Board is the highest policy

- making body of the Institutes on technical matters. Current

membership include members of the Administrative Committee,

Leaders of all research programmes, Dean of the Faculty of

Agriculture, one representative each of University Senate,

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and AERLS Professional and

Academic Board, Additional members are the University Farm

Manager, Directors AERLS, NAPRI and DAC, as well as three

members external to ABU, Also in attendance are a representative

each of ICRISAT, SAFCRAD and IITA. The Professional and

Academic Board meets on an average of 3 times a year.

Board of Governors

The Board of Governors is the highest policy Board of the

Institute particularly with regard to administrative and

research policies guidelines and priorities. The Board is

chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of the University and consists

of 5 other members appointed by the Federal Government and l\.

people appointed by the University, including the Directors

of IAR and AERLS, one representative each of ABU Senate and

IAR Professional and Academic Board. The University Registrar

and Bursar as well as Deputy Director, Secretary and Finance

Officer of IAR are also in attendance. Except in the event

of emergencies, members of the Board of Governors meet two

 - 18 -

times in the year.

Minor Works Committee

While the bulk of Institute’s large-size purchases and

contracts are handled by the University Tenders Board (of

which Director IAR happens to be a member), expenditure on

«
small items, particularly of Capital nature, including .

equipment, is guided by an internal M^nor Works Committee,

the membership of which include the Director, Deputy Director,

Finance Officer and the Secretary of the Institute. As it

is the case with all Capital works throughout the University,

the IAR Minor Works Committee draws its technical advise from

engineers, architects, maintenance officers, and other

specialises from the University's Estate Department.

Chain of Administrative Command

The administrative maxim at IAR is that of open-door

policy whereby there is no restriction as to who sees

the Director or any other member of the Management Committee.

However, since the Section is the basic unit of administration,

all staff are expected to initiate the search for solutions

to the', problems, administrative or technical, through their

Heads of Sections, thence Heads of Departments, Secretary

of the Institute and finally the Director,

 19

In order to further smoother relationships particularly

with Junior and Intermediate staff, members as constituted for

the Minor works Committee regularly meet with the executive

of the IAR branch of the University's I. & J. Workers Union,

including representatives from sub-Stations. The frequency

of such meetings is dictated by issues at hand, but occurs

about once in three months,

RESEARCH PROGRAMMES

Classification of Programmes

Research at IAR Is undertaken under 1 D programmes

(Fig. 2) committees. Each programme is sub-divided into

sub-programmes which, in turn, are classified into projects,

sub-projects and experiments. It is often the case that sub-

projects are synonymous with experiments. It would be noted

that the classification in present use is the same for all

crop-based research programme (Appendix 1), The break-down

for the other five programmes is variable as shown in

Appendices 2 - 6 ,

For the case of identification and documentation programmes,

sub-programmes, projects, sub-projects and experiments

codes are'.-assigned in such a way as to lend the documentation

to computerised recording.
 20 . -

Formulation of Experiments

Sources of problems on which experiments are formulated

normally originate from one or the other of the followings

individual research staff of the IAR or any other Institute

of the University, teaching staff of the FOA and any other

Faculty of the University, extension staff of AERLS, officials

of State Ministries, Agricultural Development Projects, River

Basin Authorities, other state or federal agricultural

organisations, and individuals, including farmers.

Once a problem is conceived or received, it is reftr^ed

to the appropriate disciplinary Section which assigns a staff

to it. Within the Section and Department the problem is

discussed and eventually translated into a research proposal

following specified guidelines as contained in Form RP/A

(Appendix 7). Among other things, the proposal must justify

the objective in question, taking into account previous

results and any on-going work, and spelling out the practical

benefits to be derived. T^e experimental approach to meet

the declared objective is also outlined and the experiment

targeted in terms of its duration.

The RP/A is subsequently presented to and verbally defended

at the Research Programme Committee from where, if approved,

it is forwarded to the Professional and Academic Board and,

 21

finally, to the Board of Governors, At each of the stages

the experiment is scruinised not only in terms of its

technicalities, but also in relation to its relevance to

the mandate and priorities of the Institute as well as possible

implications to the agricultural development policies of

the country.

