How do we evaluate an innovative process? Case of the quantitative and qualitative improvement of organic manure in the field

Soil fertility in West Africa is under high anthropogenic pressure caused by the increasing population, extension of cultivated areas and abandonment of fallows. Through a participatory action research approach, the Fertipartenaires project proposed to design with farmers innovations on the use of organic manure, in three steps: increase the production capacity of organic manure by building pits, improve production quality, and integrate its application in the field. How do we assess an innovative process made up of several stages that cover different space and time scales? How do we include this assessment in a participatory approach? A participatory assessment method in three steps is proposed: (1) assessment of the direct effect of innovation (partial assessment), (2) analysis of economic, sociological and ecological indirect consequences of the innovation, and (3) analysis of innovation dynamics (adoption, dissemination, and redefinition). Two models of organic manure production have been tested: a manure pit built on the concession and a compost pit built at the edge of the field. The analysis of the direct effects of compost production shows that it is economically more advantageous than manure with its higher opportunity costs. However, the two production models are complementary and they each have a positive balance. The method used helps to assess the direct effects of innovation on the economic impact of organic manure production. It helps start discussions with farmers around the simplified illustration of the direct effects of innovation. It should however be completed by the analysis of indirect consequences and innovation dynamics so as to take into account the dimensions that were not included in the partial assessments.