Influence of Social Mechanisms on Innovation Behaviour of Actors in Agricultural Innovation Platforms in Uganda

Abstract

This study employed network governance theory to examine the intermediate social processes that lead to actor innovation behaviour in an agricultural innovation platform. Using a sample of 319 randomly selected farmers and key informant interviews, it was established that the direct effect of social mechanisms such as restricted access, collective sanctions, macro cultures and reputation on innovation behaviour was negative (β =-0.050) and insignificant implying that as networks put in place stringent rules and regulations, actors in an innovation network tend to withdraw from platform activities. However, the effect was positive and significant through adaptation (β =0.697), coordination (β =0.121) and safeguard of exchanges (β =0.418). This therefore means that for social mechanisms to influence actor innovation behaviour, they must be accompanied with adaptation and coordination measures and appropriate strategies that safeguard exchanges in a network. Platform leaders should also implement activities that bring all actors together to share relevant information, mobilize resources and synchronize the timing and sequencing of activities as a means of coordination, adaptation and safeguard of exchanges. The study further recommends that to increase the rate of agricultural innovations, members of the networks should continually seek for new processes, markets, inputs and take advantage of new opportunities in their operating environment so as to be adaptive.

Key words: Innovation behaviour, innovation platforms, social mechanisms,