A social networks approach for strengthening participation in technology innovation: lessons learnt from the Mount Elgon region of Kenya and Uganda |
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Authors: | Jennifer N Lamb Jay Norton Emmanuel Chiwo Omondi Rita Laker-Ojok Dominic Ngosia Sikuku |
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Institution: | 1. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 526 Prices Fork Rd, Suite 211, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA;2. University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY 82071, USA;3. Appropriate Technology-Uganda, Kampala, Uganda;4. SEATEC Community Development, Kitale, Kenya |
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Abstract: | Participatory approaches to agricultural technology development have not yet fully lived up to their promise to incorporate farmer knowledge. This paper introduces a social networks approach (SNA) to improve participatory research processes for co-innovation. Drawing upon findings from a collaborative project developing conservation agricultural production systems for smallholders in western Kenya and eastern Uganda, the paper explores farmer support networks to improve participation in technological innovation and development. Key research themes include: identifying farmers’ agricultural production networks; the local articulation of agricultural production networks and mindsets; using networks to facilitate meaningful participation in technology development; and disadvantages and advantages of using a social network approach. The introduction of SNA improved participatory research by building external and internal legitimacy for determining who participates, discouraging participatory attrition, and providing a meaningful forum for participation of all stakeholders. As a result, the introduction of SNA is demonstrated to show strong promise for improving processes of participatory technology development in agriculture. |
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Keywords: | social network analysis participatory methods conservation agriculture innovation systems agricultural research |
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