Your search found 9 records
1 Douthwaite, B.; Hoffecker, E. 2017. Towards a complexity-aware theory of change for participatory research programs working within agricultural innovation systems. Agricultural Systems, 155:88-102. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2017.04.002]
Agricultural research ; Participatory research ; Research programmes ; Agricultural innovation systems ; International organizations ; CGIAR ; Aquatic environment ; Agricultural systems ; Fisheries ; Stakeholders ; Scientists ; Farmers ; Evaluation ; Empowerment ; Case studies ; Plant fibres ; Abaca ; Models / Zambia / Philippines
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048508)
(0.83 MB)
Agricultural innovation systems (AIS) are increasingly recognized as complex adaptive systems in which interventions cannot be expected to create predictable, linear impacts. Nevertheless, the logic models and theory of change (ToC) used by standard-setting international agricultural research agencies and donors assume that agricultural research will create impact through a predictable linear adoption pathway which largely ignores the complexity dynamics of AIS, and which misses important alternate pathways through which agricultural research can improve system performance and generate sustainable development impact. Despite a growing body of literature calling for more dynamic, flexible and “complexity-aware” approaches to monitoring and evaluation, few concrete examples exist of ToC that takes complexity dynamics within AIS into account, or provide guidance on how such theories could be developed. This paper addresses this gap by presenting an example of how an empirically-grounded, complexity-aware ToC can be developed and what such a model might look like in the context of a particular type of program intervention. Two detailed case studies are presented from an agricultural research program which was explicitly seeking to work in a “complexity-aware” way within aquatic agricultural systems in Zambia and the Philippines. Through an analysis of the outcomes of these interventions, the pathways through which they began to produce impacts, and the causal factors at play, we derive a “complexity-aware” ToC to model how the cases worked. This middle-range model, as well as an overarching model that we derive from it, offer an alternate narrative of how development change can be produced in agricultural systems, one which aligns with insights from complexity science and which, we argue, more closely represents the ways in which many research for development interventions work in practice. The nested ToC offers a starting point for asking a different set of evaluation and research questions which may be more relevant to participatory research efforts working from within a complexity-aware, agricultural innovation systems perspective.
2 Dorai, K.; Hall, A.; Dijkman, J. 2015. Strategic study of good practice in AR4D [Agricultural Research for Development] partnership. Rome, Italy: CGIAR Independent Science and Partnership Council (ISPC). 111p.
Agricultural research for development ; Good practices ; Strategy planning ; International organizations ; CGIAR ; Research programmes ; Multi-stakeholder processes ; Innovation platforms ; Agricultural innovation systems ; Partnerships ; Frameworks ; Policies ; Sustainable Development Goals ; Monitoring and evaluation
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049065)
https://ispc.cgiar.org/sites/default/files/ISPC_StrategicStudy_Partnerships.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049065.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049065.pdf
(1.51 MB) (1.51 MB)
3 Seifu, M.; van Paassen, A.; Klerkx, L.; Leeuwis, C. 2020. Anchoring innovation methodologies to ‘go-to-scale’; a framework to guide agricultural research for development. Agricultural Systems, 182:102810. (Online first) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2020.102810]
Agricultural research for development ; Agricultural innovation systems ; Stakeholders ; Innovation platforms ; Frameworks ; Institutions ; Farmer participation ; Projects ; Strategies / Ethiopia
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049698)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308521X19302732/pdfft?md5=1b7dfd2ad7035c522c04871ff57755e0&pid=1-s2.0-S0308521X19302732-main.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049698.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049698.pdf
(5.33 MB) (5.33 MB)
Research for development (R4D) projects increasingly engage in multi-stakeholder innovation platforms (IPs) as an innovation methodology, but there is limited knowledge of how the IP methodology spreads from one context to another. That is, how experimentation with an IP approach in one context leads to it being succesfully replicated in other contexts. To inspire development actors to consider the fit of an innovation methodology for a context, following work on anchoring for scaling, we developed a framework for networking-, methodological, and institutional anchoring and applied it to a R4D IP in order to test the value of such an anchoring approach for understanding the scaling of innovation methodologies such as IP. We selected a R4D project with a Farmer Research Group-Innovation Platform in Ethiopia, whose technical output and methodological approach were greatly appreciated by the actors involved. Using the anchoring framework, the executed or non-executed tasks were identified. Besides, the embedding of the methodological experiment the potential up-scaling and out-scaling were systematically analyzed. The analysis yielded the strengths and weaknesses of the anchoring work done so far to scale the innovation methodology used, and provided concrete suggestions of how to proceed if an innovation project considers ‘going to scale’. We recommend R4D projects to valorize their work and pay more explicit attention to anchoring. With a flexible, multi-pronged anchoring approach and continuous scanning of the progress made in context, more R4D projects and their associated innovation methodologies can ‘go to scale’.
