It has long been recognized that investment is needed to build capacity in Science Technology and... more 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. The combination of a) the use of research and innovation policy frameworks more aligned with High-Income Countries rather than LMI country social and economic environments and b) new commitments in many SSA countries to using research and innovation to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) mean that we need to develop new practical conceptual policy frameworks to guide future research and innovation investments that are more deeply embedded, sustainable and locally owned than was perhaps the case in the past. In relation to that need, a pilot research project is developing a new framework rooted in knowledge systems (KS) perspectives. Conceptually, a practical knowledge system approach offers potential to provide a more comprehensive understanding of science technology and innovation (STI) investment contexts, generate new evidence on the impact effectiveness of different investment options and help define tangible policy instruments/interventions. Against this backdrop the current project is developing a practical KS concept and applying this in three-country cases, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.
Sorghum is one of the main staple food crops of the world's poorest and most food-insecure pe... more Sorghum is one of the main staple food crops of the world's poorest and most food-insecure people. Approximately 90% of the world's sorghum areas are located in Africa and Asia. During 1992-94, 42% of the total sorghum produced worldwide was utilized for food, and 48% for animal feed. A preliminary study was conducted to understand the various storage conditions of sorghum grain, and the potential occurrence of mold fungi under such conditions. A total of 67 sorghum grain samples were collected from two surveys, 15 samples from the 1996 rainy season harvest, and 11 from the 1996/97 postrainy season harvest collected in June 1997, and 19 samples from the 1996/97 postrainy season and 22 from 1997 rainy season harvest collected in October 1997. Approximately 1 kg grain from each of the grain lots stored under various conditions (gunny bags, mud-lined baskets, metallic containers, polypropylene bags, and grains piled in a corner of a room) by farmers in rural India was collected...
An institutional history is a narrative that records key points about how institutional arrangeme... more An institutional history is a narrative that records key points about how institutional arrangements – new ways of working – evolve over time creating more effective ways to achieve goals. It can be used to document institutional innovations in projects and to highlight barriers to change. An institutional history draws out and synthesizes lessons for research organizations and partners as well as for others in similar circumstances.
This study has explored the impact of innovation hubs on knowledge, innovation and entrepreneuria... more This study has explored the impact of innovation hubs on knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems. To gain deeper insights, the study adopted an exploratory case study design along a qualitative approach to conduct an empirical investigation. The study reveals a noticeable contribution of the X-Innovation Hub in empowering youths in aspects of knowledge co-creation and transfer, and promotion of diverse innovations. The findings of the study also disclose that the contribution of the innovation hub in transforming innovations into entrepreneurial opportunities is still unsatisfactory. Furthermore, the findings suggest that not all start-ups emanating from the hub are taking off. This is due to various undermining factors such as financial constraints and unfriendly legal frameworks. For X-Innovation Hub to satisfactorily and sustainably contribute to national innovation systems, deliberate efforts must be made, and strategies put in place by different stakeholders such a...
