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Nevens, F.; Dessein, J.; Meul, M.; Rogge, E.; Verbruggen, I.; Mulier, A.; Van Passel, S.; Lepoutre, J.; Hongenaert, M. |
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Title |
'On tomorrow's grounds' : Flemish agriculture in 2030: a case of participatory translation of sustainability principles into a vision for the future |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2008 |
Publication |
Journal Of Cleaner Production |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Clean Prod |
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Volume |
16 |
Issue |
10 |
Pages |
1062-1070 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics |
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Abstract |
In Flanders (Belgium) there is an obvious lack of clear long-term vision on sustainable development, for society as a whole as well as for the individual sectors of (economic) activity. In this paper we present the first results of a process of vision development for Flemish agriculture, called On tomorrow's grounds. The initiative, taken by Stedula (the Flemish Policy Research Centre for Sustainable Agriculture), shows that discovering core values, stating a concise mission, establishing guiding core principles and working with vivid descriptions of envisaged future systems seem indispensable elements to develop a vision that inspires and mobilizes people and that, eventually, stands a chance of being anchored in the sector's or organisation's culture. The principal method of working of the project was a multi-stakeholder process (MSP) focussed on dialogue. During five extensive stakeholder meetings, representatives of farmers, service industries, food distribution, education, government, research, consumers and NGO's participated in a constructive dialogue on values and mission, principles and two vivid descriptions of envisioned future farms. The concept of the project was welcomed and supported by the Flemish Minister-President and by the Belgian federal state secretary for sustainable development. |
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Wos |
000256245800004 |
Publication Date |
2007-08-08 |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0959-6526 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
5.715 |
Times cited |
13 |
Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 5.715; 2008 IF: 1.362 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:136765 |
Serial |
6232 |
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Author |
Meul, M.; Van Passel, S.; Nevens, F.; Dessein, J.; Rogge, E.; Mulier, A.; Van Hauwermeiren, A. |
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Title |
MOTIFS : a monitoring tool for integrated farm sustainability |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2008 |
Publication |
Agronomy For Sustainable Development |
Abbreviated Journal |
Agron Sustain Dev |
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Volume |
28 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
321-332 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics |
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Abstract |
Indicator-based monitoring tools are frequently applied for sustainability assessments, also in agriculture. However, many indicators focus on a rather restricted number of sustainability aspects such as economy or ecology. Moreover the choice of the indicator is rarely explained. The aim of our study was to develop an indicator-based monitoring tool for integrated farm sustainability – i.e. taking into account economic and ecological and social aspects – based on a supported vision of sustainable agriculture and using a set of relevant indicators. Hereby, specific attention was paid to aspects of communication and user-friendliness. Four methodological steps were considered: (i) translating the major principles of a supported vision of sustainable Flemish agriculture into concrete and relevant themes; (ii) designing indicators to monitor progress towards sustainability for each of those themes; (iii) aggregating the indicators into an integrated farm sustainability monitoring tool and (iv) applying the monitoring tool on a practical farm, as a first attempt at end-use validation. Stakeholder participation and expert consulting played an important part in each of these methodological steps. As a case study, the methodology was applied to Flemish dairy farms. As a result, we developed MOTIFS, a user-friendly and strongly communicative indicator-based monitoring tool that allows the measurement of progress towards integrated sustainable dairy farming systems and fits within a well-founded methodological framework. MOTIFS is based on the equality of the economic, ecological and social sustainability dimensions, and this equality is inherently built into the system. Through the applied methodology, we founded the selected themes and indicators and we avoided using indicators that are not relevant to the problem at hand. |
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Wos |
000256235500018 |
Publication Date |
2008-03-21 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
1774-0746 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
4.101 |
Times cited |
97 |
Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 4.101; 2008 IF: 1.649 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:136763 |
Serial |
6229 |
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Author |
Annys, S.; Adgo, E.; Ghebreyohannes, T.; Van Passel, S.; Dessein, J.; Nyssen, J. |
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Title |
Impacts of the hydropower-controlled Tana-Beles interbasin water transfer on downstream rural livelihoods (northwest Ethiopia) |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2019 |
Publication |
Journal Of Hydrology |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Hydrol |
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Volume |
569 |
Issue |
569 |
Pages |
436-448 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
Despite public awareness of unintended impacts (1980s) and well-developed international standards (2000s), downstream impacts of large hydropower projects still very often are not properly assessed. Impacts of (hydropower-regulated) interbasin water transfers (IBWTs) are considered self-evidently positive, although they can have far-reaching consequences for hydrogeomorphological systems and consequently river-dependent communities. In this study, the downstream direct and indirect impacts of the Ethiopian hydropower-regulated Tana-Beles IBWT are evaluated in an interdisciplinary way. The components of the framework of rural livelihoods are considered and changing contexts, resources availabilities and livelihood strategies are analysed. Mixed methods are applied, combining hydrogeomorphological field observations, GIS analyses, scientific literature, policy documents, and semi-structured interviews with local people and local to federal authorities. Results show that the IBWT drastically increased the Beles rivers discharge (with an average release of +92 m3 s−1 at the outlet; *2 in rainy season and *12 in dry season 100 km downstream of the water release) and introduced dangerous situations for local communities (over 250 people drowned in the river). River bank erosion resulted in the uncompensated loss of farmland (163 ha) and the establishment of large-scale commercial farms increased the pressure on land and led to the impoverishment of displaced communities (4310 households). The project was implemented top-down, without any transparency, benefit sharing or compensation for external costs. This stresses the importance of downstream interdisciplinary impact assessments and highlights the need for decent in-depth ex post-analyses of hydropower projects. Environmental impact assessments should be taken seriously and cannot be considered a formality. In Ethiopia and in many developing countries, the hydropower industry is booming. Although dams and IBWTs can be the best solution for water-related problems in specific contexts, national development goals (such as the expansion of the electricity network) should not be at the expense of rural livelihoods. |