4 Parry, K.; van Rooyen, A. F.; Bjornlund, H.; Kissoly, L.; Moyo, M.; de Sousa, W. 2020. The importance of learning processes in transitioning small-scale irrigation schemes. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 36(S1):S199-S223. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2020.1767542]
Irrigation schemes ; Small scale systems ; Agricultural innovation systems ; Innovation platforms ; Learning activities ; Government managed irrigation systems ; Irrigation practices ; Agricultural research for development ; Stakeholders ; Farmers ; Training ; Knowledge ; Monitoring ; Social aspects ; Households / Africa South of Sahara / Mozambique / United Republic of Tanzania / Zimbabwe
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050067)
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/07900627.2020.1767542?needAccess=true
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050067.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050067.pdf
(1.51 MB) (1.51 MB)
Many small-scale irrigation schemes are dysfunctional, and learning, innovation and evaluation are required to facilitate sustainable transitions. Using quantitative and qualitative data from five irrigation schemes in sub-Saharan Africa, we analyze how learning and change arose in response to: soil monitoring tools, which triggered a deep learning cycle; and agricultural innovation platforms, which helped develop a social learning system. Knowledge generation and innovation were driven by the incentives of more profitable farming. Learning and change spread to farmers without the tools, and learning at different levels resulted in extension and governance stakeholders facilitating profound institutional change.
5 Gebreyes, M.; Mekonnen, K.; Thorne, P.; Derseh, M.; Adie, A.; Mulema, A.; Kemal, S. A.; Tamene, L.; Amede, T.; Haileslassie, Amare; Gebrekirstos, A.; Mupangwa, W. T.; Ebrahim, M.; Alene, T.; Asfaw, A.; Dubale, W.; Yasabu, S. 2021. Overcoming constraints of scaling: critical and empirical perspectives on agricultural innovation scaling. PLoS ONE, 16(5):e0251958. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0251958]
Agricultural innovation systems ; Scaling ; Strategies ; Agricultural research ; Development projects ; CGIAR ; Farming systems ; Farmers ; Constraints ; Social aspects / Africa / Ethiopia / Amhara / Oromia / Tigray / Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR)
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050439)
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0251958&type=printable
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050439.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050439.pdf
(0.76 MB) (778 KB)
Scaling is a ubiquitous concept in agricultural research in the global south as donors require their research grantees to prove that their results can be scaled to impact upon the livelihoods of a large number of beneficiaries. Recent studies on scaling have brought critical perspectives to the rather technocratic tendencies in the agricultural innovations scaling literature. Drawing on theoretical debates on spatial strategies and practical experience of agricultural innovation scaling in Ethiopia, this paper adds to the current debate on what constitutes scaling and how to overcome critical scaling constraints. The data for the paper came from a qualitative assessment using focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and document analysis on scaling work done in Ethiopia by a USAID-funded research for development project. The paper concludes with four broad lessons for the current understating of agricultural innovation scaling. First, scaling of agricultural innovations requires a balanced focus on technical requirements and associated social dynamics surrounding scaling targets, actors involved and their social relations. Second, appreciating the social dynamics of scaling emphasizes the fact that scaling is more complex than a linear rolling out of innovations towards diffusion. Third, scaling may not be strictly planned; instead, it might be an extension of the innovation generation process that relies heavily on both new and long-term relationships with key partners, trust, and continuous reflection and learning. Fourth, the overall implication of the above three conclusions is that scaling strategies need to be flexible, stepwise, and reflective. Despite the promises of flourishing scaling frameworks, scaling strategies it would appear from the Africa RISING experience that, if real impact is to be achieved, approaches will be required to be flexible enough to manage the social, processual and emergent nature of the practice of scaling.
