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Purpose and methodologies used
This review seeks to draw on the experiences of multiple stakeholder agricultural innovation
approaches in the context of IAR4D in guiding a research agenda, subsequent knowledge
generation and its use in improving food security and nutrition, reducing poverty and generating
cash incomes for resource-poor farmers. The report draws on a range of case studies across
SSA to compare and contrast the reasons for success from which lessons can be learned.
The key tasks undertaken to identify the lessons for successful innovation were:
• Identification and analysis of a range of successful applications of multiple stakeholder
approaches, learning lessons and establishing the reasons for success through comparative
analysis. The case studies selected include those initiated by FARA in its SSA CP PLS as well
as other planned and opportunity-driven innovations
• Review of available literature on each case study
• Discussions with stakeholders and other key informants associated with the case studies
• Comparative analysis of the challenges addressed, institutional arrangements and
stakeholder interaction, the benefits arising (including production development or added
value to products) and, where possible, the number of beneficiaries
• Identification of the technological, policy and institutional innovations that fostered the
success stories
• Critical review of the successes, their outcomes, and lessons learned.
A total of 21 case studies, six in Eastern Africa, eight in Southern Africa and seven in West Africa
included six funded under FARA’s SSA CP were used. Selection was based on a representative
sample across the three sub-regions and included:
• Traditional sectors, including subsistence crops – sometimes processed
• Niche sectors, including specialist crops
• Sectors integrated with global markets through export commodities
• Sectors offering large employment opportunities for the poor, aimed at either local or
export commodities.
In many cases more than one of these sectors was applicable. Other factors included:
intensifying staple food production and developing processing techniques; integrating
people and the environment; developing local organisations; establishing of public–private
18 Agricultural Innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa