Integrated Soil Research Within The Framework of Agricultural Policy Making

Abstract

There appears to be a growing concern between scientists on how research may achieve a sufficient impact on policymaking. It is argued that significant differences between the academic world of science and the political world of policymaking makes a fruitful interaction between scientists and policymakers difficult. Differences in perception, organisation and communication is a major constraint for use of scientific results. A key prerequisite is establishment of multidisciplinary research programmes, integrating both natural, social and political sciences. Such policy—oriented programmes must establish their objectives in relation to policy issues in contrast to the more traditional multidisciplinary programmes on strictly scientific themes like soil science. A successful implementation of such programmes assumes a clear leadership, a strong commitment for cooperation and communication and, of course, good and relevant science.