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Wos |
000457952900032 |
Publication Date |
2018-12-15 |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0022-1694 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
3.483 |
Times cited |
2 |
Open Access |
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Notes |
; This study was funded by the Flemish Research Foundation (FWO, Belgium), through project No. G022217N and a specific travel grant for a long stay abroad (No. V445417N). We acknowledge the cooperation with the Bahir Dar University VLIR-UOS IUC programme. All support given by Bahir Dar University has been greatly appreciated and many thanks go to Yonnas Shawul and Deribew Fenetie, for assisting and translating in the field. Staff of various ranks in administrative offices are thanked for their cooperation and mostly openness during interviews. Special thanks go to the local farmers and other rural dwellers, for their cooperation and contribution to this research. We thank the two anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 3.483 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:156935 |
Serial |
6215 |
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Author |
Annys, S.; Van Passel, S.; Dessein, J.; Adgo, E.; Nyssen, J. |
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Title |
From fast-track implementation to livelihood deterioration: The dam-based Ribb Irrigation and Drainage Project in Northwest Ethiopia |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2020 |
Publication |
Agricultural Systems |
Abbreviated Journal |
Agr Syst |
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Volume |
184 |
Issue |
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Pages |
102909-102913 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
The 21st century revival of large-scale water resources development projects makes it important to keep assessing their impacts – preferably from an interdisciplinary perspective – in order to not repeat past mistakes and explore whether they could improve livelihood conditions for rural communities. In this study, costs and benefits of the World Bank-funded Ribb Irrigation and Drainage Project (RIDP) were investigated using a unique systems approach. The impact for farmers with different initial farming systems (rainfed – residual moisture – irrigated) was studied using field observations, document analyses, remote sensing, agronomic data and semi-structured interviews (n = 165). Data on project-induced changes to land and water availability, cropping patterns, farming systems and farm-level economics were collected. The results show that dam and dyke construction has reduced flooding, which has resulted in declining rice productivity ( – 42%) and concomitant shifts to lower value cropping systems. Results also reveal that the land redistribution has caused widespread livelihood deterioration as households had to give up 25% of their farmland and the communal grazing land was fully converted into farmland. Due to top-down implementation, nontransparent communication, delayed construction and lagging financial compensation, social resistance has appeared in the command area, impeding the construction works. In addition to these problems, if no rapid change to higher value crops can be realized, 20.5% of the farmers (those who already irrigate) will experience a loss of livelihood, 64.1% of the farmers (those with rainfed and residual moisture cultivation) will be on the verge of livelihood deterioration and only 13.5% of the farmers (those with solely rainfed cultivation) will enjoy RIDP-induced improved livelihoods. The fate of this project stresses the importance of investigating initial farming systems, exploring worthy project alternatives, improving participation, communication and benefit-sharing and strengthening the institutional capacity of implementing authorities. |
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Wos |
000564756600013 |
Publication Date |
2020-08-08 |
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ISSN |
0308-521x |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
6.6 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 6.6; 2020 IF: 2.571 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:172030 |
Serial |
6927 |
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Author |
Annys, S.; Van Passel, S.; Dessein, J.; Ghebreyohannes, T.; Adgo, E.; Nyssen, J. |
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Title |
Small-scale irrigation expansion along the dam-regulated Tekeze River in Northern Ethiopia |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2020 |
Publication |
International Journal Of Water Resources Development |
Abbreviated Journal |
Int J Water Resour D |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
1-22 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
Based on extensive field information, farmer-led small-scale irrigation systems along the dam-regulated Tekeze River is investigated and the likelihood of future irrigation expansion within the area with modelled potential is discussed, considering facilitating and hampering factors. Due to dam-induced hydrologic alterations, downstream socio-ecological systems have strongly transformed as the irrigated area has quadrupled and the post-dam potential for perennial crop cultivation has attracted numerous migrant investors to the area, inducing inequalities but also providing opportunities. Future dam construction should involve tailored policy interventions to facilitate irrigation expansion, while safeguarding equal and sustainable access to water and land. |
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Wos |
000569995600001 |
Publication Date |
2020-09-16 |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0790-0627 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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Impact Factor |
3.1 |
Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
Most recent IF: 3.1; 2020 IF: 2.088 |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:171952 |
Serial |
6943 |
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Author |
Gebremariam, Y.A.; Dessein, J.; Wondimagegnhu, B.A.; Breusers, M.; Lenaerts, L.; Adgo, E.; Van Passel, S.; Minale, A.S.; Frankl, A. |
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Title |
Listen to the radio and go on field trips : a study on farmers' attributes to opt for extension methods in Northwest Ethiopia |
