DFID require a scoping study to provide information, analysis, evidence and options for the development of a programme to support Africa-Britain-China agricultural technology research collaborations. This programme will mobilise joint expertise in the development of new agricultural technology, innovation and knowledge exchange to support the sustainable intensification of agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly for small-holder farmers. The scoping study was a commitment under the UK Agricultural Technologies Strategy. The research communities in Britain and China have distinct and complementary expertise in many areas of agricultural technology. Britain and China have the potential to be a source of evidence and lessons on sustainable intensification and agricultural technology development in Africa. China has a long history of innovation in boosting agricultural productivity to increase food supplies. Over the past decade a significant body of knowledge, experience and relationships have been built between Africa-Britain-China through a wide range of initiatives led by DFID, Defra, BBSRC and RCUK-China. There is now an opportunity to build on the potential demonstrated by these initiatives through a more coordinated UK-wide approach to address some of the challenges facing agricultural development in Africa. The objectives of the scoping study will be:

1. Catalogue and synthesise lessons from existing Africa-Britain-China initiatives/relationships, and those completed in the past three years, in agricultural technology, innovation and knowledge exchange, including the underpinning science.

2. Assess the level of interest and willingness political feasibility in SSA, Britain and China to support and finance a potential new programme for agricultural technology, innovation and knowledge exchange.

3. Building on emerging lessons from other programmes, develop a preferred option for the design of the new programme, including governance, administrative, funding arrangements and technical priorities/themes. The study will need to look at Political, Governance, Financial, Technical and Administrative issues and Private Sector Engagement. Consortium bids for this work are actively encouraged as DFID acknowledges that it is unlikely that one organisation will house the suite of skills and expertise required to carry-out the scoping study. Bidders are also encouraged to think creatively about how the objectives of the study could be achieved.