Marc Schut | IITA - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Marc Schut

Challenging paradigms, 2006

... graduation event in Guaranda 86 Photo 16: Facilitator Patricia is studying Randi Randi's... more ... graduation event in Guaranda 86 Photo 16: Facilitator Patricia is studying Randi Randi's 'zoológicos' while preparing the Field Day in San Rafael 88 Photo 17: Randi Randi's facilitator is presenting the life-cycle of 'Mosca Blanca' during the Field Day in San Rafael 89 ...

Rain-fed rice production in sub-Saharan Africa is often hampered by parasitic weeds. This study a... more Rain-fed rice production in sub-Saharan Africa is often hampered by parasitic weeds. This study assessed farmers' awareness, use, preference and adoption criteria of parasitic weed management practices in rain-fed rice production environments in Tanzania. Surveys and workshops were organized in three affected rice growing areas in Morogoro-rural, Songea and Kyela district, supplemented with on-farm experiments in Kyela. In all districts, farmers were aware of the locally occurring parasitic weed species , Rhamphicarpa fistulosa (lowland) and Striga asiatica (upland), and they considered these weeds more problematic than non-parasitic weeds. Though they mostly practise hand weeding, farmers were aware of a wide range of control options. Local access, affordability, ease of implementation and control efficacy were considered important criteria for adoption, whereas trade-offs, like lack of preferred grain quality traits in resistant varieties, were mentioned as an important break on adoption. Based on informal discussions with farmers, altered sowing times, resistant rice varieties and soil amendments were marked as feasible control options and tested in a farmer-participatory manner in four years of experimentation in upland and lowland fields. In both types of fields, the contribution of soil amendment to parasitic weed suppression was not evident, but rice husk was marked as a suitable and cheap alternative to inorganic fertilizers. Control of R. fistulosa in lowlands was perceived to be best realized by early crop establishment, escaping major parasite damage due to the relatively slow early development of this weed species. The local variety Supa India, appreciated for its grain qualities and marketability, remained the preferred variety. For the control of S. asiatica, late planting was preferred, requiring a short-duration variety to minimize risk of drought stress during grain filling. The short-duration NERICA-10 was most preferred, as it combined a favourable short cycle length with resistance to S. asiatica and good grain appearance. Farmer participation in technology testing showed to be crucial in defining locally adapted and acceptable parasitic weed control strategies. Yet, it is argued that without lifting important constraints related to credit and input supply, it will be impossible to sustainably solve the parasitic weed problem in rain-fed rice.

Innovation platforms (IPs) form a popular vehicle in agricultural research for development (AR4D)... more Innovation platforms (IPs) form a popular vehicle in agricultural research for development (AR4D) to facilitate stakeholder interaction, agenda setting, and collective action toward sustainable agricultural development. In this article, we analyze multilevel stakeholder engagement in fulfilling seven key innovation system functions. Data are gathered from experiences with interlinked community and (sub)national IPs established under a global AR4D program aimed at stimulating sustainable agricultural development in Central Africa. Our findings show that all innovation systems functions required multilevel action, but that fulfillment of specific functions demands for strategic involvement of specific stakeholders at specific levels. We observed that a research-and dissemination-oriented sequence in the functions was prioritized in AR4D IPs and argue that such a sequence may be different in other types of (business) IPs. Our findings provide an incentive to think function oriented about compositional dynamics (stakeholder groups * levels) in innovation processes, rather than striving for equal stakeholder participation.

Multi-stakeholder platforms (MSPs) are seen as a promising vehicle to achieve agricultural develo... more Multi-stakeholder platforms (MSPs) are seen as a promising vehicle to achieve agricultural development impacts. By increasing collaboration, exchange of knowledge and influence mediation among farmers, researchers and other stakeholders, MSPs supposedly enhance their 'capacity to innovate' and contribute to the 'scaling of innovations'. The objective of this paper is to explore the capacity to innovate and scaling potential of three MSPs in Burundi, Rwanda and the South Kivu province located in the eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In order to do this, we apply Social Network Analysis and Exponential Random Graph Modelling (ERGM) to investigate the structural properties of the collaborative, knowledge exchange and influence networks of these MSPs and compared them against value propositions derived from the innovation network literature. Results demonstrate a number of mismatches between collaboration, knowledge exchange and influence networks for effective innovation and scaling processes in all three countries: NGOs and private sector are respectively over-and under-represented in the MSP networks. Linkages between local and higher levels are weak, and influential organisations (e.g., high-level government actors) are often not part of the MSP or are not actively linked to by other organisations. Organisations with a central position in the knowledge network are more sought out for collaboration. The scaling of innovations is primarily between the same type of organisations across different administrative levels, but not between different types of organisations. The results illustrate the potential of Social Network Analysis and ERGMs to identify the strengths and limitations of MSPs in terms of achieving development impacts.

Invasive species such as Ambrosia (an annual weed) pose a biosecurity risk whose management depen... more 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 gover-nance 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–pri-vate 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.

