Section 30, Agricultural Research Institute Act 2007 (Act No. 25 of 2007), to

(1) The Institute shall have such Research Centres, asthe councii may, on the advice of the Director General, determine. (2) A Research Centre under subsection (l) shall be to - (a) provide advise on and develop appropriate ;ystems to promote balanced, diversified and sustained agricultural development and to optimise agricultural production through adaptive and investigative research; O) develop innovative research programmes and conduct world-class investigations in the relevant field ofagriculture; and (c) promote agricultural commercialisation ihrougtr the dissemination of improved production technologies to farming communities and establish effective feedback systems with producers in support of national self-sufficiency and export capacities in agriculrural products; and ) No.28 Tlze Sierru Leonc .lgr ftultural R.search lhstilute Act, 2023 37 (d) cooperate with other Research Centres and key stakcholders to establish and operate an agribusiness incubation s),stem. @ For the purpose of carrying out its fimctions under subsection (l) a Research Ceotre shall - (a) orgauise, design and carry out on-station and on-thrm research in their respective sectors of agriculnral research in accordance with such pr.,iicies and in such priorities as may be dctemrined by the Council; (b) ideititl, production, policy, market, processing and utilization constraints in the ficids of agriculture, water, livestock, lishelies, forestry and environmeDt and prepare short and long-term research progranlmes within tho Aamework of the nati,ual agriculhrral research system; (c) i-lcnii._\ and disseminate, in collaboration uith Dther relevant agencies appropriate systens r:f mechanization and technology options to improve agricultural productiou aud pr',r vide answers to foreseeable pmblems lechrg cr.rp, livestoclq forestry and fisheries production; (d) collabomte with the extension and education \irr\ irer ind other organisations, agencies ard insi;nrtions including sclrools, tecbnical inrtr',uli,)rrs and universities, public or private to .ris.,eminate research results and tec:ri n,loS,ies; 38 No.28 The Sierra Leone Agrtcultural Research Institute Act, 2023 (e) establish and maintain regular contact with regional and international agricultural Research Centres to ensure the rapid introduction, evaluation and use of improved technology of potential benefit to the Centre- Director. (g) promote demand-driven participatory research, planning and priority setting and; (h) perform such other functions as the Council maYdetermine' 31. 0) A Research Centre trnder subsection (1) shall be nt"JJ bya Cente- Director, appointed by Council on the recommendation of theAppointments, Promotions and Performance Commiuee. Q\ A Centre-Director appointed tmder subsection (i)' shall, withiegards to the Research Cente to which he is appointed - (0 (a) country; coriduct in association with the Council armual reviews of research results and modify research pografimes as appropriate; be the research and administrative head and chief scientist; (b) be the chief finance officer and principal signatory to its accounts; (c) implement decisions of the Council and management, affecting the Research Centre; No.28 The Siena Leone Agricultura! Research Institute Act, 2023 39 (d) oversee the work and discipline ofemployees assigned to the Research Cente; and (e) liaise with relevant stakeholders to promote the objectives of the Institute and mobilise resources to support the .work of the Research Centre. (3) A person shall not be appointed Centre-Director unless he - (c) has at least 5 years experience in agricultural research or development; (d) has proven rnanagerial skills; and (e) has attained arank, (i) not below Principal Research Officer in a reputable research institution; or (ii) Associate Professor from a recognised university. (4) A person appointed Centre-Director shall hold office for a term of5 years and shall be eligible for reappointnent for a fi.rther term of 5 years only.