The approved programmes of the year compiled into a single

document which is made available to each participating

researcher at the beginning of the growing season.

Execution of Research Projects

As at now funds made available for research are sub­

allocated to research Sections where the day-to-day execution

of approved research projects is based. In years past when

funding was not a serious problem, funds needed for equipments

and other "special expenditure" also formed part of the

allocation to research Sections. However, since the downward

trend in funding from 1975 to date, the Institute has resorted

to holding back small sums of money for "special expenditures"

which control is under the Minor Works Committee.

It should be pointed out that for some years now the

Institute has considered as unsatisfactory the situation

whereby the implementation of research projects is financially

controlled in disciplinary Sections whereas such projects

 22

are defined, drawn up and priorities assigned by Programme

Committees, It is for this reason, together with recent

emphases given to programme approach in budgeting and

accountability by funding ministries, that the decision to

disband research Sections in favour of Research Programme

Committees has been taken. In this way it is hoped that

the same Committees that draw up research projects would also

have the financial means and administrative muscle to

implement them.

Experimental Locations

As a general rule new and complicated sub-projects which

require close attention are normally located on IAR farms for

the first season or two of experimentation. Depending on the

nature of the sub-project and the results obtained, the experiment

may be sited in any of over 1,000 state trial sites scattered

throughout the savanna ecological zones. State trials are

coordinated by a State Experiments Officer who also functions

in their monitoring.

Monitoring and Evaluation of Experiments

As part of the monitoring process of trials on state sites,

the Field Experiments Officer maintains a card for each trial in

which is entered details of every operation and activity, including

dates when experimental materials are sent from Samaru, when

 23

pre-plant operations are carried out, planting^ application

of inputs, as well as major observations during growth and

as recorded during tours. Each researcher is expected to pay

close attention to his/her trials, including those located
at State sites. All experiments are expected to be visited

as often as it is possible to finance the tours. Coordination

of state tours under the office of the State Experiments

Officer has proved to be one of the most effective methods

of keeping abreast with field trials relatively cheaply.

In order to ensure that each researcher accounts for the

sub-projects that are listed against his/her name, and as a

means of documenting the progress made during the year for

each sub-project, staff are expected to complete Form RP/B

(Appendix 8) toward the end of the cropping season. As in the

case of new proposals (Appendix 7), RP/Bs are processed as

directed in the Form and are tabled at the appropriate Research

Committee and thence to the Professional and Academic Board and

Board of Governors before being compiled into a single research

document for the year.

Evaluation of research is also achieved by hosting annual

Cropping Scheme meetings involving participants of IAR

research programmes, AERLS extension staff, users of agricultural

research informations from the various Ministries, Agricultural

Development Projects,-River Basin Authorities, Crop Commodity

Boards, other related organisations as well as individuals,

 - 21+ -

including farmers. It is at the Cropping Scheme meeting

that results of research work undertaken during the year are

high-lighted and reactions from user organisations and individuals

received. It is also during this one week-long meeting that

requests from clients for additional and/or new work ' •

are tabled and discussed for implementation during the following

season.

Monitoring and evaluation of research at IAR is also

achieved by bi-annual Open Days, periodic Farm Walks during

the growing season and involving farmers and others within

and outside the Institute.

Finally, researchers are at liberty to present the

results of each season’s work at conferences.

Dissemination of Research Results ./

’When a research finding is ready for practical application

by the farmer it automatically implies that it has already

been field-tested not only on Institute research farms, but

also in farmers fields in as many locations as it is financially

feasible. As a general rule guiding recommendations emanating

from work at IAR, any new package must be backed by at least

three years of experimentation and covering the ecological

area for which the package is intended.

 - 25 -

Each proposed recommendation is discussed at Sectional/

Departmental level after which it is presented to the appropriate

Research Committee. The proposal is defended and intensively

queried and if approved, then it is presented to the

Professional and Academic Board. Again, the proposal is queried

and if approved it is communicated to AERLS which immediately

proceeds to put it in appropriate !

_language( s) and form for
the users. The Board of Governors is kept informed of all

approved recommendations.

