| Sumario: | This paper introduces Rapid Appraisal of Agricultural Innovation Systems (RAAIS). RAAIS is a diagnostic
tool that can guide the analysis of complex agricultural problems and innovation capacity of the agricultural
system in which the complex agricultural problem is embedded. RAAIS focuses on the integrated
analysis of different dimensions of problems (e.g. biophysical, technological, socio-cultural, economic,
institutional and political), interactions across different levels (e.g. national, regional, local), and the constraints
and interests of different stakeholder groups (farmers, government, researchers, etc.). Innovation
capacity in the agricultural system is studied by analysing (1) constraints within the institutional, sectoral
and technological subsystems of the agricultural system, and (2) 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 allow for critical triangulation and
validation of the gathered data. Such an analysis can provide specific entry points for innovations to address
the complex agricultural problem under study, and generic entry points for innovation related to strengthening
the innovation capacity of agricultural system and the functioning of the agricultural innovation
support system. The application of RAAIS to analyse parasitic weed problems in the rice sector, conducted
in Tanzania and Benin, demonstrates the potential of the diagnostic tool and provides
recommendations for its further development and use.
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