Frontiers of Agriculture and Food Technology

Frontiers of Agriculture and Food Technology Vol. 1 (9), pp. 104-109, September, 2013. International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Assessment of technology generating institutions in biotechnology transformation system of South-Eastern Nigeria

Bello Ibrahim and Mohammed Dave

Department of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 23 August, 2013

Abstract 

The study was carried out in Southeastern agro-ecological zones of Nigeria. Questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of forty-three heads of departments from research institutes and universities involved in biotechnology research. Results of the study revealed that some of the institutions have been involved in biotechnology research for the past two decades but have only significantly invested on bio-processing (58.8%) and cell and tissue culture (88.2%). The mandates of the institutions and donor agencies constituted the major determinants of biotechnology research. The institutions sourced research funds mainly from the government and donor agencies. However, their biotechnology research activities were highly constrained by several factors namely poor funding, unavailability of research equipment, and high cost of maintenance of equipment, among others. The study recommends that government should increase investment in human resource capacity building, infrastructural development and encourage public-private partnership for development and safe application of biotechnology innovations. Awareness campaign among researchers, consumers and farmers on the potentials of biotechnology for food security is expedient.

Key words: Biotechnology, innovation system, research institutions, universities and agricultural development programme.