1.0 Introduction 2.0 Fodder scarcity in India and Nigeria : Addressing the problem 2.1 Context 2.... more 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Fodder scarcity in India and Nigeria : Addressing the problem 2.1 Context 2.2 About the Project 3.0 Implementation of the Fodder Innovation Project : Phase 2 3.1 The Preparatory Phase Developing a Conceptual Framework Building the Project Team Establishing Partnerships Recruiting 'Innovation Coordinator' Identifying interventions and designing activities Rapid Diagnosis Refining research themes and research questions Developing joint action plans 3.2 The Implementation Phase Establishing a baseline Facilitating action learning loops Ensuring communication Monitoring and Learning 10 Engaging with Policy : FIPWiG 11 4.0 Discussion: Challenges and lessons learnt 13 4.1 Project Conceptualization and its communication/ operationalisation 13 4.2 Project roles 13 4.3 Nurturing partnerships 14 4.4 Nature of interventions 15 4.5 Networking 16 4.6 Monitoring and measuring change 17 5.0 Conclusions 18 6.0 End Note 20 References 20
In recent years international agricultural research centers had to respond to changed mandates wi... more In recent years international agricultural research centers had to respond to changed mandates with a more explicit focus on poverty reduction and environmental sustainability from an earlier focus on improved agricultural productivity. Natural resource management (NRM) research has been an important area that has witnessed several institutional changes within the CGIAR system for the fulfillments of these goals. Most research centers have sought and promoted innovations through concepts such as participatory research, partnerships and alternatives to the transfer of technology approach. In this report we argue that while these changes have indeed contributed to a greater poverty focus of the CG centers, there is a greater need to understand the practice of science amongst these centers and the underlying institutional constraints that hinder or enhance learning in the proposed transition of these research centers into learning organizations. In this study the institutional history of a CG center has been used as a tool to promote institutional learning and change. It demonstrates that research managers in the CG system have not adequately accessed the institutional innovations of its own scientists in facilitating changes under newer mandates. By tracing the various ups and downs of ICRISAT's thirty-year involvement in NRM research, this report points to the need for greater sensitivity in research design towards institutional constraints that
Recent years have seen a growing interest in agricultural research for development (R4D) initiati... more Recent years have seen a growing interest in agricultural research for development (R4D) initiatives designed to address the need to make more effective use of research investments in the development process. While there remains some ambiguity about the precise nature of R4D, it is nevertheless clear that a shift to this approach is going to require considerable institutional change in research practice. This chapter presents a brief case study of the experiences of a group of Australian, African and international agricultural research organizations which, together, initiated an explicit R4D programme. A key feature of this case study is the contestation that arises in the journey to R4D, with different points of view and patterns of practice vying for legitimacy and prominence. Contestation and negotiation is always a feature of bringing new practices into use and reflects that institutions are continuously ‘in the making’. Orchestrating ‘conversations’ with key R4D stakeholders ab...
Future technologies and systemic innovation are critical for the profound transformation the food... more Future technologies and systemic innovation are critical for the profound transformation the food system needs. These innovations range from food production, land use and emissions, all the way to improved diets and waste management. Here, we identify these technologies, assess their readiness and propose eight action points that could accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable food system. We argue that the speed of innovation could be significantly increased with the appropriate incentives, regulations and social licence. These, in turn, require constructive stakeholder dialogue and clear transition pathways.
International Journal of Technology Management & Sustainable Development, 2012
Agrifood stakeholders across the world are under ever-increasing pressure with globalization and ... more Agrifood stakeholders across the world are under ever-increasing pressure with globalization and new market demands-together with changing quality and safety requirements. The ability to respond to new challenges and opportunities is important not just for producers but also for industries in developing countries. This paper explores the horticulture sector of Kenya in order to gain a better understanding of what has most significantly contributed to its success in terms of innovation response capacity. This paper aims to present what "innovation response capacity" entails, especially for natural resource-based industries in a developing country context. It will also provide an analytical framework that draws elements from agricultural innovation capacity and the innovation systems framework. This is provided through case study research conducted in Kenya by exploring a prominent horticultural enterprise, Homegrown Ltd. The paper concludes that an important element of success in this case was the formation of a range of linkages that enabled a systemic sector response to challenges rather than isolated action of individual players.
This discussion paper explores aspects of innovation systems ideas in the analysis of mango produ... more This discussion paper explores aspects of innovation systems ideas in the analysis of mango production and export by smallscale farmers in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The paper shows how despite favourable agro-ecological conditions and being the largest international mango producer, India still struggles to build momentum in rapidly emerging export markets. An analysis of the sector's recent history combined with an empirical account of inter-sectoral and intra-sectoral linkage patterns among stakeholder groups appears to provide the basis for remedial policy suggestions. Most of these relate to aspects of integrated technology development and innovation management.