This study identifies entry points for innovation for sustainable intensification of agricultural... more This study identifies entry points for innovation for sustainable intensification of agricultural systems. An agricultural innovation systems approach is used to provide a holistic image of (relations between) constraints faced by different stakeholder groups, the dimensions and causes of these constraints, and intervention levels, timeframes and types of innovations needed. Our data shows that constraints for sustainable intensification of agricultural systems are mainly of economic and institutional nature. Constraints are caused by the absence, or poor functioning of institutions such as policies and markets, limited capabilities and financial resources, and ineffective interaction and collaboration between stakeholders. Addressing these constraints would mainly require short-and middle-term productivity and institutional innovations, combined with middle-to long-term NRM innovations across farm and national levels. Institutional innovation (e.g. better access to credit, services, inputs and markets) is required to address 69% of the constraints for sustainable intensification in the Central Africa Highlands. This needs to go hand in hand with productivity innovation (e.g. improved knowhow of agricultural production techniques , and effective use of inputs) and NRM innovation (e.g. targeted nutrient applications, climate smart agriculture). Constraint network analysis shows that institutional innovation to address government constraints at national level related to poor interaction and collaboration will have a positive impact on constraints faced by other stakeholder groups. We conclude that much of the R4D investments and innovation in the Central Africa Highlands remain targeting household productivity at farm level. Reasons for that include (1) a narrow focus on sustainable intensification, (2) institutional mandates and pre-analytical choices based project objectives and disciplinary bias, (3) short project cycles that impede work on middle-and long-term NRM and institutional innovation, (4) the likelihood that institutional experimentation can become political, and (5) complexity in terms of expanded systems boundaries and measuring impact.

Agricultural Systems, 2015

Available online Keywords: Agricultural research for development (AR4D) Diagnostic studies Farmin... more Available online Keywords: Agricultural research for development (AR4D) Diagnostic studies Farming Systems Research (FSR) Rain-fed agriculture Orobanchaceae Oryza sativa L.

1 On RAAIS Rapid Appraisal of Agricultural Innovation Systems (RAAIS) is a diagnostic tool that c... more 1 On RAAIS Rapid Appraisal of Agricultural Innovation Systems (RAAIS) is a diagnostic tool that can guide the ex-ante analysis of complex agricultural problems, and the identification of 'entry points' that enhance the innovation capacity of the agricultural system in which the complex agricultural problem is embedded. RAAIS focusses on the integrated analysis of different problem dimensions (biophysical, socio-cultural, economic, institutional and political), interactions across different levels (national, regional, local), and the needs and interests of different stakeholder groups (farmers, government, researchers, etc.). The agricultural system's capacity to innovate is studied by analysing constraints and challenges related to the institutional, sectoral and technological subsystems of the agricultural system, and the existence and performance of the agricultural innovation support system. RAAIS combines multiple qualitative and quantitative methods and insider (stakeholders) and outsider (researchers) analyses which allows for critical triangulation and validation of the gathered data. The RAAIS workshops, for which this protocol and facilitation guide is developed, mainly focusses on insider analysis of constraints and challenges related to a specific complex agricultural problem (also referred to as the 'entry theme'). This forms the 'fast-track' approach within Humidtropics. The workshops should be complemented by other methods, including surveys, in-depth interviews and secondary data analysis to triangulate and validate the workshop data.

Agricultural production involves the scaling of agricultural innovations such as disease-resistan... more Agricultural production involves the scaling of agricultural innovations such as disease-resistant and drought-tolerant maize varieties, zero-tillage techniques, permaculture cultivation practices based on perennial crops and automated milking systems. Scaling agricultural innovations should take into account complex interactions between biophysical, social , economic and institutional factors. Actual methods of scaling are rather empirical and based on the premise of 'find out what works in one place and do more of the same, in another place'. These methods thus do not sufficiently take into account complex realities beyond the concepts of innovation transfer, dissemination, diffusion and adoption. As a consequence, scaling initiatives often do not produce the desired effect. They may produce undesirable effects in the form of negative spill-overs or unanticipated side effects such as environmental degradation, bad labour conditions of farm workers and loss of control of farming communities over access to genetic resources. Therefore, here, we conceptualise scaling processes as an integral part of a systemic approach to innovation, to anticipate on the possible consequences of scaling efforts. We propose a method that connects the heuristic framework of the multi-level perspective on socio-technical transitions (MLP) to a philosophical 'modal aspects' framework , with the objective of elucidating the connectedness between technologies, processes and practices. The resultant framework, the PRactice-Oriented Multi-level perspective on Innovation and Scaling (PROMIS), can inform research and policymakers on the complex dynamics involved in scaling. This is illustrated in relation to three cases in which the framework was applied: scaling agro-ecological practices in Nicaragua, farmer field schools on cocoa cultivation in Cameroon and 'green rubber' cultivation in Southwest China.

