LINK (Learning INnovation, Knowledge) is a specialist network of regional innovation policy studies hubs established by the United Nations University – Maastricht Economic and social Research and training centre on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to strengthen the interface between rural innovation studies, policy and practice and to promote North-South and South-South learning on rural innovation. |
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ACTION PLANNING EXERCISE IN NIGERIA WORKSHOP IN INDIA
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LINK RESEARCH IN FOCUS |
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LESSONS FROM SELF-ORGANISING SYSTEMS OF INNOVATION: THE TRAJECTORY OF NERICA RICE IN WEST AFRICA The study compares the spread of the rice variety in Guinea and Benin by exploring innovation processes in the two West African countries. In Guinea, this was characterised by a large-scale technology promotion campaign that focused on training farmers. In contrast, Benin had no such programme — although, significantly, there was a public awareness campaign in the local media, but not focused specifically on farmers. It is in Benin, surprisingly, that rice production, process and consumption innovation is more apparent. Dr. Dalohoun argues that a critical series of developments related to the use of NERICA — but not the result of any specific NERICA-related interventions — have taken place in Benin through the actions of the different players involved in the country with an interest in rice. These developments include: new links between rice growers and the processing industry; new links between different elements of the rice seed system, including both private sector organisations and the extension services (even though these are rather weak); and new credit arrangements to allow the bulking up of seed. It has also taken the involvement of political actors to make changes in the seed system possible. The net result of these developments is that NERICA rice is starting to be produced, processed and consumed quite widely in Benin, unlike the case of Guinea. The research has identified some of the critical factors that lead to self organisation. On this basis it sets out an alternative approach to the usual extension system/ seed system/ technology promotion intervention. The radical recommendations of this research suggest an exciting new direction to help resolve a problem that is almost as old as agricultural research. The write-up of this research should be finished by the end of this year.
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NEW VISITING SCIENTIST AT LINK WEST AFRICA
The dilemma with NERICA rice (a family of improved rice varieties specially adapted to the production conditions of West Africa) is familiar to those working with variety-based agricultural technology — the technology is good but the uptake and spread is not as fast as expected. LINK researcher Dr. Daniel Dalohoun has revisited this old problem from his new and unique perspective on agricultural innovation, which he developed during his doctoral studies at UNU-MERIT.
This month in the LINK LOOK Andy Hall reflects on the growing number of agriculture and development projects, programmes, organisations and initiatives focusing on innovation and often using the innovation systems idea. What is driving this development, or is this just another passing fad? And what can be done to help this broad change in direction
The LINK LOOK is an update of recent initiatives, projects, programmes and meetings that have moved on from a technology transfer focus and are grappling with the wider innovation perspective — and the capacity building agenda it implies. We invite contributions to this feature. |
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