Key Informant Tool for Enhanced of ICARDA-APRP Technology Transfer and Technology Transfer Models in the GCC Countries and Yemen

Abstract

The ICARDA project “Improving agricultural production systems and conserving natural resources under climate change in the Arabian Peninsula’ aims to contribute to the national goals of Arabian Peninsula countries through the development of more sustainable and resilient agricultural production systems, adapted to climate change, that enhance food security and reduce demands for imports. In the frame of this project the ICARDA Arab Peninsula Regional Program has been on the forefront of generation and transfer of modern and improved agricultural technologies. Thus, the influence that ICARDA has had in the Arabian Peninsula is demonstrated by the technology packages developed by APRP in rangeland rehabilitation, irrigated forages, on-farm water management, and protected agriculture. These packages have been introduced to pilot growers and shown to have positive impacts on the income and welfare of farmers in the region, and on the management of natural resources, both water and rangelands. Although all those improved and considered technologies proved to be successful in catering to the needs of the AP farmers, much still needs to be done to promote better and more effective methods of technology transfer, in order to achieve increased output and higher incomes for small-scale farmers in the AP countries. Technology does not stand alone, but encompasses political, social, economic, and cultural factors that can impede the diffusion or transfer of technology. One of the major concerns in the transfer process is how to effectively disseminate the ICARDA-APRP improved technologies considering the viewpoint of farmers, particularly in addressing the questions of where, how, and what improved technologies are appropriate and available to them. While many farmers know the nature of their problems in the field, research and extension workers' presence of knowledge of their socio-economic conditions will contribute helping them from adopting technologies and pursuing technological solutions to their problems. Therefore, this KII is conducted with the purpose to give an emphasis on understanding the most effective technology transfer process of these improved technologies. Thus, an understanding of the processes leading to the adoption of the ICARDA-APRP improved technologies by small-scale farmers will be important to the planning and implementation of successful research and extension programs in most AP countries.