Having made a recommendation that would be further

processed by AERLS for the consumption of farmers, the

researcher proceeds to publish the findings either as a

Journal article in or ourside the country, or in any of the

Institute’s half-a-dozen or so publications. All other

results which may not have been adequate for the formulation

of practical recommendations are also published at the discretion

of the researcher.

As mentioned earlier, at the end of each cropping

year the Institute holds a Cropping Scheme meeting and presents

the results of work for the year, including any information

that is adequate for practical application by the farmer/user.

The notes used at Cropping Schemes are normally widely circulated

in themselves, but they apso form the basis for the Institute's

printed Annual Report which circulation is even more wide.

 26

Finally, where there is a clear bottleneck in the adoption

of tested results, the Institute has often extended its mandate

by embarking on developmental aspects. For example, during

the mid to late 1960's the IAR had put out large numbers of

new crop varieties seeds of which were not reaching the

farmers because of poor seed multiplication strategies by

Federal and State Ministries of Agriculture. The Institute then

started a Seed Production Unit which multiplied seeds for

direct distribution to farmers. This Unit was later taken

over by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and became the

National Seed Service. The Institute is presently in a

similar situation in respect of labour-saving devices for the

small farmer. A large number of equipment prototypes have

been developed and so far there has been no success about

getting entrepreneurs to multiply these in large quantities

and make them available to the farmers. As a result of this

undesirable situation, the Institute has again set up a

Prototype Production Unit, akin to the Seed Production Unit

referred to earlier.

Although the Ministry of Science and Technology funds

all Research Institutes in the country by the calendar year,

the budget system at IAR is in accordance with the University’s

financial year, from July to June. The low annual financial

 27

allocation aside, the Institute is thus able to effectively

operate during the important preparatory period for planting

which coincides with the time of year when the federal budget
is under discussion.

The poor finances of the Institute are often augmented

by undertaking joint projects with other national Research

Institutes as well as with several/institutions in and outside

the country. Because of the distracting tendency of

o f
consultancy undertakings from the primary function/research,
IAR’s involvement in paid consultancy work is deliberately

restrictive.

STAFF MATTERS

Being a relatively small town, Samaru is not spared the

inefficient services suffered by all urban centres in the

country. Even for those services which the Institute and

University could be expected to provide, poor finances have

made this difficult. However, staff at IAR have jften undertaken

their researches with apparent satisfaction. While it is

recognised that satisfaction in any job is a personal matter,

service at the Institute appears to bring satisfaction from

several considerations.
 28

Staff Welfare

The general working environment at IAR is free, open

and largely dependent on the involvement of all staff in the

day-to-day functioning of the Institute. Despite the

generally poor finances, both the Institute and University

attempts to provide such vital amenities as schools for

children of staff, health facilities and food canteens. In

addition, all staff of the Institute are entitled to official

quarters; staff who are not allocated houses draw a .

monthly allowance as rent subsidy.

With the close personal relationships that exist between

individuals in the Institute and with other units of the

University, staff of IAR have ready access to technical and

social facilities in other parts of the University.

System Reward

The University system of appointments, promotions

and discipline which IAR also uses is often heralded to

be objective, open and fair. Because all staff are aware

about the criteria for record and since every researcher is

free and, indeed, encouraged to aspire to the highest possible

academic, administrative and technical positions, it is not

often that the one who fails to make it holds the Institute

responsible. That decision-making is largely on the basis

of committees gives added advantage to the reward system

 29

practiced in the Institute.

Academic Satisfaction

Probably because of the open system of management practiced

in the Institute whereby all staff are familiar with the criteria

for reward, the sense of healthy competition is high. This

is evidenced by the late hours which staff keep- after official

closing of offices. Among other e eV-s. considered

important in giving satisfaction to staff is their involvement

in faculty teaching and post-graduate student supervision.

In addition, staff of IAR occasionally partake in extension

duties in collaboration with counterparts in AERLS.

Staff at IAR are encouraged to participate in seminars,

workshops and symposia to discuss their work as well as seek "to

out new ideas and techniques. Although each paper going out

for publication is required to receive the prior of approval

of the Director, all staff are encouraged to publish the

results of their work in journals of their choice. A unique

ft
experience of satisfaction whichoresearcher goes through is
at a time when he receives information announcing the

acceptance of his/her paper,

Supporting Staff

A majority of other staff who support research at IAR

are often as dedicated and as hard-working as the scientist--.

themselves. As an example, the promptness with which

 30

the Accounts Section processes purchases and claims

significantly enhances the execution of research. The roles

of the technician, the clerical officer, the labourer

and other staff is recognised as being crucial to the successes

cf the Institute.

