Insights into adoption of farming practices through multiple lenses: an innovation systems approach

Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

Authors

  • Elizabeth Clarke
  • Tamara Jackson
  • Khamlouang Keoka
  • Viengsavanh Phimphachanvongsod
  • Pheng Sengxua
  • Phetsamone Simali
  • Len Wade
A complex systems approach to innovation provides rich insights into the drivers, barriers and key elements for innovation in rural systems. Through a case study of dry direct seeding (DDS) in smallholder systems in Laos, we revealed a “perfect storm” of challenges and opportunities that resulted in rapid adoption of DDS. Labour shortage, climate variability and machinery availability were key factors. The study highlights the need for a focus on the process of co- production of knowledge including researchers, farmers, other commercial partners, policymakers and a range of other actors for innovation in food systems, and the need for an adaptive approach for fostering and supporting an active and engaged innovation network. The lessons for the research and development community include; that every local system and situation is unique, physically, politically, socially and culturally; that focusing on one set of factors is never sufficient; and that timelines for change are long and require persistence and longer term commitment from donors.
Original languageEnglish
JournalDevelopment in Practice: stimulating thought for action
Volume28
Issue number8
Pages (from-to)983-998
Number of pages16
ISSN0961-4524
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 17.11.2018

Bibliographical note

This work was supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research under [Grant Number CSE/2014/086]: “Crop-livestock systems platforms for capacity building, testing practices, commercialization and community learning”.