Convergence of Sciences

Summary

West Africa’s smallholders are dynamic and innovative and, if given the opportunity, could easily and sustainably double or treble their productivity. This would have a huge impact on the region’s food security and economic growth.


The Convergence of Sciences programme explored new pathways for agricultural innovation that focus on enabling smallholders to capture opportunities.

Its approach relies on bringing together different actors who can achieve major change in an agriculture sector and create new conditions at system levels higher than those of the field and the farm. The interaction of farmers, scientists, administrators, policymakers and other decision makers can remove constraints and create opportunities at these levels.

A new approach to smallholder innovation

Why a Convergence of Sciences programme in West Africa?

Strengthening agricultural innovation systems in Benin, Ghana and Mali’ (CoS-SIS) aims to unlock the potential of smallholder farming in West Africa by creating enabling conditions for farmers to innovate.

Rather than focusing on technical innovations, CoS-SIS helps national, sub-regional and African agricultural research organisations, universities and other public and private sector agencies, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), to strengthen their programmes.

It supports university curriculum development and informs decision makers at district and national levels about ways to encourage smallholder innovation.

What do African smallholders need? Like all farmers, smallholders can only develop their farming systems if they have the following

  • ‘Voice’: avenues and procedures for exerting influence on decisions that affect them directly
  • Services: e.g., access to production inputs, extension, information and credit
  • Land tenure arrangements that allow them to invest in land and soil health
  • Regulatory frameworks that help protect them from corruption, cheating, land-grabbing, profiteering, etc., and that encourage fair competition
  • Integrated value chains that give them access to markets and a share in the rewards conveyed by adding value
  • Access to transparent and free information
  • Infrastructure: including roads, irrigation and drainage, laboratories for produce testing and facilities for seed multiplication.

Brochures

English: “New Pathways for Innovation: Creating conditions in which West African smallholders can capture opportunity”. CoS-SIS Brochure EN_FINAL_LR

French: Nouvelles pistes d’innovation : Créer aux petits exploitants agricoles de l’Afrique de l’Ouest les conditions nécessaires pour saisir les opportunités.CoS-SIS_Brochure_FR_FINAL_LR

Why take a different approach?

The reasons are the following:

  • Smallholders are amazingly innovative and entrepreneurial
  • Improving smallholder productivity is a sensible and practical way to attain broad- scale food security
  • Smallholders need to compete in a globalised world
  • Conventional agricultural research has had disappointing results
  • Smallholders need an enabling institutional environment
  • Institutions currently create a ‘pervasive bias’ against smallholder farming in sub-Saharan Africa
  • Without institutional change, food insecurity and rural poverty will continue to rise
ipm social october 2025

Figure. Innovation is the result of both institutional and technological change. Neglect of institutional
development creates a ceiling to technological innovation (Adapted from Dorward et al., 1998)