MAJOR ELEMENTS THAT ENDOW ADVANTAGE TO THE IAR SET UP

The research set up at IAR carries with it certain

advantages that enable the system to satisfactorily function,

For one thing, IAR finds itself in close working relationship

with the FOA and AERLS. By this association there is a

beneficial use of scarce but trained manpower in teaching,

research and extenbioc, as well as a maximasation of the use

of facilities. Secondly, the reward procedure in practice

in the University is a marked departure from that operative in

a typical civil service set up. Thirdly, that each and every

research staff is free to aspire to c<o academic position

which enables him to earn as much salary as the Director of

the Institute gives individuals a sense of seriousness, dedication

and hope. Fourthly, the importance of tackling agricultural

problems from a multi-disciplinary approach is more easily

realised in the IAR set up where, in addition/close working

relationship between individuals in the different disciplines,

the tie between teaching, research and extension has developed

and existed over an extended period of time. Sixth, that IAR

 31

has.,eortt.iinuedto-:iaintain close ties with its clients over the

years not only endows confidence and support from the various

State Ministries, Agricultural Development Basins and River

Basin Authorities, but it also fosters close working relationships

toward a single national objective. Seven, the decision to

introduce an effective programme approach in its research set

up is likely to result in greater attraction of funds as well

as improve accountability. Finally, probably, because of its

operations in the context of committees, the leadership of the

Institute is able to partake in the day-to-day activities of

research staff. In this way not only is everyone well informed

but also the practice promotes and maintains close working

4^,0... -
^

relationships from^top to the lowest staff.

The fear often expressed about the possibility of agriculture

research losing touch with Government policies, priorities as well

as with extension if it is executed within a University set up

VO
does not appear to apply <ge the case of IAR. Tpat research
policy is controlled through the Board of Governors and that

AERLS is also part of the University as an off-shoot of IAR

nullifies this fear. Indeed, the close link between IAR

and the FOA over the years has tended to give a practical

approach to the training programmes of the Faculty, thus

making it one of the best in the country today.

 - 3a -

Appendix 1; Break-down of Crop-Based Research in Present

Use at IAR as Exemplified by the Cereal Crop
Improvement Programme

PROGRAMME; A. Cereal Crop Improvement

SUB-PROGRAMMES: A.I. Sorghum
A.II. Millet
A.Ill, Maize
A.IV. Wheat
A.V. Barley

PROJECTS; A.X/1-6 SUB-PROJECTS; A.X.Y/.....

1. Variety Imprivement 1. Introduction/Collection and
Maintenance

2. Screening
3. Hybridisation and Selection
i+. Variety Testing
5. Vegetative Propagation
6. Seed Multiplication
2. Cultural Practices 1. Growth and Development
and Management
Crop Nutrition
3. Planting Methods/Arrangements
k. Sowing Dates
5. Mulching/Tillage Practices
6, Weed Control
7. Other Crop Management
3. Crop Protection 1. Disease Control
2. Animal and Insect Pests Control
k. Environmental Effects 1. Water U se
2. Temperature
3. Other Weather Elements
5. Post-Harvest Technology 1. Crop drying
2. Crop threshing
3. Storage techniques
k. Processing
* »n

33

Appendix 2: Break-Down of Soil and Crop Environment Research

TnTPresent"U s e ~ a T ~ T M ~,
--

PROGRAMME: F. Soil and Crop Environment

SUB-PROGRAMMEi F,I. Soil Fertility and Management

F.II. Crop Environment
F.III. Soil Survey
F .I . F ertility and Management Sub-programme
PROJECTS: F.I/1-2 SUB--PROJECTS: F.I.Y/
1. Fertility 1. Continous Cultivation

2. Soil Amendments
3. Rotations
k. Crop Residue Management
5. Nitrogen Fixation
2. Soil Management 1. Tillage
2. Erosion Control and Mositure
Conservation
F.II. Crop Environment Sub-programme