Over the last 10 years much has been written about the role of the private sector as part of a mo... more Over the last 10 years much has been written about the role of the private sector as part of a more widely-conceived notion of agricultural sector capacity for innovation and development. This paper discusses the emergence of a new class of private enterprise in East Africa that would seem to have an important role in efforts to tackle poverty reduction and food security. These organisations appear to occupy a niche that sits between mainstream forprofit enterprises and the developmental activities of government programmes, NGOs and development projects. This type of enterprise activity is not corporate social responsibility, but an altogether new type of business model that is blending entrepreneurial skills and perspectives with mission statements that seek to both serve the needs of poor customers and address their welfare. The ethos is both "bottom-up" and "bottom-line". This paper classifies these organisations as Development-Relevant Enterprises (DevREs).The experience of the Research into Use (RIU) programme discussed in this paper suggests that supporting these types of entrepreneurial activity may form the basis of a new mode of development assistance aimed at using innovation for both social and economic purposes.
Innovation platforms (IPs) are a way of organizing multistakeholder interactions, marshalling ide... more 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. Our experiences with establishing and facilitating nine IPs in local settings in west and central Africa contribute to understanding factors that impact on their effectiveness. The nine IPs were variously focused on developing dairy, crop and/or meat value chains by strengthening mixed crop-livestock production systems or seed systems. Using case study methods, we identified variables that contribute to explaining the performance of these IPs in relation to six domains of change in the agricultural system and the sustainability of changes. Thematic analysis was guided by a conceptual framework which grouped variables into four categories (context, structure, conduct, and process) that interact to influence IP performance. Stronger market connections and value chains were generated through some of these IPs but the most prevalent changes overall were in farm productivity and technical knowledge of producers. The structures evolved in some IPs, akin to those of producer collectives, suggested they were filling an institutional gap locally. The effect of the IPs on deeper level institutions that influence agricultural systems and food security was modest, constraining prospects for the IPs to generate impact at scale. Impacts from the IPs on research and development organisations were uncommon but had transformative significance. Our conceptual framework did not offer optimal guidance to understanding how the many variables that contributed to performance of these IPs combined and sequenced, but the pattern of interactions was consistent with increased social capital being the prime mediator for change. Achieving greater prospects for transformational
It has long been recognized that investment is needed to build capacity in Science Technology and... more 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. The combination of a) the use of research and innovation policy frameworks more aligned with High-Income Countries rather than LMI country social and economic environments and b) new commitments in many SSA countries to using research and innovation to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) mean that we need to develop new practical conceptual policy frameworks to guide future research and innovation investments that are more deeply embedded, sustainable and locally owned than was perhaps the case in the past. In relation to that need, a pilot research project is developing a new framework rooted in knowledge systems (KS) perspectives. Conceptually, a practical knowledge system approach offers potential to provide a more comprehensive understanding of science technology and innovation (STI) investment contexts, generate new evidence on the impact effectiveness of different investment options and help define tangible policy instruments/interventions. Against this backdrop the current project is developing a practical KS concept and applying this in three-country cases, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.
Sorghum is one of the main staple food crops of the world's poorest and most food-insecure pe... more Sorghum is one of the main staple food crops of the world's poorest and most food-insecure people. Approximately 90% of the world's sorghum areas are located in Africa and Asia. During 1992-94, 42% of the total sorghum produced worldwide was utilized for food, and 48% for animal feed. A preliminary study was conducted to understand the various storage conditions of sorghum grain, and the potential occurrence of mold fungi under such conditions. A total of 67 sorghum grain samples were collected from two surveys, 15 samples from the 1996 rainy season harvest, and 11 from the 1996/97 postrainy season harvest collected in June 1997, and 19 samples from the 1996/97 postrainy season and 22 from 1997 rainy season harvest collected in October 1997. Approximately 1 kg grain from each of the grain lots stored under various conditions (gunny bags, mud-lined baskets, metallic containers, polypropylene bags, and grains piled in a corner of a room) by farmers in rural India was collected...
An institutional history is a narrative that records key points about how institutional arrangeme... more An institutional history is a narrative that records key points about how institutional arrangements – new ways of working – evolve over time creating more effective ways to achieve goals. It can be used to document institutional innovations in projects and to highlight barriers to change. An institutional history draws out and synthesizes lessons for research organizations and partners as well as for others in similar circumstances.
