Actor diversity and interactions in the development of banana hybrid varieties in Uganda: implications for technology uptake

Purpose: We examine the nature of networks through which new hybrid banana varieties (HBVs) in Uganda are developed, and how different actors engage in the technology development process. Design/methodology/approach: We collected the data through 20 key informant interviews and 5 focus group disc...

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Main Authors: Sanya, L.N., Sseguya, H., Kyazze, Florence Birungi, Baguma, Y., Kibwika, P.
Format: Journal Article
Language:Inglés
Published: Informa UK Limited 2018
Subjects:
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/109392
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author Sanya, L.N.
Sseguya, H.
Kyazze, Florence Birungi
Baguma, Y.
Kibwika, P.
author_browse Baguma, Y.
Kibwika, P.
Kyazze, Florence Birungi
Sanya, L.N.
Sseguya, H.
author_facet Sanya, L.N.
Sseguya, H.
Kyazze, Florence Birungi
Baguma, Y.
Kibwika, P.
author_sort Sanya, L.N.
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description Purpose: We examine the nature of networks through which new hybrid banana varieties (HBVs) in Uganda are developed, and how different actors engage in the technology development process. Design/methodology/approach: We collected the data through 20 key informant interviews and 5 focus group discussions with actors involved in the process. We analysed the data with NVivo and Social Network Analysis software. Findings: The process of developing HBVs involves many actors with a diversity of roles and interests. The network density was 29.4, implying existence of only 29.4% of the possible direct linkages. Strong ties mainly existed among research-oriented actors, with other actors in the periphery. Practical implications: The current position of smallholder farmers and other non-research actors inhibits their influence on decisions in the technology development process. We recommend that smallholder farmers should be empowered through better organization so that they can influence the process of developing HBVs. Researchers, supported with appropriate policies, should engage more with actors in the intermediary, enterprise and support service domains for a more vibrant agricultural research system. Theoretical implications: Application of the systems approach to technology development requires a dynamic process that supports involvement of a diverse range of actors. However, close attention to context is important in dealing with issues of power asymmetries and determining to what extent various actors engage in the process. Originality/value: This work contributes to literature on systems approaches to agricultural and rural development. The paper demonstrates that actor diversity and interactions are critical in technology development and uptake.
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spelling CGSpace1093922024-03-06T10:16:43Z Actor diversity and interactions in the development of banana hybrid varieties in Uganda: implications for technology uptake Sanya, L.N. Sseguya, H. Kyazze, Florence Birungi Baguma, Y. Kibwika, P. agricultural research technology development networks hybrids bananas varieties uganda Purpose: We examine the nature of networks through which new hybrid banana varieties (HBVs) in Uganda are developed, and how different actors engage in the technology development process. Design/methodology/approach: We collected the data through 20 key informant interviews and 5 focus group discussions with actors involved in the process. We analysed the data with NVivo and Social Network Analysis software. Findings: The process of developing HBVs involves many actors with a diversity of roles and interests. The network density was 29.4, implying existence of only 29.4% of the possible direct linkages. Strong ties mainly existed among research-oriented actors, with other actors in the periphery. Practical implications: The current position of smallholder farmers and other non-research actors inhibits their influence on decisions in the technology development process. We recommend that smallholder farmers should be empowered through better organization so that they can influence the process of developing HBVs. Researchers, supported with appropriate policies, should engage more with actors in the intermediary, enterprise and support service domains for a more vibrant agricultural research system. Theoretical implications: Application of the systems approach to technology development requires a dynamic process that supports involvement of a diverse range of actors. However, close attention to context is important in dealing with issues of power asymmetries and determining to what extent various actors engage in the process. Originality/value: This work contributes to literature on systems approaches to agricultural and rural development. The paper demonstrates that actor diversity and interactions are critical in technology development and uptake. 2018-03-15 2020-09-10T15:15:40Z 2020-09-10T15:15:40Z Journal Article https://hdl.handle.net/10568/109392 en Limited Access Informa UK Limited Sanya, L.N., Sseguya, H., Kyazze, F.B., Baguma, Y. & Kibwika, P. (2018). Actor diversity and interactions in the development of banana hybrid varieties in Uganda: implications for technology uptake. The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, 24(2), 153-167.
spellingShingle agricultural research
technology
development
networks
hybrids
bananas
varieties
uganda
Sanya, L.N.
Sseguya, H.
Kyazze, Florence Birungi
Baguma, Y.
Kibwika, P.
Actor diversity and interactions in the development of banana hybrid varieties in Uganda: implications for technology uptake
title Actor diversity and interactions in the development of banana hybrid varieties in Uganda: implications for technology uptake
title_full Actor diversity and interactions in the development of banana hybrid varieties in Uganda: implications for technology uptake
title_fullStr Actor diversity and interactions in the development of banana hybrid varieties in Uganda: implications for technology uptake
title_full_unstemmed Actor diversity and interactions in the development of banana hybrid varieties in Uganda: implications for technology uptake
title_short Actor diversity and interactions in the development of banana hybrid varieties in Uganda: implications for technology uptake
title_sort actor diversity and interactions in the development of banana hybrid varieties in uganda implications for technology uptake
topic agricultural research
technology
development
networks
hybrids
bananas
varieties
uganda
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/109392
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