Knowledge in action, 2011

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss reflexivity in action research, because a lot of action... more The purpose of this chapter is to discuss reflexivity in action research, because a lot of action researchers do not pay attention to reflexivity and we find it crucial not only for understanding the position of an action researcher, but also for understanding the process and results of action research. Reflexivity refers to the capability of a researcher to detach from the scientific disciplinary paradigm of his/her discipline and take a different perspective. We start by describing two concepts necessary to understand reflexivity: performativity and self-referentiality. Performativity refers to the way that actors redirect and reconstruct their activities to fit a theoretical model. Self-reference can be defined as the process of reasoning, in which new information in communication is reframed by means of predefined concepts. Two studied cases, Noordwaard and Wieringerrandmeer, demonstrate how citizens mobilise research and researchers to strengthen their negotiating position, because they were marginalised. The action researchers primarily provided action-oriented knowledge, but from their perspective raised very interesting scientific questions about democracy and science. Concerning democracy the issue was raised as to whether planning procedures contradict the inclusiveness that is required to respect the intentions and knowledge that ground alternative plans. At a more scientific principal level the question can be posed if action research can be free of normative positions towards the issue of developments that are preferred or considered inappropriate. The danger of an action researcher who limits his focus to the performance of his knowledge contribution and therefore contributes to self-referentiality can be opposed by reflexivity. We consider it a mission impossible if both positions are equally balanced by one researcher. A first level of reflexivity can be organised by a second action researcher if he/she at least includes a similar theoretical framework. Reflexivity based on a competing theoretical framework should be organised in a secondary analysis.

Transdisciplinary weed research (TWR) is a promising path to more effective management of challen... more Transdisciplinary weed research (TWR) is a promising path to more effective management of challenging weed problems. We define TWR as an integrated process of inquiry and action that addresses complex weed problems in the context of broader efforts to improve economic, environmental and social aspects of ecosystem sustainability. TWR seeks to integrate scholarly and practical knowledge across many stakeholder groups (e.g. scientists, private sector, farmers and extension officers) and levels (e.g. local, regional and landscape). Furthermore, TWR features democratic and iterative processes of decision-making and collective action that aims to align the interests, viewpoints and agendas of a wide range of stakeholders. The fundamental rationale for TWR is that many challenging weed problems (e.g. herbicide resistance or extensive plant invasions in natural areas) are better addressed systemically, as a part of broad-based efforts to advance ecosystem sustainability, rather than as isolated problems. Addressing challenging weed problems systemically can offer important new leverage on such problems, by creating new opportunities to manage their root causes and by improving complementarity between weed management and other activities. While promising, this approach is complicated by the multi-dimensional, multilevel, diversely defined and unpredictable nature of ecosystem sustainability. In practice, TWR can be undertaken as a cyclic process of (i) initial problem formulation, (ii) 'broadening' of the problem formulation and recruitment of stakeholder participants, (iii) deliberation, negotiation and design of an action agenda for systemic change, (iv) implementation action, (v) monitoring and assessment of outcomes and (vi) reformulation of the problem situation and renegotiation of further actions. Notably, 'purposive' disciplines (design, humanities and arts) have central, critical and recurrent roles in this process, as do integrative analyses of relevant multidi-mensional and multilevel factors, via multiple natural and social science disciplines. We exemplify this process in prospect and retrospect. Importantly TWR is not a replacement for current weed research; rather, the intent is to powerfully leverage current efforts.

Over the past years several administrations have developed sustainability criteria as a way of de... more Over the past years several administrations have developed sustainability criteria as a way of dealing with emerging competing claims around bioenergy production. The implementation of such bioenergy sustainability criteria will have clear consequences for African countries, as well as for the private sector. The presentation draws on data collected in Mozambique between December 2008 and June 2009. A general overview of bioenergy developments in Mozambique will be presented. Subsequently the presentation will zoom in on different sustainability schemes, what it means to implement them in practice, what obstacles can be expected and how to deal with them. Objective of the presentation is finding an answer to the question: ¿How to blend different ideas and perspectives on sustainable bioenergy production in the African context¿, taking government, private sector, investment banks, NGO and science perspectives into account.

Challenging paradigms, 2006

Agricultural Systems, 2015

Knowledge in action, 2011

Innovation Platforms are fast becoming part of the mantra of agricultural research for developmen... more Innovation 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. This important publication provides a critical analysis of Innovation Platforms, their defining features, key functions, and what they can and – as importantly – cannot do. It will be invaluable reading both for those who fund development projects and programmes and would like to understand when Innovation Platforms are the approach of choice, and for those practitioners who implement and facilitate Innovation Platforms and would like to understand better their design principles and practical implementation issues.

Because Innovation Platforms have been successful in addressing agricultural challenges, there is a risk that they will be promoted as a panacea for all problems in the agricultural sector. As the authors make clear, however, not all constraints will
require Innovation Platforms and, if there is a simpler and cheaper alternative, that should be the first choice. It is essential to think more critically about when, how, and in what form Innovation Platforms can contribute meaningfully to agricultural development impacts.

The document was developed through a learning collaboration between CGIAR research centres and other academic and more applied research centres. Twelve of the 15 CGIAR centres participated and contributed their expertise and experiences
across multiple agricultural systems, geographies, and types of complex constraint. The booklet provides information grounded in a rich practical experience of key design and implementation principles, and the financial and human resources that need to be made available, and it makes suggestions for more effective monitoring, evaluation, and learning. It also lists reference materials, answers frequently asked questions, and provides a decision support tool for research, development, and funding agencies.