Publications

Refereed

  1. Hounkonnou, D., Brouwers, J., Van Huis, A., Jiggins, J., Kossou, D., Röling, N., Sakyi-Dawson, O. and Traoré, M., 2018. Triggering regime change: A comparative analysis of the performance of innovation platforms that attempted to change the institutional context for nine agricultural domains in West Africa. Agricultural Systems 165: 296-309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2016.08.009
  2. Jiggins, J.L.S., D. Hounkonnou, O. Sakyi-Dawson, D. Kossou, M. Traoré, N.G. Röling, A. van Huis, 2016. Innovation platforms and projects to support smallholder development – Experiences from sub-Saharan Africa. Cahiers d’Etudes et de Recherches Francophones. Agricultures 25 (6). https://doi.org/10.1051/cagri/2016051
  3. Francis, J., Mytelka, L., van Huis, A. and Röling, N. (eds.). 2016. Innovation Systems: Towards Effective Strategies in support of Smallholder Farmers. Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) and Wageningen University and Research (WUR)/Convergence of Sciences-Strengthening Innovation Systems (CoS-SIS), Wageningen. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.5555/20210297840
  4. Francis, J., L. Mytelka, A. van Huis and N. Röling. Foreword. In: Francis, J., Mytelka, L., van Huis, A. and Röling, N. (eds.). Innovation Systems: Towards Effective Strategies in support of Smallholder Farmers, p. 7. Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) and Wageningen University and Research.
  5. Francis, J. and A. van Huis, 2016. Introduction. Why Focus on Innovation Systems: Implications for Research and Policy. In: Francis, J., Mytelka, L., van Huis, A. and Röling, N. (eds.). Innovation Systems: Towards Effective Strategies in support of Smallholder Farmers, pp. 8-13. Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) and Wageningen University and Research (WUR)/Convergence of Sciences-Strengthening Innovation Systems (CoS-SIS), Wageningen.
  6. Togbé, C. E., R. Haagsma, E. Zannou, G. Gbèhounou, J. M. Déguénon, S. Vodouhê, D. Kossou, A. van Huis. Field evaluation of the efficacy of neem oil (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) and Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. in cotton production. Journal of Applied Entomology, 138(9): pages. https://doi.org/10.1111/jen.12173
  7. Röling, N., J. Jiggins, D. Hounkonnou, A. van Huis, 2014. Agricultural research: from recommendation domains to arenas for interaction. experiences from West Africa. Outlook on Agriculture, 43 (3): 179–185. https://doi.org/10.5367/oa.2014.0172
  8. Struik, P.C., L. Klerkx, A. van Huis, and N.G. Röling, 2014. Institutional change towards sustainable agriculture in West Africa. , International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 12:3: 203-213. https://doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2014.909641
  9. Quarmine, W., R. Haagsma, A. van Huis, O.  Sakyi-Dawson, D. Obeng-Ofori, and F.A.  Asante, 2014. Did the price-related reforms in Ghana’s cocoa sector favour farmers? International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 12:3: 248-262. https://doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2014.909639
  10. Togbé, C.E. S.D. Vodouhê, G. Gbèhounou, R. Haagsma, E.T. Zannou, A. Guédénon, D.K. Kossou, and A. van Huis, 2014. Evaluation of the 2009 reform of the cotton sector in Benin: perspectives from the field. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 12:3: 276-295. https://doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2014.909643
  11. Adu-Acheampong, R., J. Jiggins, A. van Huis, A.R. Cudjoe, V. Johnson, O. Sakyi-Dawson, K. Ofori-Frimpong, N.N. Eku-X, E.T.N. Quarshie, 2014. The cocoa mirid (Hemiptera: Miridae) problem: evidence to support new recommendations on the timing of insecticide application on cocoa in Ghana. International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 34(1): 58–71. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742758413000441
  12. Röling, N., D. Hounkonnou, D. Kossou, T.W. Kuyper, S. Nederlof, O. Sakyi-Dawson, M. Traoré, A. van Huis, 2012. Diagnosing the scope for innovation: Linking  smallholder practices and institutional context. Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences, 36-39: 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.njas.2012.06.004
  13. Van Huis, A, B. de Steenhuijsen Piters, 2012. Preface. In Nederlof, E.S. and R. Pyburn (eds). One finger cannot lift a rock: Facilitating innovation platforms to trigger institutional change in West Africa, pp. v—vii. KIT Publishers, Amsterdam. http://www.kit.nl/net/KIT_Publicaties_output/ShowFile2.aspx?e=1987
  14. Quarmine, W., R. Haagsma, O. Sakyi-Dawson, F. Asante, A. van Huis, D. Obeng-Ofori, 2012. Incentives for cocoa bean production in Ghana: Does quality matter? Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences, 36-39: 7-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.njas.2012.06.009
  15. Togbé, C.E., E.T. Zannou, S.D. Vodouhê, R. Haagsma, G. Gbèhounou, D.K. Kossou, A. van Huis, 2012. Technical and institutional constraints of a cotton pest management strategy in Benin. Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences, 36-39: 67-79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.njas.2012.06.005
  16. Hounkonnou, D., D. Kossou, Th. W. Kuyper, C. Leeuwis, E. S. Nederlof, N. Röling; O. Sakyi-Dawson, M. Traoré, and A. van Huis, 2012. An innovation systems approach to institutional change: smallholder development in West Africa.  Agricultural Systems, 108: 74–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2012.01.007
  17. Dannon, E.A., M. Tamo, A. van Huis, and M. Dicke, 2012. Assessing non-target effects and host feeding of the exotic parasitoid Apanteles taragamae, a potential biological control agent of the cowpea pod borer Maruca vitrata. BioControl, 57: 415–425. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-011-9415-1
  18. Ayenor, G.K., N.G. Röling, A. van Huis, B. Padi, and D. Obeng-Ofori, 2007. Assessing the effectiveness of Local Agricultural Research Committee in diffusing sustainable cocoa production practices: the case of Capsid control in Ghana. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 5(2&3): 109-123.
  19. Ayenor, G.K., A. van Huis, D. Obeng-Ofori, B. Padi, and N.G. Röling, 2007. Facilitating the use of alternative capsids control methods towards sustainable production of organic cocoa in Ghana. International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 27: 85-94. DOI:10.1017/S1742758407780840
  20. Dormon, E.N.A., A. van Huis, and C. Leeuwis, 2007. Effectiveness and profitability of integrated pest management for improving yield on smallholder cocoa farms in Ghana. International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 27: 27–39.
  21. Dormon, E.N.A., C. Leeuwis, and A. van Huis, 2007. Explaining differential outcomes of participatory innovation development in three cocoa producing villages in Ghana. Agriculture and Human Values.
  22. Dormon, E.N.A., C. Leeuwis, F.Y. Fiadjoe, O. Sakyi-Dawson, and A. van Huis, 2007. Creating space for innovation: the case of cocoa production in the Suhum-Kraboa-Coalter District of Ghana. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 5(2&3): 232-246.
  23. Van Huis, A, D. Hounkonnou, and N. Röling, 2007. Preface. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 5(2&3): 89-90.
  24. Van Huis, A, J. Jiggins , D. Kossou , C. Leeuwis, N. Röling, O. Sakyi-Dawson , P.C. Struik and R.C. Tossou, 2007. Can convergence of agricultural sciences support innovation by resource-poor farmers in Africa: the cases of Benin and Ghana. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 5(2&3): 91-108.
  25. Nederlof, E.S., N. Röling, and A. van Huis, 2007. Pathway for Agricultural science impact in West Africa: lessons from the convergence of sciences programme. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 5(2&3): 247-264.
  26. Sinzogan, A.A.C., J. Jiggins, S. Vodouhé, D.K. Kossou, E. Totin, and A. van Huis, 2007. Cotton industry institutional linkages in Benin: stakeholder analysis and actor perspectives. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 5(2&3): 213-231.
  27. Hounkonnou, D., D.K. Kossou, T.W. Kuyper, C. Leeuwis, P. Richards, N.G. Röling, O. Sakyi-Dawson and A. van Huis, 2006. Convergence of sciences: the management of agricultural research for small-scale farmers in Benin and Ghana. Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences (NJAS), 53(3/4): 343-367.
  28. Sinzogan, A.A.C., D.K. Kossou, P. Atachi, and A. van Huis, 2006. Participatory evaluation of synthetic and botanical pesticide mixtures for cotton bollworm control. International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 26 (4) 246–255.
  29. Ayenor, G.K., N.G. Röling, B. Padi, A. van Huis, D. Obeng-Ofori, and P.B. Atengdem, 2004. Converging farmers’ and scientists’ perspectives on researchable constraints on organic cocoa productionin Ghana: results of a diagnostic study. NJAS, 52(3/4): 261-284.
  30. Dormon, E.N.A., A. van Huis, C. Leeuwis, D. Obeng-Ofori, and O. Sakyi-Dawson,2004. Causes of low productivity of cocoa in Ghana: farmers’ perspectives and insights from research and the socio-political establishment. NJAS, 52(3/4): 237-259.
  31. Röling, N., D. Hounkonnou, S.K. Offei, R. Tossou, and A. van Huis, 2004. Linking science and farmers´innovative capacity: diagnostic studies from Ghana and Benin. NJAS, 52(3/4): 211-235.
  32. Sinzogan, A.A.C., A. van Huis, D.K. Kossou, J. Jiggins and S. Voudouhé, 2004. Farmers’knowledge and perception of cotton pest control and pest control practices in Benin: results of a diagnostic study. NJAS, 52(3/4): 285-303.

