Delegates from more than 12 African countries attending a conference on agricultural innovation in Nairobi have emphasized that investments in research & development are essential to ensure consistent and equitable growth that translates into higher incomes and improved food security.  Speaking in Nairobi earlier today, research leaders pointed that the role of research was critical in boosting output. Data on RND has shown that every dollar invested in agricultural has generated 3-6 dollars in returns. Other interventions fronted for at the forum was the call for close engagement of public research organizations with the private sector as key player in the development, financing and scaling of innovations was emphasized at the meeting.