Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a significant role in addressing the challenges in agriculture in many countries. However, the institutionalization of ICT in any country’s agricultural system highly depends on its ICT policies. Benin’s agricultural sector has undergone many policy reforms since its independence in 1960 which caused changes in the orientation of ICT usage. This article aims to analyze ICT integration policies in agriculture in Benin regarding the innovations brought to facilitate its institutionalization. Therefore, three (3) dimensions of national political innovations are explored: innovation propensity, innovation capacity and innovation practice. A qualitative approach was adopted based not only on policy documents analysis such as laws, decrees and projects/programs but also on interviews with 30 key persons involved in the sector. The results showed that: (i) ICT has long been overlooked in agricultural policies in Benin; (ii) Low propensity and capacity was noticed regarding innovation of ICT integration in agriculture from 1960 until 2014. After this period, several innovations were introduced but they are still under innovation practiced. This study shows to researchers and practitioners that high political innovation propensity in the field of ICT integration in agriculture does not guarantee its institutionalization. The three concepts –innovation propensity, innovation capacity and innovation practice are inter-linked with each other in successfully institutionalizing ICT in agricultural sector. In the case of Benin, despite the fact that several innovations have been introduced their institutionalization is lagging behind. The results are useful for ICT policies, researchers and practitioners to better understand the process of ICT integration in agricultural system.
This article critically examines the relationship between institutionalization and the innovation process, traditionally regarded distinctively, leading to theoretical and methodological biases. It is also difficult to find how empirical research implements institutional theories. Drawing on the innovation and institutional theories, and a systematic literature review on ICT usage in the agricultural advisory system (AAS), our study reveals that ICT is becoming established within AAS. Two dominant isomorphisms guided ICT usage in AAS: coercive and normative isomorphism. We argue that the institutionalization process is a continuum of the innovation process. From this perspective, technology is conceptualized as potentially useful knowledge that undergoes a series of changes during its institutionalization. We propose an analytical framework that could induce further theoretical refinement and progress.
Purpose: Innovations are necessary for the development of agricultural sector. However, there are questions about their appropriation and sustainability. This article analyzes policies and intervention approaches challenges in promoting local innovation in the cashew sector in Benin.
Methodology: This study combines a literature review on policy and intervention approaches and qualitative information from nine cashew project managers to collect data.
Finding: The results reveal the following three main intervention approaches: (i) Capacity-building approaches, which include training, experience sharing, experimentation and demonstration, (ii) approaches facilitating access to finance and organizational support, and (iii) Business relationship development approaches that focus on relationship building and training. The choice of approaches is generally based on the priorities given to the challenges related to the development of the sector
Unique Contributions to Theory, Policy and Practice: However, investment and consideration of weaknesses in the implementation of intervention approaches would contribute to the development of innovation and the sustainability of innovation support services in the agricultural sector.
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