ABSTRACT
Agricultural research, extension and education can contribute greatly to enhancing agricultural production in a sustainable way and to reducing poverty in the developing world, but achievements have generally fallen short of expectations in Africa. In recent years, growing economic and demographic pressures - coupled with the entry of new market forces and actors - have created a need and an opportunity for more interactive approaches to development. Understanding the existing innovation processes, recognizing the potential for catalysing them and learning how to support joint innovation by different groups will be the key to success. This book covers new conceptual and methodological developments in agricultural innovation systems, and showcases recent on-the-ground experiences in different contexts in Africa. The contributions show how innovation is the outcome of social learning through interaction of individuals and organizations in both creating and applying knowledge. It brings examples of how space and incentives have been created to promote collaboration between farmers, research, extension and the private sector to develop better technologies and institutional arrangements that can alleviate poverty. In 25 broad-ranging chapters the book reflects cutting-edge thinking and practice in support of innovation processes in agriculture and management of natural resources.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part 1|79 pages
Innovation Concepts and Methods
chapter 3|22 pages
Comparison of Frameworks for Studying Grassroots Innovation
chapter 4|15 pages
Applying the Innovation Systems Concept in the Field
chapter 5|14 pages
Developing the Art and Science of Innovation Systems Enquiry
part 2|64 pages
Strengthening Social Capital in Agricultural Innovation Systems
chapter 6|15 pages
Harnessing Local and Outsiders' Knowledge
chapter 7|16 pages
An Innovation System in the Rangelands
chapter 9|16 pages
From Participation to Partnership
part 3|85 pages
Policy, Institutional and Market-Led Innovation
chapter 11|19 pages
Enabling Rural Innovation
chapter 12|17 pages
Doing Things Differently
part 4|74 pages
Local Innovation Processes
chapter 18|19 pages
Farmer Field Schools for Rural Empowerment and Life-Long Learning in Integrated Nutrient Management
chapter 19|14 pages
From Strangler to Nourisher
part 5|76 pages
Building Capacity for Joint Innovation