This study has explored the impact of innovation hubs on knowledge, innovation and entrepreneuria... more This study has explored the impact of innovation hubs on knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems. To gain deeper insights, the study adopted an exploratory case study design along a qualitative approach to conduct an empirical investigation. The study reveals a noticeable contribution of the X-Innovation Hub in empowering youths in aspects of knowledge co-creation and transfer, and promotion of diverse innovations. The findings of the study also disclose that the contribution of the innovation hub in transforming innovations into entrepreneurial opportunities is still unsatisfactory. Furthermore, the findings suggest that not all start-ups emanating from the hub are taking off. This is due to various undermining factors such as financial constraints and unfriendly legal frameworks. For X-Innovation Hub to satisfactorily and sustainably contribute to national innovation systems, deliberate efforts must be made, and strategies put in place by different stakeholders such a...
1.0 Introduction 2.0 Fodder scarcity in India and Nigeria : Addressing the problem 2.1 Context 2.... more 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Fodder scarcity in India and Nigeria : Addressing the problem 2.1 Context 2.2 About the Project 3.0 Implementation of the Fodder Innovation Project : Phase 2 3.1 The Preparatory Phase Developing a Conceptual Framework Building the Project Team Establishing Partnerships Recruiting 'Innovation Coordinator' Identifying interventions and designing activities Rapid Diagnosis Refining research themes and research questions Developing joint action plans 3.2 The Implementation Phase Establishing a baseline Facilitating action learning loops Ensuring communication Monitoring and Learning 10 Engaging with Policy : FIPWiG 11 4.0 Discussion: Challenges and lessons learnt 13 4.1 Project Conceptualization and its communication/ operationalisation 13 4.2 Project roles 13 4.3 Nurturing partnerships 14 4.4 Nature of interventions 15 4.5 Networking 16 4.6 Monitoring and measuring change 17 5.0 Conclusions 18 6.0 End Note 20 References 20
In recent years international agricultural research centers had to respond to changed mandates wi... more In recent years international agricultural research centers had to respond to changed mandates with a more explicit focus on poverty reduction and environmental sustainability from an earlier focus on improved agricultural productivity. Natural resource management (NRM) research has been an important area that has witnessed several institutional changes within the CGIAR system for the fulfillments of these goals. Most research centers have sought and promoted innovations through concepts such as participatory research, partnerships and alternatives to the transfer of technology approach. In this report we argue that while these changes have indeed contributed to a greater poverty focus of the CG centers, there is a greater need to understand the practice of science amongst these centers and the underlying institutional constraints that hinder or enhance learning in the proposed transition of these research centers into learning organizations. In this study the institutional history of a CG center has been used as a tool to promote institutional learning and change. It demonstrates that research managers in the CG system have not adequately accessed the institutional innovations of its own scientists in facilitating changes under newer mandates. By tracing the various ups and downs of ICRISAT's thirty-year involvement in NRM research, this report points to the need for greater sensitivity in research design towards institutional constraints that
Recent years have seen a growing interest in agricultural research for development (R4D) initiati... more Recent years have seen a growing interest in agricultural research for development (R4D) initiatives designed to address the need to make more effective use of research investments in the development process. While there remains some ambiguity about the precise nature of R4D, it is nevertheless clear that a shift to this approach is going to require considerable institutional change in research practice. This chapter presents a brief case study of the experiences of a group of Australian, African and international agricultural research organizations which, together, initiated an explicit R4D programme. A key feature of this case study is the contestation that arises in the journey to R4D, with different points of view and patterns of practice vying for legitimacy and prominence. Contestation and negotiation is always a feature of bringing new practices into use and reflects that institutions are continuously ‘in the making’. Orchestrating ‘conversations’ with key R4D stakeholders ab...
