A methodology for tracking the “fate” of technological interventions in agriculture

German, Laura; Mowo, Jeremias; Kingamkono, M.

doi:10.1007/s10460-006-9008-2

Cited by 27 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 35 publications

(30 reference statements)

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“…1). In this approach, transfer and dissemination leading to diffusion and adoption are frequently used concepts (German et al 2006;Kuehne et al 2013;Maredia 2014;Reimer et al 2012;Schewe and Stuart 2015). There are two important problems with this approach in relation to understanding the complexity of scaling.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Systemic perspectives on scaling agricultural innovations. A review

Wigboldus

Klerkx

Leeuwis

et al. 2016

Agron. Sustain. Dev.

243

181

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Agricultural production involves the scaling of agricultural innovations such as disease-resistant and droughttolerant maize varieties, zero-tillage techniques, permaculture cultivation practices based on perennial crops and automated milking systems. Scaling agricultural innovations should take into account complex interactions between biophysical, social, economic and institutional factors. Actual methods of scaling are rather empirical and based on the premise of 'find out what works in one place and do more of the same, in another place'. These methods thus do not sufficiently take into account complex realities beyond the concepts of innovation transfer, dissemination, diffusion and adoption. As a consequence, scaling initiatives often do not produce the desired effect. They may produce undesirable effects in the form of negative spill-overs or unanticipated side effects such as environmental degradation, bad labour conditions of farm workers and loss of control of farming communities over access to genetic resources. Therefore, here, we conceptualise scaling processes as an integral part of a systemic approach to innovation, to anticipate on the possible consequences of scaling efforts. We propose a method that connects the heuristic framework of the multi-level perspective on socio-technical transitions (MLP) to a philosophical 'modal aspects' framework, with the objective of elucidating the connectedness between technologies, processes and practices. The resultant framework, the PRactice-Oriented Multi-level perspective on Innovation and Scaling (PROMIS), can inform research and policymakers on the complex dynamics involved in scaling. This is illustrated in relation to three cases in which the framework was applied: scaling agro-ecological practices in Nicaragua, farmer field schools on cocoa cultivation in Cameroon and 'green rubber' cultivation in Southwest China.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Systemic perspectives on scaling agricultural innovations. A review

Wigboldus

Klerkx

Leeuwis

et al. 2016

Agron. Sustain. Dev.

243

181

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…However, there is limited research done to better understand which practices spread spontaneously and how these are adapted to fit the farming system. Having more insight into such spontaneous spreading would help to improve current SLM scaling-up strategies and better enable the inclusion of farmers' knowledge and practices into a technology spreading strategy [21].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding the Spontaneous Spreading of Stone Bunds in Ethiopia: Implications for Sustainable Land Management

et al. 2018

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This study deals with the spontaneous spreading of stone bunds in the central Ethiopian highlands, i.e., the adoption and implementation of stone bunds by farmers on their own initiative. The study tests the hypothesis that spontaneously implemented stone bunds, as compared to stone bunds implemented by mass mobilization campaigns, are more integrated with other land management practices and lead to higher yields. Data are collected in the Girar Jarso woreda through field observations and household surveys. Descriptive statistics are used to analyze and test the data at 1% and 5% probability levels. Results show that stone bunds are spontaneously implemented mainly on farmlands located nearby the homesteads where farmers perceive severe erosion, poor soil fertility and steep slope gradients. Compared to stone bunds implemented by mass mobilization, spontaneously implemented stone bunds are perceived as better maintained, more frequently modified to fit the farming system and better integrated with soil fertility management practices, such as applying fertilizer, compost and manure. Particularly, this better integration with other practices is very important, because it makes stone bunds more effective in reducing erosion, leading to beneficial effects on soil moisture and soil productivity, as perceived by farmers. The study, therefore, suggests that the mass mobilization campaign should use a more participatory and integrated approach, in which there is ample space for awareness raising and learning concerning the benefits of integrated farm management, and in which farmers themselves have a leading role in the decision on where to construct stone bunds. Such a strategy will lead to more sustainable impact on soil fertility and food security than the current top-down intervention approach.

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“…In Solomon Islands, many farmers adopted tilapia farming with the objectives of selling their fish; yet, production for sale is incompatible with the slow growth and small maximum size of O. mossambicus. Finally, we reiterate the concern that much diffusion of innovation research places a large emphasis on individual explanatory variables, while broader system influences are often overlooked [46]. Our results suggest that limited infrastructure and institutional support for small-scale aquaculture at the provincial and national scale in Solomon Islands, limits the potential for spread at smaller scales.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 56%

Social Dynamics Shaping the Diffusion of Sustainable Aquaculture Innovations in the Solomon Islands

et al. 2017

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Sustainably feeding the world's growing population represents one of our most significant challenges. Aquaculture is well positioned to make contributions towards this challenge. Yet, the translation of aquaculture production innovations into benefits for rural communities is constrained by a limited understanding of the social dynamics that influence the adoption of new agricultural practices. In this paper, we investigate the factors that shape the spread of small-scale tilapia aquaculture through rural Solomon Islands. Based on diffusion of innovation theory, we focus on three potentially influential factors: (i) socio-economic characteristics of adopters; (ii) the role of opinion leaders; and (iii) characteristics of the innovation. We find that farmers who were wealthier, older, and had more diverse livelihoods were most likely to be adopters. Opinion leaders facilitated the adoption of tilapia aquaculture, but lacked the capacity to provide fundamental knowledge necessary to realize its potential benefits to food security. The paper argues for more explicit attention to the poorest households and makes the case for a deeper engagement with the broader social and institutional contexts that shape the adoption process. Aquaculture interventions that account for these social dynamics are critical for translating production innovations into sustainable benefits to rural communities.

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A methodology for tracking the “fate” of technological interventions in agriculture

Cited by 27 publications

References 35 publications

Systemic perspectives on scaling agricultural innovations. A review

Systemic perspectives on scaling agricultural innovations. A review

Understanding the Spontaneous Spreading of Stone Bunds in Ethiopia: Implications for Sustainable Land Management

Social Dynamics Shaping the Diffusion of Sustainable Aquaculture Innovations in the Solomon Islands

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