Research-Farmers Linkage in Agricultural Innovation System: Challenges and Intervention Options in Ethiopia

Abstract

The main objective of this paper was to review different challenges that had hindered researchers’ and farmers’ linkages, and proposed alternative interventions that are effective in the linkage between different relevant agricultural actors in agricultural innovations system in Ethiopia.     Based on finding results of different literature reviews, six critical dimension factors that are hindering farmers participation from AIS to improve food security of household in Ethiopia emerged.  Those dimension challenges were; researchers’ characteristics, farmers’ characteristics, researchers’ and farmers’ interaction, type of research project, research approach, and researchers’ and farmers’ benefit from interaction. For the weak researcher- farmer linkage, it is imperative that policy makers and planners should; pay attention to allocate adequate funds, create conducive environment for both parties, focus on attitudinal change, expanding infrastructure and provide on the job training for development agents. Thus, policy framework that synergizes the relevant actors’ linkage in a sustainable manner should be in place to bring the intended growth and transformation in agriculture through technology and innovation. The agricultural extension system of the country should be revised and involve the farmers in all developmental research process.

Keywords: Research, Farmers, Linkage, Agricultural Innovation system, Challenges, Intervention Options, Ethiopia

DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/13-15-01

Publication date:August 31^st 2022