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From Policy Promises to Result through Innovation in African Agriculture?

Author

Listed:
  • Ruth Haug

    (Department of International Environment and Development Studies/Noragric, Faculty of Landscape and Society, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), 1430 Ås, Norway)

  • Susan Nchimbi-Msolla

    (Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3005, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro 30007, Tanzania)

  • Alice Murage

    (Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Kaptagat Road, Loresho Nairobi Kenya, P.O. Box 57811, City Square, Nairobi 00200, Kenya)

  • Mokhele Moeletsi

    (Agricultural Research Council—Soil, Climate and Water, Private Bag X79, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
    Risk and Vulnerability Science Centre, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, Polokwane 0727, South Africa)

  • Mufunanji Magalasi

    (Chancellor College, Faculty of Science, University of Malawi, P.O. Box 280, Zomba 30500, Malawi)

  • Mupenzi Mutimura

    (Department of Animal Production, Rwanda Agricultural Board (RAB), P.O. Box 5016, Kigali RWA023, Rwanda)

  • Feyisa Hundessa

    (School of Animal and Range Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa 3000, Ethiopia)

  • Luca Cacchiarelli

    (Dipartimento di Economia e Impresa, Universita Degli Studi Della Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Ola T. Westengen

    (Department of International Environment and Development Studies/Noragric, Faculty of Landscape and Society, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), 1430 Ås, Norway)

Abstract

The problem addressed in this paper is the challenge of moving from formulating policy goals to achieving the promised results. The purpose is to assess the possible role of innovation in agriculture as a way of contributing towards achieving the Malabo Declaration commitments and the zero hunger Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) in six African countries. Since the SDGs are high on both international and many national agendas, there is a need to increase our knowledge of how to move beyond formulating goals. The approach includes both quantitative and qualitative data from a multisite research and development project. Moving from promises in relation to policy goals such as SDG2 and the Malabo Declaration to actions that make a difference at local level is a challenging task, and COVID-19 has added negatively to that challenge. Technological and institutional innovations exist that have the potential to improve the agricultural productivity, food security, and income levels of smallholder men and women farmers. However, innovation processes are hindered by barriers related to governmental, economic, knowledge-based, socio-cultural, and resource-based factors. To overcome these barriers, governance needs to go further than defining goals, and proceed to the next step of establishing effective implementation mechanisms that ensure the promised result.

Suggested Citation

  • Ruth Haug & Susan Nchimbi-Msolla & Alice Murage & Mokhele Moeletsi & Mufunanji Magalasi & Mupenzi Mutimura & Feyisa Hundessa & Luca Cacchiarelli & Ola T. Westengen, 2021. "From Policy Promises to Result through Innovation in African Agriculture?," World, MDPI, vol. 2(2), pages 1-14, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jworld:v:2:y:2021:i:2:p:16-266:d:549145
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Williams, Christopher & Tesfaye Hailemariam, Atsede & Allard, Gayle, 2022. "Exploring entrepreneurial innovation in Ethiopia," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(10).

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