Strengthening agricultural innovation systems in Nigeria

Abstract

This study highlighted the relevance of agricultural innovation systems, challenges encountered by the organisations associated with these innovation systems and the various ways of strengthening the linkages among these organizations. Agricultural innovation systems such as commodity-based innovation system, intervention-based innovation system, research approach, processes and linkages were reviewed in this work. The relevance of agricultural innovation systems were basically to improve national food and nutrition security, and enhance agricultural productivity, competitiveness and linkages to markets. Some of the constraints encountered by most organizations involve with innovation development, emergence and usage include finance, electricity, transportion and customs, efficient custom procedures and inconsistent policies governing organizations in the study area. Some of the ways of strengthening agricultural innovation systems in the study area include effective linkage among organizations, engagement and collaboration between stakeholders, facilitating or brokering alliances, strong farmers organizations, involving private sectors and ensuring use of market driven approaches. 

Key words: network, organizations, agricultural innovation systems