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Abstract
Agricultural research priority-setting at best promotes the effective and efficient use of
scarce research resources. This paper reviews firstly the priority-setting methods used in
Papua New Guinea for agricultural R&D and examines the practicalities of implementing
these and other methods. Secondly, this paper reports on key factors affecting the
strategic directions for agricultural R&D in Papua New Guinea. These factors include:(i)
the long term trends in international crop prices; (ii) long-term trends in crop production
by sector (plantations or smallholders); (iii) the cost of production by sector and its
effects on the long-term economic sectoral sustainability; and (iv) the potential impact of
pests and diseases. Related issues of research capacity, remuneration, funding and
administration are also explored. Conclusions are drawn about desirable research
directions and the capacity of PNG to deliver appropriate R&D products.