For more than four decades, IITA and partners have been developing award-winning solutions to the severe and complex problems that plague agricultural systems in Africa. Our science is based on cutting-edge, authoritative thinking anchored on development needs of the hungry and poor. We focus on research for development (R4D) that reduces producer and consumer risks, improves productivity and production, and generates wealth.

Bustling market. Photo IITA

Many promising solutions remain on shelves because participation in their development and access to such knowledge have been limited. We launch this 6-monthly R4D Review in print and interactive online versions based upon open source principles. The free flow of information and participation in knowledge development with partners, investors, beneficiaries, and others help to accelerate the development, dissemination, and continuous improvement of innovative solutions.

We encourage you to visit and participate in the online R4D Review at www.r4dreview.org, which provides the essential interactive and collaborative environment to share views, ideas, and innovations. The print version does not help with dialogue as the online version does, but it provides access to some of the solutions which otherwise may be impossible to obtain online. We would like to encourage you to share your copy of the print version with others and try to give us feedback through other means, such as a letter to the editor or email r4dreview@iita.org.

Each R4D Review will have general information and a more particular focus. This maiden issue focuses on bananas, highlighting the important work done by our scientists and partners to address problems in banana growing and development. We also forward a perspective on how the current food crisis provides Africa with opportunities to turn agriculture around, and achieve food security and economic development. We present insider and outsider views about our R4D work and partnerships, and emphasize the breadth and depth of R4D work in developing solutions and its impact on natural resource management and sustainability, producer communities, and markets.

CONTRIBUTIONS needed
The R4D Review is looking for new sources of solid, useful ideas that can improve research-for-development practice. Please submit your contributions or participate in the R4D Review interactive site at www.iita.org/r4dreview. The general guidelines for contributions are also available at this site. Prospective authors can also send submissions, communications, comments, and suggestions to: The Editor, R4D Review. The quickest is to email r4dreview@iita.org