6 Hornum, S. T.; Bolwig, S. 2021. A functional analysis of the role of input suppliers in an agricultural innovation system: the case of small-scale irrigation in Kenya. Agricultural Systems, 193:103219. (Online first) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2021.103219]
Agricultural innovation systems ; Small scale systems ; Irrigation systems ; Irrigation schemes ; Infrastructure ; Drip irrigation ; Donors ; Research organization ; Nongovernmental organizations ; Developing countries ; Case studies / Kenya
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050541)
(1.20 MB)
CONTEXT: As a direct link between farmers and manufacturers of technologies, the characteristics and activities of input suppliers can be expected to play an important role in the generation and diffusion of innovations in agricultural systems. While the agricultural innovation systems (AIS) literature recognises the importance of input suppliers, there are few studies from the Global South assessing the nature and implications of their activities.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to improve the understanding of how input suppliers can influence the functioning and development of AIS in the Global South.
METHODS: We first adapt the ‘functions of innovation systems’ framework to examine the role of these private-sector actors in an AIS, identifying three activity categories, through which input suppliers can influence the AIS: market creation for technological innovations, the creation and dissemination of knowledge, and influence on technology priorities. We then apply the framework to a case study of the small-scale irrigation sector in Kenya.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The case study documents the emergence of a new cohort of irrigation-equipment suppliers during the period of strong growth in the market for small-scale irrigation technologies since 2000, and examines how they affect the small-scale irrigation agricultural innovation system (SIAIS). We find that Kenyan irrigation-input suppliers perform important activities and roles in the SIAIS aside input supply, notably provision of advisory services, improvement of the supply chain for irrigation technologies, introduction and adaptations of new types of irrigation equipment, and facilitation of access to farm credit. Irrigation-input suppliers in Kenya thus play an important role in the functionality of the SIAIS, particularly regarding knowledge creation and dissemination.
SIGNIFICANCE: The novelty of the paper lies in its empirical assessment of input suppliers in the small-scale irrigation sector and its application of the functions framework. The paper shows that input suppliers can become effective agents of knowledge diffusion once the market has reached a sufficient size and documents how they contributed to knowledge development as they develop, adapt and test specific irrigation equipment. The paper also emphasises that input suppliers can form a key link between national AIS and foreign companies, as they bring in foreign expertise (know-how) to the market along with agricultural technologies. We therefore suggest that policy interventions in support of smallholder irrigation should seek leverage from the growth and capacities of input suppliers as a complement to public research and extension.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to improve the understanding of how input suppliers can influence the functioning and development of AIS in the Global South.
METHODS: We first adapt the ‘functions of innovation systems’ framework to examine the role of these private-sector actors in an AIS, identifying three activity categories, through which input suppliers can influence the AIS: market creation for technological innovations, the creation and dissemination of knowledge, and influence on technology priorities. We then apply the framework to a case study of the small-scale irrigation sector in Kenya.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The case study documents the emergence of a new cohort of irrigation-equipment suppliers during the period of strong growth in the market for small-scale irrigation technologies since 2000, and examines how they affect the small-scale irrigation agricultural innovation system (SIAIS). We find that Kenyan irrigation-input suppliers perform important activities and roles in the SIAIS aside input supply, notably provision of advisory services, improvement of the supply chain for irrigation technologies, introduction and adaptations of new types of irrigation equipment, and facilitation of access to farm credit. Irrigation-input suppliers in Kenya thus play an important role in the functionality of the SIAIS, particularly regarding knowledge creation and dissemination.
SIGNIFICANCE: The novelty of the paper lies in its empirical assessment of input suppliers in the small-scale irrigation sector and its application of the functions framework. The paper shows that input suppliers can become effective agents of knowledge diffusion once the market has reached a sufficient size and documents how they contributed to knowledge development as they develop, adapt and test specific irrigation equipment. The paper also emphasises that input suppliers can form a key link between national AIS and foreign companies, as they bring in foreign expertise (know-how) to the market along with agricultural technologies. We therefore suggest that policy interventions in support of smallholder irrigation should seek leverage from the growth and capacities of input suppliers as a complement to public research and extension.