Future technologies and systemic innovation are critical for the profound transformation the food... more Future technologies and systemic innovation are critical for the profound transformation the food system needs. These innovations range from food production, land use and emissions, all the way to improved diets and waste management. Here, we identify these technologies, assess their readiness and propose eight action points that could accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable food system. We argue that the speed of innovation could be significantly increased with the appropriate incentives, regulations and social licence. These, in turn, require constructive stakeholder dialogue and clear transition pathways.
International Journal of Technology Management & Sustainable Development, 2012
Agrifood stakeholders across the world are under ever-increasing pressure with globalization and ... more Agrifood stakeholders across the world are under ever-increasing pressure with globalization and new market demands-together with changing quality and safety requirements. The ability to respond to new challenges and opportunities is important not just for producers but also for industries in developing countries. This paper explores the horticulture sector of Kenya in order to gain a better understanding of what has most significantly contributed to its success in terms of innovation response capacity. This paper aims to present what "innovation response capacity" entails, especially for natural resource-based industries in a developing country context. It will also provide an analytical framework that draws elements from agricultural innovation capacity and the innovation systems framework. This is provided through case study research conducted in Kenya by exploring a prominent horticultural enterprise, Homegrown Ltd. The paper concludes that an important element of success in this case was the formation of a range of linkages that enabled a systemic sector response to challenges rather than isolated action of individual players.
This discussion paper explores aspects of innovation systems ideas in the analysis of mango produ... more This discussion paper explores aspects of innovation systems ideas in the analysis of mango production and export by smallscale farmers in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The paper shows how despite favourable agro-ecological conditions and being the largest international mango producer, India still struggles to build momentum in rapidly emerging export markets. An analysis of the sector's recent history combined with an empirical account of inter-sectoral and intra-sectoral linkage patterns among stakeholder groups appears to provide the basis for remedial policy suggestions. Most of these relate to aspects of integrated technology development and innovation management.
Over the last 10 years much has been written about the role of the private sector as part of a mo... more Over the last 10 years much has been written about the role of the private sector as part of a more widely-conceived notion of agricultural sector capacity for innovation and development. This paper discusses the emergence of a new class of private enterprise in East Africa that would seem to have an important role in efforts to tackle poverty reduction and food security. These organisations appear to occupy a niche that sits between mainstream forprofit enterprises and the developmental activities of government programmes, NGOs and development projects. This type of enterprise activity is not corporate social responsibility, but an altogether new type of business model that is blending entrepreneurial skills and perspectives with mission statements that seek to both serve the needs of poor customers and address their welfare. The ethos is both "bottom-up" and "bottom-line". This paper classifies these organisations as Development-Relevant Enterprises (DevREs).The experience of the Research into Use (RIU) programme discussed in this paper suggests that supporting these types of entrepreneurial activity may form the basis of a new mode of development assistance aimed at using innovation for both social and economic purposes.
Innovation platforms (IPs) are a way of organizing multistakeholder interactions, marshalling ide... more 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. Our experiences with establishing and facilitating nine IPs in local settings in west and central Africa contribute to understanding factors that impact on their effectiveness. The nine IPs were variously focused on developing dairy, crop and/or meat value chains by strengthening mixed crop-livestock production systems or seed systems. Using case study methods, we identified variables that contribute to explaining the performance of these IPs in relation to six domains of change in the agricultural system and the sustainability of changes. Thematic analysis was guided by a conceptual framework which grouped variables into four categories (context, structure, conduct, and process) that interact to influence IP performance. Stronger market connections and value chains were generated through some of these IPs but the most prevalent changes overall were in farm productivity and technical knowledge of producers. The structures evolved in some IPs, akin to those of producer collectives, suggested they were filling an institutional gap locally. The effect of the IPs on deeper level institutions that influence agricultural systems and food security was modest, constraining prospects for the IPs to generate impact at scale. Impacts from the IPs on research and development organisations were uncommon but had transformative significance. Our conceptual framework did not offer optimal guidance to understanding how the many variables that contributed to performance of these IPs combined and sequenced, but the pattern of interactions was consistent with increased social capital being the prime mediator for change. Achieving greater prospects for transformational
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Papers by Andrew Hall