Browsing by Author "Daniel Nigussie"

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    Analysis of Maize Innovation System: Linking System, Social Network and Scaling Perspectives
    (Addis Ababa University, 2024-05) Daniel Nigussie; Getnet Alemu Zewdu (PhD); Million Getnet Gebreyes (PhD) -
    In recent decades, innovation generation, dissemination, and utilization have experienced significant paradigm shifts, increasingly incorporating a systems perspective. This research aims to identify the systemic issues and factors related to socio-technical transitions that impede the production, distribution, and adoption of improved maize varieties in Ethiopia. Additionally, it examines the various actors involved and their interactions at different levels within this context. The study also assesses institutional approaches for scaling up and systematically explores the barriers to the adoption and scaling up of improved maize varieties in Ethiopia. To achieve these objectives, primary data were collected through structured and semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, which were then analyzed thematically. The findings reveal several major obstacles to the system's functioning, including systemic failures such as the absence of key actors, institutional issues, a lack of interaction among actors, and inadequate infrastructure. Three specific functions—entrepreneurship, knowledge development, and establishing legitimacy—were found to be weaker for improved maize varieties released by Pioneer Hi-Bred Seeds Ethiopia Plc., but stronger for those released by public research centers. Conversely, knowledge dissemination and resource mobilization were identified as strengths of Pioneer Hi-Bred Seeds Ethiopia Plc., but as weaknesses for public research centers, agricultural extension service providers, and government seed enterprises. Key actors influencing the system include the Regional Bureau of Agriculture and the Amhara Seed Enterprise, which operate at the regime level and impact the production, distribution, and adoption of improved maize varieties. The study highlights that a public-private partnership has been established to promote the scaling up of improved maize seeds by Pioneer Hi-Bred Seeds Ethiopia Plc. The newly released varieties by Pioneer Hi-Bred Seeds Ethiopia Plc. have a comparative advantage over previous varieties used by farmers, and there is a willingness and readiness among farmers to adopt the new varieties. This presents a promising opportunity for collaboration and the development of a business case. However, the scaling up of improved varieties faces challenges related to knowledge and skills interaction, value chain development, and public governance. In public research centers, there is good interaction in knowledge and skill development, value chain development, and public governance for establishing legitimacy. However, collaboration among actors and financial resource mobilization are poor. To overcome these challenges and ensure the sustainable scaling up of improved maize seed varieties, it is crucial for public and private research institutions, along with other public sectors, to collaborate with development partners and the private sector. Such collaboration will ensure a long-lasting impact on the agricultural sector. In summary, the research underscores the importance of addressing systemic issues and enhancing interactions among key actors to facilitate the successful adoption and scaling up of improved maize varieties in Ethiopia. By leveraging the strengths of both public and private institutions and fostering effective partnerships, it is possible to overcome existing barriers and achieve sustainable agricultural development.