Agriculture, the most important industry in Africa, has not provided adequate food security and economic well-being for the continent's population. Agricultural production per capita and total exports declined since the 1970s, while population and urbanization increases resulted in growing demand. This inadequate performance was largely due to: 1. Poor agricultural policies and management 2. Poor rural infrastructure, inadequate irrigation, and limited use of agricultural inputs 3. Civil strife 4. Weak regional collaboration and 5. Inadequate agricultural technology generation and delivery systems. However, Africa has the potential to achieve high productivity in agriculture. This is indicated by the high rate of return (ROR) to investment in research and extension and the recent positive response to favourable agricultural policies in a number of countries, that are beginning to enhance productivity.