Proceedings

  1. Hounkonnou, D., S. Nederlof, N. Röling, A. van Huis, 2012. Facilitating Innovation. Voices of change. impact Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR).
  2. Van Huis, A, N. R. Röling, and D. Hounkonnou (Eds.), 2012. Mid-term reconsideration of the CoS-SIS programme: Taking stock and adjustment. Proceedings of the CoS-SIS Bamako Workshop, October 25-28, 2011, Bamako, Mali.
  3. Huis, A, van, N. Röling, and A. Youdeowei (Eds), 2011. Consolidating the CoS-SIS Research Agenda. Proceedings of the CoS-SIS Cotonou, Benin Workshop, October 26 – 29, 2010 (Eds.:), pp. 1-2. CoS-SIS Convergence of Sciences: Strengthening Agricultural Innovation Systems Programme.
  4. Van Huis, A, 2011. The Context of this Workshop. In: (Eds.: A. van Huis, N. Röling, and A. Youdeowei) Consolidating the CoS-SIS Research Agenda. Proceedings of the CoS-SIS Cotonou, Benin Workshop, October 26 – 29, 2010 (Eds.:), pp. 1-2. CoS-SIS Convergence of Sciences: Strengthening Agricultural Innovation Systems Programme.
  5. Quarmine, W., R. Haagsma, F. Asante, O. Sakyi-Dawson, D. Obeng-Ofori, and A. van Huis, 2011. Factors which constrain farmers’ incentives to enhance the quality of cocoa beans produced in Ghana. Proceedings of the CoS-SIS Cotonou, Benin Workshop, October 26 – 29, 2010 (Eds.:), pp. 65-74. CoS-SIS Convergence of Sciences: Strengthening Agricultural Innovation Systems Programme.
  6. Quarmine, W., R. Haagsma, F. Asante, O. Sakyi-Dawson, D. Obeng-Ofori, and A. van Huis, 2011.  Institutional Experiments for Assessing Farmers’ Response to Price and Non-Price Incentives to Produce Quality Cocoa Beans. Proceedings of the CoS-SIS Bamako workshop, October 25-28, 2011 (Eds.: Arnold van Huis, Niels Röling and Dominique Hounkonnou), pp. 46-51. CoS-SIS Convergence of Sciences: Strengthening Agricultural Innovation Systems Programme.
  7.  Codjo Euloge Togbé, C.E., R. Haagsma, S.D. Vodouhê, E.T. Zannou’, G. Gbèhounou, D.K. Kossou, A. van Huis. Promoting Integrated Pest Management in cotton production in Benin. Proceedings of the CoS-SIS Bamako workshop, October 25-28, 2011 (Eds.: Arnold van Huis, Niels Röling and Dominique Hounkonnou), pp. 52-57. CoS-SIS Convergence of Sciences: Strengthening Agricultural Innovation Systems Programme.
  8. Van Huis, A, 2011. Concluding Remarks and the Way Forward. In: (Eds.: A. van Huis, N. Röling, and A. Youdeowei) Consolidating the CoS-SIS Research Agenda. Proceedings of the CoS-SIS Cotonou, Benin Workshop, October 26 – 29, 2010 (Eds.:), pp. 147-151. CoS-SIS Convergence of Sciences: Strengthening Agricultural Innovation Systems Programme.
  9. Vissoh, P.V., S. Adjei Nsiah, A. van Huis, and N. Röling, 2010. Opportunities for Oil Palm development in Benin and Ghana: institutional conditions for technological change. In:Aspects of Applied Biology, nr. 96, Special Issue Agriculture: Africa’s Engine for Growth – Plant Sciences & Biotechnology hold the key (Eds. T.Bruce; C. Foyer; N. Halford; A. Keys; K. Kunert; D. Dawlor; M. Parry; G. Rusell), pp. 207-214. Produced by the Association of Applied Biologists.
  10. Van Huis, A, A. Youdeowei, and D. Hounkonou (Eds.), 2010. Achieving a common understanding of the CoS-SIS implementation process. Proceedings of the COS-SIS Bamako workshop, June 21-25, 2010. Convergence of Sciences: Strengthening Innovation Systems Programme.
  11. Van Huis, A, D. Hounkonnou, B. Sterk and N. Roling, 2010. Background and objectives of the workshop. In: Achieving a common understanding of the CoS-SIS implementation process (Eds.: A. van Huis, A. Youdeowei, and D. Hounkonou (Eds.), pp. 1-2. Proceedings of the COS-SIS Bamako workshop, June 21-25, 2010. Convergence of Sciences: Strengthening Innovation Systems Programme.
  12. Van Huis, A, 2010. The current status of CoS-SIS implementation: programme objectives and critical issues. In: Achieving a common understanding of the CoS-SIS implementation process (Eds.: A. van Huis, A. Youdeowei, and D. Hounkonou (Eds.), pp. 17-19. Proceedings of the COS-SIS Bamako workshop, June 21-25, 2010. Convergence of Sciences: Strengthening Innovation Systems Programme.
  13. Van Huis, A, 2010. Emerging issues from the workshop: programme time frame and other issues. In: Achieving a common understanding of the CoS-SIS implementation process (Eds.: A. van Huis, A. Youdeowei, and D. Hounkonou (Eds.), pp. 55-56. Proceedings of the COS-SIS Bamako workshop, June 21-25, 2010. Convergence of Sciences: Strengthening Innovation Systems Programme.

