Search

SUMMARYInnovation platforms are fast becoming part of the mantra of agricultural research for development projects and programmes. Their basic tenet is that stakeholders depend on one another to achieve agricultural development outcomes, and hence need a space where they can learn, negotiate and coordinate to overcome challenges and capture opportunities through a facilitated innovation process. Although much has been written on how to implement and facilitate innovation platforms efficiently, few studies supportex-anteappraisal of when and for what purpose innovation platforms provide an appropriate mechanism for achieving development outcomes, and what kinds of human and financial resource investments and enabling environments are required. Without these insights, innovation platforms run the risk of being promoted as a panacea for all problems in the agricultural sector. This study makes clear that not all constraints will require innovation platforms and, if there is a simpler and cheaper alternative, that should be considered first. Based on the review of critical design principles and plausible outcomes of innovation platforms, this study provides a decision support tool for research, development and funding agencies that can enhance more critical thinking about the purposes and conditions under which innovation platforms can contribute to achieving agricultural development outcomes.

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major biophysical limitation to rice grain yields in sub-Saharan Africa, and low-cost P management strategies are needed by smallholder farmers to reverse soil fertility decline. On-station field and pot experiments were combined with on-farm testing to evaluate the effect of P micro-dose placement in dry-seeded, dibbled rice on emergence, early vigour and grain yield. Placing a micro-dose of 3–6 kg P ha−1 in the planting hole consistently increased early vigour and grain yield of both a P-efficient and less P-efficient rice genotype. An agronomic efficiency of P fertilizer (AEP) of 356–817 kg grains kg−1 P was achieved with a micro-dose of 3 kg P ha−1. A negative effect on emergence by placing a P micro-dose in the planting hole observed in one experiment was compensated by a higher grain weight per hill. In other experiments, no negative effect on plant emergence under both well-watered and water-stressed conditions and with different P sources was observed even when fertilizers were mixed with seeds. A micro-dose of 20–30 kg of DAP ha−1 placed in the planting hole resulted in an average net increase in profit of $91 to $136 ha−1 and benefit:cost ratio of 3–12 in on-farm experiments. Farmers’ appreciation of the technology was positive but lack of credit, availability of appropriate fertilizers in local agrodealers and increased labour requirements were identified as potential constraints for adoption. P micro-dose placement in the planting hole can be used as an entry point towards sustainable intensification in dry-seeded, dibbled rice systems in SSA, provided it is accompanied by institutional support and mechanization options to increase its adoption potential.

With the sustainable development goals has come a renewed global interest in ending hunger and achieving food security, while preventing natural resource degradation. Despite this renewed interest ...

Invasive species such as Ambrosia (an annual weed) pose a biosecurity risk whose management depends on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of many stakeholders. It can therefore be considered a complex policy and risk governance problem. Complex policy problems are characterised by high uncertainty, multiple dimensions, interactions across different spatial and policy levels, and the involvement of a multitude of actors and organisations. This paper provides a conceptual framework for analysing the multi-level and multi-actor dimensions of Ambrosia management. Potential and existing public, private and public–private management strategies are identified to address the interests and needs of different actor groups across different levels. We conclude that policies that promote a mix of public and private Ambrosia management strategies may respond better to the needs and interests of different actor groups across different levels than a one-size-fits-all approach. However, multiple policy strategies need to be aligned in order to lead to synergies and spreading coherent messages to the public. Collaboration may enhance the likelihood of biosecurity management and risk governance of Ambrosia being adequately implemented and enforced.