One of the responsibilities of Science Granting Councils (SGC) is to promote social and economic development of small producers through application of science technology and innovation.
The Councils are thus central to funding and catalyzing research and innovation in order to further application of technology and innovation. It’s an increasingly important role of tehse councils in national science systems in African countries.
https://www.ippmedia.com/en/features/scaling-technology-and-innovation%C2%A0-lift-economy