Unpacking the drivers behind the use of the Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS) approach: The case of rice research and extension professionals in Sierra Leone

Kamara, Lamin Ibrahim; Dorward, Peter; Lalani, Baqir; Wauters, Erwin

doi:10.1016/j.agsy.2019.102673

Cited by 18 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Our literature search showed one similar study by Mose (2013), who looked at the willingness of research and extension staff in Kenya to support participation and empowerment of farmers. This paper complements other work we have conducted (Kamara et al 2019) by focussing more on systemic aspects of AIS functioning. This research thus fills an important research gap and in addition provides insights for policy-makers working to strengthen AIS to further support effective research and extension for sustainable smallholder agriculture.…”

Section: Research Objectivesmentioning

confidence: 61%

Using improved understanding of research and extension professionals’ attitudes and beliefs to inform design of AIS approaches

Kamara

Hulst

Dorward

2020

The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension

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Purpose: This paper seeks to understand what influences research and extension professionals' intentions to use AIS approaches and to explore how this can inform implementation and design of more effective AIS. Methodology: We applied the Reasoned Action Approach through focus groups and structured questionnaires with research and extension professionals from government and non-government organisations in Sierra Leone, where AIS approaches are not widely used although increasingly institutionalised in policy. Findings: Research and extension professionals have surprisingly positive attitudes towards using AIS approaches and associate it with a range of positive outcomes related to food security and inclusive processes. The perceived ability to successfully implement AIS approaches is strongly influenced by funding, organisational culture and dynamics between senior and junior staff. We also found that alongside use of AIS approaches there is a continued adherence to top-down approaches. Practical Implications: This work highlights the enthusiasm and interest among extension and research professionals as a promising start for improving the innovation systems. Practical requirements include training of senior and involvement of junior staff respectively in AIS design, and addressing extension education and organisational culture. Theoretical Implications: This study highlights the importance of socio-psychological theory for understanding attitudes towards AIS approaches. We show how considering both institutional and personal constraints is vital for conceptualising how AIS are evolving. Originality: There has been very little research conducted on research and extension professionals' intentions to use AIS approaches in developing countries that links with personal and systemic preconditions for supporting more effective AIS.

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Section: Research Objectivesmentioning

confidence: 61%

Using improved understanding of research and extension professionals’ attitudes and beliefs to inform design of AIS approaches

Kamara

Hulst

Dorward

2020

The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension

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“…Empirical research shows that small-holder agriculture contributes significantly to ensuring food security and improving economic livelihoods in Africa (Kamara et al, 2019). However, as explored in this study, small-holder agriculture in Zimbabwe shows little disregard for gender equality and equity.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 65%

Walking where men walk: gendered politics of smallholder agriculture in Zimbabwe

TIRIVANGASI,

DZVIMBO,

CHITONGO

et al. 2023

pesd

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Small-holder farmers are the pillars of the rural economy, food security and sustainable livelihoods. As a result of the numerous institutionalized gender inequities that are ingrained in laws, regulations, socio-cultural beliefs, and practices, small-holder agriculture in Zimbabwe continues to be contested and gendered. Exploring lessons from the experiences of women small-holder farmers in fourteen villages in Sanyati District, Zimbabwe, this study examines how the "contours" of gender-political dynamics and relations continue to limit rural women in the mainstream small-holder agricultural sector in Zimbabwe. The study used a mixedmethods research paradigm with which data was collected through purposive sampling techniques, in-depth personal and key informant interviews. The study shows that women farmers in rural communities of Zimbabwe are struggling to control their activities from farmland ownership up to post-harvesting time. Hence, they continue to face discrimination regarding having farmland rights, accessing the markets, financial services, extension services and information. These challenges continue to reveal the existence of an unjust, undemocratic, and unequal space for women in various facets of life at community and household level. Therefore, this calls for the need to spearhead women empowerment and involvement in the agricultural sector. The study further recommends gender mainstreaming within institutions, reforming policies, and laws relevant to small-holder farming and inclusive of women. More so, supporting small-holder farmers is very important in boosting the declining commercial agriculture in Zimbabwe. The study concludes by examining practical approaches in land allocation through gender policy and reforms such as repealing of social practices and customary laws which hinder gender equality.

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“…In Colombia, NARS promotes agricultural innovation through policies, programs, and projects that enhance competitiveness, quality of life, and food security by involving a wide range of participants and stimulating the formation of innovation networks Law 1876 [17]. Regional Innovation Systems (RIS) provide a detailed and contextualized view of innovation processes in a region [9], [18] considering particularities to identify strengths and weaknesses, develop appropriate strategies, and foster collaboration. among actors for innovation and sustainable development [19].…”

Section: Literature Review On Siamentioning

confidence: 99%

National Agricultural Innovation System (NAIS): Diagnosis, Gaps and Mapping of Actors

Gutiérrez Cano,

Zartha Sossa,

Moreno Sarta

et al. 2024

Preprint

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This article examines the diagnosis of the Agricultural Innovation System (SIA) in the department of Tolima, Colombia, as part of a project led by the Colombian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Technological University of Pereira (TUP), which also evaluated the National Agricultural Innovation System (NAIS) in regions such as Chocó, Bolívar, and Meta. A methodology was used that involved a survey with 58 questions on a Likert scale to 300 participants, evaluated with congruence and relevance indexes, identifying key variables in the operation of the Agricultural Innovation System (AIS). A survey was also applied to actors of the National Innovation System for Higher Education in Agriculture, A survey was also applied to map the participating actors in the regional agricultural innovation systems of Tolima to identify gaps in extension, innovation, development, sustainability, ICT, education and training. Among the conclusions, it stands out that the associativity subsystem presents the lowest lag and is close to a score of two on the scale of gaps, evaluation carried out among the five subsystems including extension, ICT, environmental aspects, and pub-lic policy. The department of Tolima shows low performance in innovation and ICT, while the extension is less lagging. In Chaparral there is a general lag, with innovation being the worst evaluated subsystem. Rovira obtains high scores in most subsystems, although innovation and ICT have lower scores. At the national and regional levels, innovation is low, and articulation among NARS actors is insufficient, which highlights the need to promote good practices, strategies, and projects.

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Unpacking the drivers behind the use of the Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS) approach: The case of rice research and extension professionals in Sierra Leone

Cited by 18 publications

References 11 publications

Using improved understanding of research and extension professionals’ attitudes and beliefs to inform design of AIS approaches

Using improved understanding of research and extension professionals’ attitudes and beliefs to inform design of AIS approaches

Walking where men walk: gendered politics of smallholder agriculture in Zimbabwe

National Agricultural Innovation System (NAIS): Diagnosis, Gaps and Mapping of Actors

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