7 Ikehi, M. E.; Ifeanyieze, F. O.; Onu, F. M.; Ejiofor, T. E.; Nwankwo, C. U. 2023. Assessing climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies and agricultural innovation systems in the Niger Delta. GeoJournal, 88(1):209-224. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-022-10596-6]
Agricultural innovation systems ; Climate change mitigation ; Climate change adaptation ; Strategies ; Agricultural research ; Crop production ; Stakeholders / Nigeria / Niger Delta
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H051720)
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10708-022-10596-6.pdf?pdf=button
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H051720.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H051720.pdf
(1.28 MB) (1.28 MB)
Climate change and its impacts on agriculture have been widely discussed at national and global levels. An important aspect of the discussion has been adaptation/mitigation approaches. Consequently, several strategies have been suggested as measures to ensure agriculture remains productively profitable. However, food security especially in critical times, such as the lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a challenge even for regions naturally endowed for agriculture. The study evaluated research recommended strategies, and further examined the innovativeness of the strategies in fostering sustainable agricultural innovation system (AIS) in the Niger Delta. The study relied on both secondary and primary data; analysed 129 previous studies and gathered responses from 282 extension agents. The study introduces a method for assessing the innovativeness of strategies by calculating their rated values on five traits. Findings revealed the issues and implications of adopting most recommended strategies and the place of most strategies in fostering AIS. The study highlights the possible reasons why farmers fail to adopt most strategies as suggested by studies on climate change in the region. Based on the findings, recommendations were made on the way forward. The study adds to the scanty discussion of climate change and AIS at regional levels, particularly in the climate change prone and oil rich Niger Delta region. The study offers a novel approach for scoring innovations in agriculture.
8 Wigboldus, S.; McEwan, M. A.; van Schagen, B.; Okike, I.; van Mourik, T. A.; Rietveld, A.; Amole, T.; Asfaw, F.; Hundayehu, M. C.; Iradukunda, F.; Kulakow, P.; Namanda, S.; Suleman, I.; Wimba, B. R. 2023. Understanding capacities to scale innovations for sustainable development: a learning journey of scaling partnerships in three parts of Africa. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 25(8):8197-8231. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-022-02394-4]
Agricultural innovation systems ; Partnerships ; CGIAR ; Sustainable development ; Research organizations ; Institutions ; Policies ; Farmers ; Stakeholders / Africa
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052291)
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10668-022-02394-4.pdf?pdf=button%20sticky
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052291.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052291.pdf
(1.20 MB) (1.20 MB)
Finding out how to scale innovations successfully is high on the agendas of researchers, practitioners and policy makers involved in agricultural development. New approaches and methodologies seek to better address related complexities, but none of them include a systematic perspective on the role of capacity in (partnerships for) scaling innovations. We posit that this has left an important topic insufficiently addressed in relation to partnerships for scaling innovations. The need to address this gap became apparent in the context of the CGIAR Roots, Tubers, and Bananas (RTB) Scaling Fund initiative. This paper presents how we explored ways forward in relation to this by combining three methodological approaches: The Five-Capabilities, Scaling Readiness, and the Multi-Level Perspective on socio-technical innovation. This combined approach—dubbed Capacity for Scaling Innovations (C4SI)—was applied in three projects related to scaling innovations for sweet potato, cassava and banana, involving five countries in Africa. It then discusses implications for a partners-in-scaling perspective, the contribution of scaling innovations to sustainable development, the importance of research organisations considering their own capabilities in partnerships for scaling, and the extent to which C4SI was helpful in the three cases—for example, in decision making. The paper concludes that a capacity perspective on the scaling of innovations should be an essential part of a ‘science of scaling’. Finally, it provides recommendations for using the approach or parts of it in research and intervention practice for scaling, pointing in particular to the need for context-specific adaptation.
