Locating research in agricultural innovation trajectories: Evidence and implications from empirical cases from South Asia

TS Vamsidhar Reddy, Andy Hall, Rasheed SulaimanGlobelics International Conference – 2012Zhejiang Narada Grand Hotel, Hangzhou, China

Layout of the presentationBackgroundMethodologyAnalytical frameworkThe CasesDiscussionConclusions

BackgroundHow agricultural research can

best be utilized for developmental purposes

Transfer of ideas from researchers to farmers has been discredited

Agricultural innovation – different forms based on circumstances and history – different opportunities and challenges

MethodologyCase studySeveral visits and meetings with

key informants over two yearsProject reports and published

literatureTriangulation

Analytical frameworkTwo analytical principles:

◦Locating research in the configuration of organizations

◦Locating research in different points in the innovation trajectory

The CasesApplication of PMCA in NepalApplication of decentralized fish

seed production in BangladeshPromotion of under-used crops

through a multi-pronged approach in India

DiscussionKnowledge products need

adaptation to local contexts. This involves a range of partners, going beyond field-level implementers transferring technology. Institutional adaptation (such as new marketing arrangements) may also be needed to help integrate these knowledge products.

Discussion continued

Adaptation of knowledge products involves combining ideas with other sources of knowledge from other streams of research.

Non-linearity of stages of innovation means that research can be important at any stage of the innovation trajectory.

Knowledge use only takes place within enabling social architectures. Embedding research in these architectures improves its relevance and impact.

ConclusionsA two-stage process of

knowledge generation and its application does not exist in practice

Developing networks of relevant actors is a necessary pre-condition for putting research into use.

The ‘pivotal agencies’ with pro-poor agendas steer innovation in pro-poor ways – need to nurture

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