The development of a stand-alone ADS can be a preferred option, although increasingly this kind of strategic work constitutes part of a broader effort—for example, preparing or updating PRSPs (as noted in box 1.9), updating Country Assistance Strategies (CASs) (typically every three years or so), or supporting other national efforts, such as Nigeria’s recent National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (World Bank 2004). Agricultural strategy as process. The process of forging an ADS shapes its design, its chances of being implemented, and its likely development impact. Hallmarks of a successful process are: Strong political and administrative leadership at central and local levels.
A strategic document identifying desired outcomes of decentralized agricultural development programs, specifying timetables, budgets and responsibilities.
Consensus building and ownership of a vision of agricultural development by policy makers, sector stakeholders, and the development community.
Mobilization of institutions and partnerships at different levels and in different sectors to implement the ADS.
Broad local participation in regular monitoring, and an understanding of the likely impact on those who will benefit and those who may lose.
Country leadership. The country must take the lead in analysis and strategy formulation, but it can benefit from external support, especially through sharing experience from other countries and regions. Time frame and macro context. Agricultural development is a long-term process, involving institutional change, market development, and technological adaptation. The time horizon for an ADS should be about five to ten years, with an expectation that it will be revised and updated every few years, depending on the changing situation. Elections and changes in government are important factors affecting timing for strategy preparation. As changes are not always predictable, the preparation of strategies should seek commitments across the political spectrum. Since macroeconomic crises often accompany adjustment lending, practitioners should be made aware of the need and rationale to focus on high-quality fiscal adjustment measures in agricultural spending in order to protect agricultural growth. Monitoring the effects of exchange rate adjustments on agricultural terms of trade can lead to useful identification of policy problems and corresponding recommendations. Multiple ministries. Many issues within a broad concept of "agriculture" (for example, irrigation, livestock, food, trade, input supply, agroindustry, and agricultural education) are often the responsibility of different ministries. It is critical that intersectoral linkages and interactions (for example, macroeconomic policy and agricultural trade policy) are appropriately accommodated. Strong participatory leadership skills and good coordination are necessary to produce a single strategy with support across a range of ministries. In the context of PRSP preparation and PRSC implementation, such support is usually more readily facilitated than has historically been the case.
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