Agricultural "research" is sometimes narrowly defined as the application of
scientific methods and principles to understand plant components and
develop production technologies. Because of the historical lack of attention
to agroforestry, however, the research agenda for effective technology development
must be far broader than this. Basic information required for
planning and use of technical research does not exist. Yet without this
information, it is unlikely that sufficient or appropriate support for agroforestry
can be expected from national policymakers.