At present, agricultural policies in Kenya often ignore specific target groups because there is a lack of contextual information on farmers’ specific socio-economic conditions. The aim of this study was to fill this knowledge gap by answering the following research questions: 1. What determines the adaptive capacity of AIV farmers in Kenya? 2. How does access to capital assets differ by farming household characteristics and between the selected areas? 3. What are the AC levels of AIV farmers in the selected zones of Kenya? 4.
This poster describes a research experience carried out in Burundi that investigate the influency of the gender roles in the management of Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW) disease
Banana and plantain are one of the most important staple food crops and a significant source of income to smallholder farmers in the East African Great Lakes Region. Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW) is a devastating bacterial disease that threatens smallholder production and livelihoods. We use a systems approach to describe how gender shapes roles and practices in the household, on the farm and in innovation processes. We draw on a case study in Burundi, where single disease stem removal (SDSR) has been introduced as a labour-saving package to reduce BXW incidence.
Adapting through innovation is one way for rural communities to sustain and improve their livelihoods and environments. Since the 1980s research and development organizations have developed participatory approaches to foster rural innovation. This paper develops a model, called the Learning-to-Innovate (LTI) model, of four basic processes linked to decision making and learning which regulate rate and quality of innovation. The processes are: creating awareness of new opportunities; deciding to adopt; adapting and changing practice; and learning and selecting.
Innovation platforms (IPs) are a way of organizing multistakeholder interactions, marshalling ideas, people and resources to address challenges and opportunities embedded in complex settings. The approach has its roots in theories of complexity, the concept of innovation systems and practices of participatory action research. IPs have been widely adopted across Africa and beyond in recent years as a “must have” tool in a range of “for development” modes of agricultural research.
The development and scaling of orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) during the past 25 years is a case study of a disruptive innovation to address a pressing need – the high levels of vitamin A deficiency among children under five years of age in sub-Saharan Africa. When the innovation was introduced consumers strongly preferred white or yellow-fleshed sweetpotato, so it was necessary to create a demand to respond to that need. This was at odds with the breeding strategy of responding to consumers’ demands.
It has long been recognized that investment is needed to build capacity in Science Technology and Innovation (STI) particularly in low and medium income (LMI) countries. Yet there is little understanding as to how to do this.
La complexité des facteurs de la migration rurale en ASS rend impossible la prévision du nombre de personnes qui migreront et pourquoi, ni qui elles seront, ni où elles iront. Pourtant, il est possible d’explorer comment ce système complexe de forces interdépendantes pourrait évoluer, de prendre des décisions proactives et d’agir pour construire le futur. Il est peu probable que les migrants ruraux d’ASS soient dans une position favorable pour émigrer hors d’Afrique, ce qui pose un grand défi pour la prospérité future du continent : migration par nécessité ou par choix ?
On observe depuis une vingtaine d'années l'émergence de bassins de production maraîchère dans le Sahara algérien par la mobilisation des eaux souterraines profondes, en marge des oasis traditionnelles. Dans la vallée du Souf, les agriculteurs se sont orientés vers la culture de la pomme de terre, irriguée par des petits pivots artisanaux. L'objectif de l'article est d'analyser le processus d'innovation ayant permis l'émergence et la diffusion du pivot artisanal.
Ce document présente une série d'initiatives visées á renforcer les capacités de la société civile, par exemple en promouvant la participation des citoyens dans les processus de prise de décisions, ou en améliorant la gestion des ressources et l’accès à l’éducation pour les enfants.