ABSTRACT
It is generally held that innovation in general and R&D and extension in particular play key roles in the development of the agricultural sector. Studies using an innovation systems perspective have highlighted the importance of interaction between producers of knowledge (research institutes) and consumers of knowledge (growers) as a conduit for learning and innovation. This study explores the interaction between research institutes and growers in the planning and implementation of R&D and extension activities in tea and natural rubber and the outcomes. It is observed that unlike in natural rubber, in tea the growers play a predominant role in shaping the nature and direction of R&D and extension. Yet the research outcomes in tea compare poorly with those of natural rubber. Further, small tea growers are left out altogether from the interactive learning and innovation process. Thus viewed, while interaction is important in learning and innovation, the ultimate outcome would be governed by the role of different actors involved in driving the innovation process.
