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Dilemma in participatory selection of varieties

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  • Misiko, M.

Abstract

This paper illustrates obstacles in Participatory Varietal Selection (PVS) through literature review and analyses of data from a questionnaire survey (no=300), key informant interviews (no=15), participatory learning trials (no=6), focus group discussions (no=6), direct and participant observation. Findings reveal significant pitfalls in PVS that resulted from emergence of spoiler factors such as new crop disease and unpredictable floods. Spoiler factors curtailed sustainability of participatory gains. Besides, learning during critical field stages was thin due to participatory lapses. For instance, an average of only 8% (total=1488) consistently participated in each key stage of PVS learning trials in western Kenya. The majority (92%) participated on average once, especially in the end-of-season field day when final ranking of crop varieties was done. Consequently, this majority engaged in impulse buying, due to poor grasp of salient productivity factors underlying attractive traits of the new germplasm. Essentially, post-PVS sustainability conditions were elusive. Scaling out of PVS gains was hence compromised and early adopters often fell back to old varieties, to experience, or to sporadic extension advice. PVS therefore has to be anchored within an integrated knowledge exchange system that addresses challenges emanating from interaction of smallholder social, spatial and temporal contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Misiko, M., 2013. "Dilemma in participatory selection of varieties," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 35-42.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agisys:v:119:y:2013:i:c:p:35-42
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2013.04.004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jeffery Bentley, 1994. "Facts, fantasies, and failures of farmer participatory research," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 11(2), pages 140-150, March.
    2. Jeffery Bentley, 1989. "What farmers don't know can't help them: The strengths and weaknesses of indigenous technical knowledge in Honduras," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 6(3), pages 25-31, June.
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    4. Volker Hoffmann & Kirsten Probst & Anja Christinck, 2007. "Farmers and researchers: How can collaborative advantages be created in participatory research and technology development?," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 24(3), pages 355-368, September.
    5. Misiko, M. & Tittonell, P. & Ramisch, J.J. & Richards, P. & Giller, K.E., 2008. "Integrating new soybean varieties for soil fertility management in smallholder systems through participatory research: Lessons from western Kenya," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 97(1-2), pages 1-12, April.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Rutsaert, Pieter & Donovan, Jason & Kimenju, Simon, 2021. "Demand-side challenges to increase sales of new maize hybrids in Kenya," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).
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