PROJECTS: F.Il/1 SUB--PROJECT: F.II.1/1*2

1. Agro-meteorology 1. Meteorological Data Collection/
Analysis
2. Climatic Factors
F.III. Soil Survey Sub -programme
PROJECT.: F. Ill/1 SUB--PROJECT: F. 111.1/1-lr
1. Soil Survey 1. Land use
2. Soil Correlation
3. Soil Map
Ecology
Notes Y = Project No.
 - 3'q -
Appendix 3°» Break-Down of Agricultural Mechanization Research
in Present Use at PAR

PROGRAMME; G. Agricultural Mechanization

SUB-PROGRAMME; G.I, Machinery/Technique Evaluation

G.II, Machinery/Technique Development
G.III. Machinery Management
G.I. MACHINERY/TECHNIQUE EVALUATION
PROJECT: C.I31-2 SUB-PROJECTS; G.I.1/1-16
1. Testing 1. Tillage
2. Planters
3. Sprayers
Iq. V/eeding
5. Harvesting
6. Threshing shelling
7. Cleaning
8. Drying
9. Milling-
10. Storage
11. Transport
12. Water Supply
13. Prime Movars
1lq. Cooling Systems
15i Heating System
16 j Miscellanous
2. Comparative Evaluation Suh-projects as in G.I.1/1-16
G.II. MACHINERY/TECHNIQUE DEVELOPMENT
PROJECTs G.II/1-8 Suh-Projects as in G.I.1/1-16
1. Basic Engineering n

properties
2. Manual Power 11

3. Animal Power n
k. Engine Power a
5. Electric Power a
6, Non-Concentional Energy it

Power
7. Instrumentation IS

8. Miscellaneous i*
G.III. Machinery Management Suh-Programme
PROJECT; G.IIl/1-2 SUB-PROJECT; G.III.Y/...
1. Operations 1. Machine - based
2. Crop-based
2. Systems 1. Sole Crop
2. Mixed Crop
3. Power basis
Notes Y = Project ”Mo
Appendix ips Break-Down of Farming Systems Research in Present Use
at IAR.

PROGRAMME; H. Farming Systems

SUB-PROGRAMME; H.I . Cropping systems

H.II. Farm Management
H.Ill . Institutions
H„ IV. Social structure
H.V. Miscellaneous

H .I . CROPPING SYSTEMS SUB-PROGRAMME

PROJECTS; H. 1/1 -ip SUB-PROJECTS; H.I.Y/

1. Varietal Selection for
mixed Crops
1 .
Various. Crops
4 *
2. Cultural Practices and 1. Rotations
management of crop 2. Crop Nutrition
mixtures 3. Planting Methods/Arrangements
k- Sowing Dates
5
6.
.
Mulch/Tillage Practices
Weed Control
7. Other Crop Management
3. Protection of crop 1. Disease control
mixtures 2. Animal and Insect Pests control
k- Mechanisation
5 . Miscellaneous 1. Various
H. H . FARM MANAGEMENT SUB-PROGRAMME
PROJECT s H.Il/1-3
I. Farm Production
2, Farm Strategies
3. Farm Plants
H. III. INSTITUTIONS SUB-PROGRAMME
I. Marketing
2. Finance
3. Input Delivery
I).. Extension
H, IV SOCIAL STRUCTURE SUB-PROGRAMME
I. Production Organisation
2. Social Organisation
2. Land Tenure
H.V. MISCELLANEOUS SUB-PROGRAMME
1. Macro Studies
2. Modelling
 36

Appendix 5° Break-Down of Irrigation Research in present Use at 1AR

PROGRAMME; I. IRRIGATION

SUB-PROGRAMME; I.I. Water Resources Development and Management

I. II. Irrigated Cropping Systems
I.III. Environmental Implications of Irrigation

I.I. Water Resources Development and Management Sub-Programme

PROJECT i 1.1/1-3 SUB-PROJECT: I.I.Y/....
1. Inventory 1 . Watershed characteristics
2. Groundwater Resources
2. Water Requirements 1 . Evapotranspiration
of Crops 2. Irrigation Frequency
3. Irrigation Scheduling
3. Application Methods 1 . Border Irrigation
2. Furrow Irrigation
3. Basin Irrigation
k. Overhead Irrigation
5. Traditional Methods
6. Irrigation Efficiencies
I.II. Irrigated Cropping Systems Sub-Programme

PROJECT: I.II/1-3 SUB'-PROJECTi I.II.Y/...

