Innovation systems proposition with actors and their role for new CLCA site, Oaxaca, Mexico

Abstract

The agricultural innovation systems (AIS) proposition with actors and their role for Mexico is an output under Component 2: Development of a delivery system/participatory farmer-led extension system to accelerate adoption. This component deals with the articulation of the innovation system model and a knowledge management (KM) strategy to ensure the design, development, and use of an effective delivery system for locally adapted CLCA systems and practices. The innovation systems proposition aims to contribute to foster solutions to the needs of smallholders of small ruminants and maize systems in the Mixteca Alta region of Oaxaca, Mexico. AIS is a social system that depends on the context and engages different actors in order to tackle priority challenges, and to jointly uncover opportunities for mutually beneficial outcomes by linking efforts. We build on the infrastructure and experience generated in the Oaxaca hub innovation platform. In the case of the Mixteca Alta, water scarcity and soil degradation are recognized as major challenges to smallholders of crop-livestock systems. Some of the perceived root causes of the soil erosion and degradation are water scarcity, loss of organic matter, unsustainable farming practices, and poor management of natural resources. The potential opportunities for the AIS to tackle those challenges rely on the application of the scaling principles, some of the most evident ones are: (i) acknowledging lessons learned and good practices of local knowledge and past experiences, (ii) strengthening local networks and strategic spaces of exchange, innovation, and research (such as platforms and modules), and (iii) developing capacities of key stakeholders of the value chain.