9 McGuire, E.; Leeuwis, C.; Rietveld, A. M.; Teeken, B. 2024. Anticipating social differentiation and unintended consequences in scaling initiatives using GenderUp, a method to support responsible scaling. Agricultural Systems, 215:103866. (Online first) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103866]
Gender equity ; Social inclusion ; Social differentiation ; Agricultural research for development ; Agricultural innovation systems ; Scaling up ; Sustainable Development Goals
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H052544)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308521X24000167/pdfft?md5=a639d31b187285c2cd46bdb1e7436441&pid=1-s2.0-S0308521X24000167-main.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052544.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H052544.pdf
(3.65 MB) (3.65 MB)
CONTEXT: A key strategy in progressing towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is scaling innovations to improve livelihoods of marginalized populations globally. Consequently, there has been a heightened emphasis on Agriculture Research for Development (AR4D) innovation teams' ability to swiftly identify innovations that can be scaled for broad impact. However, insufficient attention has been paid to the equitable distribution of benefits among different demographic groups, leading to documented unintended consequences affecting some of the most marginalized communities. To effectively contribute to the SDGs and avoid harm to specific groups, AR4D innovation teams must conscientiously consider various dimensions of diversity, including gender and other relevant factors.
OBJECTIVE: Our objective is to introduce GenderUp, a new conversational method for responsible scaling, oriented to making scaling initiatives more inclusive and anticipatory of socially differentiated trade-offs. This new AR4D scaling tool seeks to ensure that scaling efforts not only contribute effectively to the SDGs but also consider and mitigate unintended consequences for marginalized communities.
METHODS: This paper describes a new socially responsible scaling tool. Starting with a defined innovation, GenderUp helps: i) identify relevant diversity and intersectionality among intended innovation users; and ii) re-direct scaling strategies to better anticipate and mitigate unintended consequences for specific social groups. Through a series of five stages, a GenderUp facilitator guides teams through discussions, learning activities, and practical integration to develop a socially responsible scaling strategy. We provide details about each stage and reflect on the results of two early pilot experiences.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for increased recognition of the distribution of innovation benefits based on dimensions of diversity. GenderUp is proposed as a new method to systematically address social differentiation in the scaling of AR4D innovation. GenderUp supported two different innovation and scaling teams to rethink their scaling strategies. Both innovation teams identified at-risk intersectional profiles and made adjustments to their scaling strategies to ensure these groups were not harmed by the innovation or scaling activities. These promising examples suggest that GenderUp provides a simple ex-ante analysis that can reduce unintended consequences more broadly within AR4D.
SIGNIFICANCE: Although gender and social equity are prioritized globally there are very few experts, tools, and systems in place to achieve these cross-cutting goals. While GenderUp only addresses innovation at the scaling stage, it is a step towards systemizing responding to social differentiation within AR4D to at least do no harm, and at best improve social outcomes.
OBJECTIVE: Our objective is to introduce GenderUp, a new conversational method for responsible scaling, oriented to making scaling initiatives more inclusive and anticipatory of socially differentiated trade-offs. This new AR4D scaling tool seeks to ensure that scaling efforts not only contribute effectively to the SDGs but also consider and mitigate unintended consequences for marginalized communities.
METHODS: This paper describes a new socially responsible scaling tool. Starting with a defined innovation, GenderUp helps: i) identify relevant diversity and intersectionality among intended innovation users; and ii) re-direct scaling strategies to better anticipate and mitigate unintended consequences for specific social groups. Through a series of five stages, a GenderUp facilitator guides teams through discussions, learning activities, and practical integration to develop a socially responsible scaling strategy. We provide details about each stage and reflect on the results of two early pilot experiences.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for increased recognition of the distribution of innovation benefits based on dimensions of diversity. GenderUp is proposed as a new method to systematically address social differentiation in the scaling of AR4D innovation. GenderUp supported two different innovation and scaling teams to rethink their scaling strategies. Both innovation teams identified at-risk intersectional profiles and made adjustments to their scaling strategies to ensure these groups were not harmed by the innovation or scaling activities. These promising examples suggest that GenderUp provides a simple ex-ante analysis that can reduce unintended consequences more broadly within AR4D.
SIGNIFICANCE: Although gender and social equity are prioritized globally there are very few experts, tools, and systems in place to achieve these cross-cutting goals. While GenderUp only addresses innovation at the scaling stage, it is a step towards systemizing responding to social differentiation within AR4D to at least do no harm, and at best improve social outcomes.
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