tion systems, innovations in health and education, and documenting and protecting
grassroots innovations.
regarded innovation as the adoption of technologies introduced from research ("in-
duced innovation"), while others saw it as the outcome of social learning by many
different actors. However, all recognized the need for incentives for promoting col-
laboration between farmers, research and extension services and the private sector
(input and output markets) to develop improved technologies and institutional ar-
rangements that can alleviate poverty. It is important to include the private sector
and smallholder farmer organizations in activities concerning agricultural innovation
systems.
for: (a) further evolution in institutional structures and mindsets, (b) closer interac-
tion with the private sector, (c) improving the sustainability and scalability of innova-
tion system approaches, and (d) strategic, non-confrontational communication to
change policy. He warned against institutionalizing innovation system approaches in
a way that builds too much structure and bureaucracy, as this could stifle creativity,
opportunism and serendipity. He stressed the need to create an enabling environ-
ment for bottom-up innovation to happen.
www.innovationafrica.org
valleys in Ghana. The siella contains valuable minerals. But taking their animals to
the siella outcrops is a chore for farmers in Saboba-Chereponi District. So the farm-
ers started making blocks from siella to bring to their animals instead.
of siella that resulted in a much smoother. They found a way to burn oyster shells, a
key ingredient, to produce a whiter block. And they started using wooden moulds for
the blocks, replacing the metal and plastic containers they had previously used.
That meant the blocks dry faster, are easier to remove from the mould, and have no
corrosion stains from the metal.
mineral lick: Community film viewing and observed changes in "Siella" lick devel-
opment in Wapuli and Chagbani, Saboba-Chereponi District, Ghana.
www.prolinnova.net