Browsing by Author "Mgumia, A.H."

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The application of the agricultural innovation system approach in technology development in Tanzania: researchers' perceptions and practices
(Routledge, 2015) Mgumia, A.H.; Mattee, A.Z.; Kundi, B.A.T.
This paper examines the perceptions of researchers towards features of the innovation system approach. It also examines the extent of incorporation of these features into Tanzania's existing National Agricultural Research System (NARS). Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 100 purposefully selected researchers from 13 public and three private research institutes. and one university. Most (81%) of the researchers perceive end-users (farmers) as an important actor. Other actors such as intermediary organisations (extension), regulatory bodies and entrepreneurs are perceived as important by half (50%) of the researchers. On the other hand. most of the researchers perceive the roles of these actors to be similar to the traditional roles of actors under NARS. The indicators used in measuring the success of agricultural innovation were mainly associated with the pattern of adoption and productivity potential of technologies. suggesting that a linear model of innovation is still dominant in NARS. We conclude that the mode of agricultural innovation under NARS in 'Tanzania is in transition from a linear to a system model of innovation. The study suggested that policies should be redesigned to include wider participation of stakeholders in agricultural innovation; the mandate and capacity of extension services should be expanded to include facilitation of innovation; and indicators of monitoring and evaluation should be all-inclusive to include technical and social changes.
Characteristics of agriculture technology and application of an agricultural innovation system in Tanzania
(Routledge, 2015) Mgumia, A.H.; Mattee, A.Z.; Kundi", B.A.T.
The globalisation of the world economy and advancements in science, including the use of biotechnology for agricultural production has subjected agricultural technologies to market forces for their generation and dissemination. It is evident, however, that while some technologies are more amenable to commercialisation, there are other technologies that may still need strong participation of public institutions for their generation and dissemination. This study analysed a total of 87 agricultural technologies in crop, food, and soil thematic areas with respect to the extent of incorporation of innovation systems in the process of technology development, multiplication and commercialisation. Each of the technologies was assessed in terms of its characteristics, actors involved and their roles at each stage of innovation. The study found that the economic features and multiple dimensional characteristics of agricultural technologies determine actors involved in the development and dissemination of the technologies through commercialisation. While 40% of the technologies were conunercialised by business enterprises, 60% needed intermediation interventions. Features of agricultural innovation system have been incorporated particularly under 'projects' implemented by R&D or NGOs, which is an indication that the coverage and sustainability is subjective. Thus, government interventions in promoting agricultural innovations should focus on both operations and policy issues for effective incorporation of innovation system.