Agricultural innovation processes and innovation systems in rural Davao region, Philippines

• Main Author: Gervacio, Joan Decenilla
• Published: University of Reading 2012
• Subjects: 338.1609599
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.577774

This thesis critically examines innovation systems and processes in farming communities in three provinces of ADavao Region, Philippines, in the context of a farmer-to-farmer extension approach (Magsasaka Siyentista or MS) designed to bridge gaps between research, extension, farmers and the market. Empirical case studies of three innovation systems were conducted: biogas/swine in Davao del Sur; goat fodder in Davao Oriental; and Calamansi off-season production in Compostela Valley. Innovation histories in locations with and without MS were traced through workshops, semi-structured interviews, observations and document analysis. NVivo and UCINET's Netdraw were used to facilitate data management and analysis. The study provides insights on the reality of innovation systems and processes from a grassroots perspective, thereby contributing to current theoretical and policy debates on the design and implementation of farmer-to-farmer extension. The MSs were found to be important innovation actors. They performed roles (e.g. lobbying with government agencies, initiating farmers' group formation, and linking farmers with private actors) beyond their mandates as technology promoters. Their presence in the farming communities they served was associated with the changes occurring in the areas. Their presence or absence in a farming community is a factor that makes a difference to the nature and extent of innovation processes and innovation system occurring in an area. The study suggests that the MS programme is a very promising policy option to sustain in order to fast track extension of technologies and innovations uptake. The study also finds that the key processes (network building, social learning, and negotiation and conflict management) are crucial in facilitating innovation and therefore had to be taken into account when considering the design, implementation and facilitation of innovation inititiaves. This study is significant to development and innovation actors especially in Philippine agriculture should they consider to advance 'innovations systems' thinking into national policy and organisational practice. v