1. ^oil Management 1 . Tillage & Residue Management
2. Nutrient Balance
3. Drainage
k. Salinity
5. Other Soil Amendments
Rotations and Sequences 1 . Rotations
2. Sequences
3. Socio-Economics of 1 . Various Crops & Systems
Irrigation
I.III. Environmental Implicatiion of Irrigation
PROJECTS: I.IIl/t gUB--PROJECT; I.III.1/...

1. Ecology 1. Plants
2. Animals
 - 37 -

Appendix 6: Break-Down of Feod Science and Technology

Research in present Use at IAR

PROGRAMMEg J. Food Science and Technology

SUB-PROGRAMME; J.I. Biological Quality

J.II Local (small-scale) Processing
J.III. Industrial (large-scale) Processing
J.IV.7 Monotoring of Contaminants.

PROJECTS*
* J.I. A./I. Sorghum

J.I, A/II. Millet

j .i . a /i i i . Maize
J.I. A.IV. Wheat
J.I. A/V. Barley

* ^.sing as an example Biological Quality in cereal crops.

The same applies to all other sub-programmes and crops.
A

- 38 -

Appendix 7i FORM RP/A

INSTITUTE FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
AHMADTTBELLO' UNryER^TYTZARlA''
NEW RESEARCH PROJECT; PROPOSAL

PROGRAMME s
SUB-PROGRAMME;
PROJECT;
SUB-PROJECT;
TITLE;
OBJECTIVE(S);
JUSTIFICATION (taking into account previous results and any on-goi
work as well as practical benefits esrpexted) s

OUTLINE OF EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH TO MEET DECLARED OBJECTIVE

XTncTudlng rec;;ITif•onrerHfs" and 1 ociit’i on(”s ) ;

RESEARCHER(s)j
STARTING DATE;
DURATION/PHASING;
COMMENT BY OFFICER-IN-CHARGE (only in respect of staff at o
Outstation);

Sign. & Date

COMMENT BY SECTION HEAD;
Sign. & Date
DECISION BY RESEARCH COMMITTEE:
Sign. & Date____ _

N.B. Researcher(s) making the proposal should submit stencil

to Section Head (through Officer-in-Charge in the case of
Outstation staff) who should comment, duplicate and forward
30 copies to Chairman of the appropriate Research Programme
Committee and 2 copies to each listed Researcher.
App endix 8: FORM RP/B

INSTITUTE FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

~~“&HMADU~ BELLO UNTVERSITY," ZAR.TA

ANNUAL REVIEW OF RESEARCH PROJECTS: 19___ /...SEASON

PROGRAMME :
SUB-PROGRAMME:
PROJECT:
SUB-PROJECT:
TITLE:
OBJECTIVE(S):
STARTING DATE:
RESEARCHER(S) (major Researcher listed first):

LIST OF EXPERIMENTS CONDUCTED DURING THE YEAR IN SUPPORT OF

SUB^KETECT:----------------------------------------- --------- -------------- ------------- ~~---------“

S/NO. EXPT. NO,. AND TITLE _____ LOCATION

PROGRESS (including summary of previous results to date and curr

year's work; where Research is suggesting termination
the Progress Report should be even more detailed
and comprehensive):

RESEARCHER'S SUGGESTION ON NEXT LINE OF ACTION;

COMMENT BY OFFICER-IN-CHARGE (only in respect of staff at Outsta
Sign. & Date
COMMENT BY SECTION HEAD: “ “
Sign. & Date
DECISION BY RESEARCH COMMENT:
Sign. & Date _______ _

N.B. Researcher should submit stencil to Section Head (through

Officer-in-Charge in the case of Outstation staff) who
should comment, duplicate and forward 30 copies to .
Chairman of the appropriate Research Programme Committee .
and 2 copies to each listed Researcher.