Operationalizing the agricultural innovation system concept in a developing country context – examining the case of the MiDA programme in Ghana

ABSTRACT

Purpose

This paper argues that large-scale agricultural programmes embedded with the Agricultural Innovations Systems (AIS) thinking helps in facilitating innovations.

Design/Methodology/Approach

The study adopted a qualitative approach involving focus group discussions, key informant interviews and secondary document analysis. This approach helped to obtain an in-depth understanding of the processes involved, why and how innovation takes place.

Findings

The design and implementation of the MiDA programme had elements of the AIS embedded. This helped to contribute to success in areas that aligned and failures in areas that fell short. Stakeholders encountered implementation challenges that did not ensure reflective learning, conversely, some actors worked independently of others, mimicking linear extension approaches.

Practical Implications

The future of extension and research in Ghana should not be prescriptive (top-down) but fully integrate farmers and wider stakeholders in the design and implementation of agricultural investment programmes. This is premised on addressing challenges relating to trust, effective leadership and entrepreneurship.

Theoretical Implications

Adds on to the limited use of AIS as a conceptual and operational tool in supporting large-scale agricultural investment in the global south by incorporating AIS thinking in policy formulation and implementation of large-scale programmes.

Originality/Value

This article adds to the unbalanced literature in Sub-Saharan Africa on the use of AIS in the design and implementation of large-scale programmes. Additionally, it highlights the use of AIS in extension and research in facilitating innovations.

KEYWORDS:

• Agricultural innovation system
• pineapple
• smallholder farmers
• MiDA programme
• FBOs
• Millennium Challenge Account

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 This is also known as the systems thinking as captured by Fielke et al. (2019). The systems thinking goes beyond the mere creation of knowledge to include both demand and supply factors that affect knowledge generation, access, transmission, exchange learning and use in novel and pragmatic ways.

2 Please see section 2 for an overview of what constitutes an extension approach within the remit of AIS.

3 The study presented in this paper refers to the MCA programme implemented in Ghana as the MiDA programme.

4 The desirable outcomes include but are not limited to reflective processes leading to new ways of doing things, alternative ways of sharing benefits, organizing labour, changes in land tenure arrangements and market.

5 In this study, the analysis of the project design viz-a-viz the AIS is referred to as conceptualization or how AIS can be used as a conceptual framework.

6 How the MiDA programme was implemented against the AIS framework, the study considers to be operationalization. Thus reference is made in the study presented in this paper about AIS used as a conceptual and operational tool.

7 See Page 3 for the definition of FBOs.

8 The semi-structured guide was shaped by the themes identified under conceptual and analytical frameworks in section 2.

9 These criteria were shaped by the conceptual and analytical frameworks as captured in section 2.

10 Braun and Clarke (2006) described a code as a label for identifying an area of interest in data.

11 This included sources that contained information on programme design, participants involved in programme design and implementation, processes of implementation, generation of ideas, exchange of information and use of information.

12 This system is discussed in relation to the themes captured under the conceptual and analytical frameworks in section 2 particularly the 3 perspectives of AIS.

13 Essentially the training was farmer-centered allowing farmers to own the training sessions through increased participation with the trainer only acting as a facilitator.

14 Please see section 2 from the functionalist perspective.

15 There were three zones (Northern Zone, Afram Basin and Southern Horticultural Belt) in Ghana where the MiDA programme covered, see information captured in the introduction.

16 Conceptual and operational frameworks imply that the AIS can be used to conceive ideas and design agricultural sector policies that can the implemented (operationalized). In the study presented in this paper, we provide evidence to show how the contents and the MiDA policy had resemblance with the AIS ensured programme success and failures in instances of non-alignment.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Daniel Adu Ankrah

Dr. Daniel Adu Ankrah is a Lecturer with the Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Ghana. His researcher interest cut across agricultural innovation system, agricultural communication, agricultural extension, gender, climate change, food security, agricultural policy and agricultural commercialization.

Comfort Yomle Freeman

Dr. Comfort Yomle Freeman is a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Ghana. Her research interest centers on agricultural innovation system, agricultural communication, agricultural extension and gender.