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A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2024 |
Publication |
AIMS Agriculture and Food |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
9 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
3-29 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
Extension professionals are expected to help disseminate agricultural technologies, information, knowledge and skills to farmers. In order to develop valuable and long-lasting extension services, it is essential to understand the methods of extension that farmers find most beneficial. This understanding helps adopt improved practices, overcome barriers, provide targeted interventions and continuously improve agricultural extension programs. Thus, assessing factors affecting farmers' choice of agricultural extension methods is essential for developing extension methods that comply with farmers' needs and socio-economic conditions. Therefore, we analyzed the factors affecting farmers' preferences in extension methods, using cross-sectional data collected from 300 households in two sample districts and 16 Kebelles in Ethiopia between September 2019 and March 2020. Four extension methods, including training, demonstration, office visits and phone calls were considered as outcome variables. We fitted a multivariate probit model to estimate the factors that influence farmers' choice of extension methods. The results of the study showed that the number of dependents in the household head, formal education and membership of Idir (an informal insurance program a community or group runs to meet emergencies) were negatively associated with farmers' choices to participate in different extension methods compared to no extension. On the other hand, the sex of the household head, farm experience, participation in non-farm activities, monetary loan access, owning a mobile phone, radio access and membership of cooperatives were found to have a statistically significant positive impact on farmers' choices of extension methods. Based on these findings, the government and the concerned stakeholders should take farmers' socio-economic and institutional traits into account when selecting and commissioning agricultural extension methods. This could help to develop contextually relevant extension strategies that are more likely to be chosen and appreciated by farmers. Furthermore, such strategies can aid policymakers in designing extension programs that cater to farmers' needs and concerns. In conclusion, farmers' socio-economic and institutional affiliation should be taken into consideration when selecting agricultural extension methods. |
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Wos |
001124466300001 |
Publication Date |
2023-12-13 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
2471-2086 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:202154 |
Serial |
9209 |
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Author |
Gebremariam, Y.A.; Dessein, J.; Wondimagegnhu, B.A.; Breusers, M.; Lenaerts, L.; Adgo, E.; Van Passel, S.; Minale, A.S.; Nyssen, J. |
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Title |
Undoing the development army : a paradigm shift from transfer of technology to agricultural innovation system in Ethiopian extension |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Environment, development and sustainability |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
1-27 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM) |
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Abstract |
Appropriate use of agricultural technologies and diversifying the farming activities is critical to addressing food security problems in Africa, including Ethiopia. The country is experimenting with the new Agricultural Innovation System (AIS) approach alongside the well-established Transfer of Technology (ToT) approach. This paper analyzes the gaps between policy discourses (as reflected in policy documents and strategic orientation documents) and extension practices (as reflected in the daily exchanges between farmers and the frontline staff of the Ethiopian extension system). It provides insights into the challenges faced and emphasizes the need for better coordination between policy formulation and implementation to enhance extension services. Policymakers, practitioners, and researchers can benefit from the valuable perspectives the findings offer. The study contributes to understanding the relationship between policy discourses and extension practices, and its implications can inform policy design and implementation in similar contexts. A qualitative research approach was deployed to analyze policy discourse and practice. Data were collected in Fogera, a district in Northwest Ethiopia, between August 2018 and February 2019. The data for the paper were obtained from 23 Focus Group Discussions conducted with men and women. 13 Informant Interviews (KIIs) were also carried out with personnel at different levels of government agricultural services and departments. Transcripts of recordings of the Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were analyzed using a deductive approach. The study focuses on rice crops in the Fogera district, which are crucial for food security and reducing poverty. Although the geographic area is limited, the results can be used to improve the extension system in other areas facing similar challenges. Specifically, the study suggests switching from the traditional transfer of technology approach to the agricultural innovation system approach. Furthermore, the study's techniques, such as qualitative interviews, may have limitations and not fully capture the intricacies of policy and extension practices. The findings demonstrate that, although the policy documents strongly adhere to agricultural innovation system principles, top-down transfer of technology approaches continues to dominate in practice. Moreover, we have found potential discrepancies between the training content delivered and the specific needs of smallholder farmers. Practically, prescriptive systems are still used because agricultural innovation system approaches are not well understood by the Extension Agents. To realize a genuine agricultural innovation system, Ethiopia's extension apparatus should move forward with building committed and robust relationships between farmers, extension agents, researchers, private sectors, and non-governmental organizations. To this end, more research, enhanced training, and improved institutions are needed on what genuine agricultural innovation system could look like at the grass-roots level. This also includes understanding the roles that different actors within Ethiopia's development army should assume how a multi-actor policy dialogue can be organized. |
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Wos |
001126500500006 |
Publication Date |
2023-12-19 |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
1387-585x; 1573-2975 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record |
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Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
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no |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:202804 |
Serial |
9238 |
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