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Do translocal networks matter for agricultural innovation? A case study on advice sharing in small-scale farming communities in Northeast Thailand

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  • Till Rockenbauch

    (University of Bonn)

  • Patrick Sakdapolrak

    (University of Vienna)

  • Harald Sterly

    (University of Vienna)

Abstract

Recent research on agricultural innovation has outlined social networks’ role in diffusing agricultural knowledge; however, so far, it has broadly neglected the socio-spatial dimensions of innovation processes. Against this backdrop, we apply a spatially explicit translocal network perspective in order to investigate the role of migration-related translocal networks for adaptive change in a small-scale farming community in Northeast Thailand. By means of formal social network analysis we map the socio-spatial patterns of advice sharing regarding changes in sugarcane and rice farming over a period of five years. We find that, in translocally connected and mobile rural communities, a substantial share of advice originates from translocal levels. Translocal advice is dominantly provided through weak and formal ties with extension agencies and shared by few highly central larger-scale farmers within sparse local networks. This draws the picture of top-down translocal innovation flows driven by extension agencies and brokered through elite farmers. A closer look on institutional context and key actors of particular changes, however, suggests the potential of migration-related translocal networks and migration experience in fostering bottom-up innovations. Migration-related innovations transfers can promote adaptive capacity also among less favorably connected actors, especially if changes are geared towards limited household resources and are compatible with social practices of small-scale farming. We conclude that a translocal network perspective is instructive for research and extension interested in leveraging more inclusive agricultural innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Till Rockenbauch & Patrick Sakdapolrak & Harald Sterly, 2019. "Do translocal networks matter for agricultural innovation? A case study on advice sharing in small-scale farming communities in Northeast Thailand," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 36(4), pages 685-702, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:agrhuv:v:36:y:2019:i:4:d:10.1007_s10460-019-09935-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10460-019-09935-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Mariel, Juliette & Sanchez, Isabelle & Verzelen, Nicolas & Massol, François & Carrière, Stéphanie M. & Labeyrie, Vanesse, 2024. "The role of farmers' networks in sourcing planting material and information in a context of agroforestry transition in Madagascar," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).

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