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An exploration of agricultural grassroots innovation in South Africa and implications for innovation indicator development

Author

Listed:
  • Letty, Brigid

    (Institute of Natural Resources, South Africa)

  • Shezi, Zanele

    (Farmer Support Group, University of KwaZulu-Natal)

  • Mudhara, Maxwell

    (Farmer Support Group, University of KwaZulu-Natal)

Abstract

The core of this paper consists of two case studies of 'grassroots' innovation led by innovative smallholder farmers in a village in South Africa - one about developing an alternative production practice for growing potatoes, and the other about introducing a new cash crop (cherry peppers) and the establishment of a new marketing relationship. One of the purposes of the study was to explore questions about the development of innovation indicators that might support policy and management concerned with this kind of innovation. The case studies are therefore located in the context of a review of existing science, technology and innovation indicators and their limitations with respect to this area of agricultural innovation. Another purpose was to identify and clarify the position of 'grassroots' innovation within other perspectives on different kinds of innovation system (or mode of innovation) in agriculture in developing countries. The case studies are also therefore set in the context of a review of literature about these other system perspectives, focusing in particular in 'formal' and 'informal' systems, and on 'grassroots' and 'participatory' modes of innovation involving interactions between formal and informal systems. The combination of case studies and broader reviews leads to two main conclusions: (1) grassroots and other participatory modes of agricultural innovation merit much greater policy attention than they have received; but (2) the base of available analysis and indicators about these approaches to innovation and their effectiveness is still inadequate to inform and support policy and management in this area. The paper therefore concludes with a discussion of steps that might be taken to improve the available information, understanding and indicators about these modes of innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Letty, Brigid & Shezi, Zanele & Mudhara, Maxwell, 2012. "An exploration of agricultural grassroots innovation in South Africa and implications for innovation indicator development," MERIT Working Papers 2012-023, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    • Handle: RePEc:unm:unumer:2012023
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    Cited by:

    1. Gault, F., 2014. "Where are innovation indicators, and their applications, going?," MERIT Working Papers 2014-055, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    2. Sazzad Parwez, 2022. "Institutionalisation and Processes of Grassroots Innovations: Evidence from the Literature," Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Economies, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, vol. 8(2), pages 258-269, July.
    3. Claudio Liberati & Concetta Cardillo & Antonella Di Fonzo, 2021. "Sustainability and competitiveness in farms: An evidence of Lazio region agriculture through FADN data analysis," Economia agro-alimentare, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 23(3), pages 1-22.
    4. Linda Annala Tesfaye & Martin Fougère, 2022. "Frugal Innovation Hijacked: The Co-optive Power of Co-creation," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 180(2), pages 439-454, October.
    5. Lindile L Ndabeni & Christian M Rogerson & Irma Booyens, 2016. "Innovation and Local Economic Development Policy in the global South: New South African perspectives," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 31(1-2), pages 299-311, February.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Agriculture; innovation; grassroots innovation; informal economy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • O17 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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