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Innovation Diffusion in Conservation Agriculture: A Network Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Julio Díaz-José

    (Cornell International Institute for Food, Agriculture and Development (CIIFAD), Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA)

  • Roberto Rendón-Medel

    (Center of Economic, Social and Technological Research on Agribusiness and World Agriculture (CIESTAAM), Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, México)

  • Bram Govaerts

    (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), México)

  • Jorge Aguilar-Ávila

    (Center of Economic, Social and Technological Research on Agribusiness and World Agriculture (CIESTAAM), Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, México)

  • Manrrubio Muñoz-Rodriguez

    (Center of Economic, Social and Technological Research on Agribusiness and World Agriculture (CIESTAAM), Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, México)

Abstract

While discussions promoting networks as a means of enhancing innovation have increased in the past decade, methods for analysing real-world networks for developing countries remain largely undeveloped. In this study, data from stakeholders involved in conservation agriculture (CA) were used to analyse innovations and innovators using a network approach. Results indicate that farmers learn mainly from other farmers, whereas practices are learned from different sources or pathways and adopted step by step. CA is not a package and principles are applied depending on the local context. Actors in the network play different roles in knowledge creation and acquisition. A distinction can be made between prescribed networks where formal relations and vertical structures predominate, and emerging networks based mainly on informal relations and a horizontal knowledge structure. The main conclusion is that applying network analysis helps to identify key stakeholders and facilitate assertive and effective network orchestration.

Suggested Citation

  • Julio Díaz-José & Roberto Rendón-Medel & Bram Govaerts & Jorge Aguilar-Ávila & Manrrubio Muñoz-Rodriguez, 2016. "Innovation Diffusion in Conservation Agriculture: A Network Approach," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 28(2), pages 314-329, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:28:y:2016:i:2:p:314-329
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Irma Booyens & Tim G. B. Hart & Kgabo H. Ramoroka, 2018. "Local Innovation Networking Dynamics: Evidence from South Africa," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 30(4), pages 749-767, September.
    2. Agnes Gold & Stefan Gold, 2019. "Drivers of Farm Efficiency and Their Potential for Development in a Changing Agricultural Setting in Kerala, India," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 31(4), pages 855-880, September.
    3. Dana Freshley & Maria Mar Delgado-Serrano, 2020. "Learning from the Past in the Transition to Open-Pollinated Varieties," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-18, June.
    4. Susana B. Guerrero-Ocampo & José M. Díaz-Puente & Juan Felipe Nuñez Espinoza, 2022. "Multi-Actor Partnerships for Agricultural Interactive Innovation: Findings from 17 Case Studies in Europe," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-22, October.
    5. Diane Kapgen & Laurence Roudart, 2023. "A Multidisciplinary Approach to Assess Smallholder Farmers' Adoption of New Technologies in Development Interventions," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 35(4), pages 974-995, August.
    6. Susana B. Guerrero-Ocampo & José M. Díaz-Puente, 2023. "Social Network Analysis Uses and Contributions to Innovation Initiatives in Rural Areas: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-18, September.
    7. Diane Kapgen & Laurence Roudart, 2022. "A Multidisciplinary Approach to Assess Smallholder Farmers' Adoption of New Technologies in Development Interventions," ULB Institutional Repository 2013/345825, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles.

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