All publications

Diagnostic studies 2004

Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences (NJAS) Special Issue 52 No 3-4 entitled “Diagnostic studies: a research phase in the Convergence of Sciences programme”

  1. Röling, N.G., D. Hounkonnou, S.K. Offei, R. Toussou and A. van Huis, 2004. Linking science and farmers’ innovative capacity: diagnostic studies from Ghana and Benin. NJAS, 52: 211-235.
  2. Dormon, E.N.A., A. Van Huis, C. Leeuwis, D. Obeng-Ofori and O. Sakyi-Dawson, 2005. Causes of low productivity in cocoa in Ghana: farmers’ perspectives and insights from research and the socio-political establishment. NJAS, 52: 237-259.
  3. Ayenor, G.K., N.G. Röling, B. Padi, A. van Huis, D. Obeng-Ofori and P.B. Atengdem, 2005. Converging farmers’ and scientists’ perspectives on researchable constraints on organic cocoa production in Ghana: results of a diagnostic study. NJAS, 52: 261-284.
  4. Sinzogan, A.A.C., A. van Huis, D.K. Kossou, J. Jiggins and S. Vodouhè, 2005. Farmers’ knowledge and perception of cotton pests and pest control practices in Benin. NJAS, 52: 285-303.
  5. Vissoh, P.V., G. Ghèhounou, A. Ahanchédé, T.W. Kuyper and N.G. Röling, 2004. Weeds as agricultural constraint to farmers in Benin: results of a diagnostic study. NJAS, 52: 305-329.
  6. Adjei-Nsiah, S., C. Leeuwis, K.E. Giller, O. Sakyi-Dawson, J. Cobbina, T.W. Kuyper, M. Abekoe and W. van der Werf, 2005. Land tenure and differential soil fertility management practices among native and migrant farmers in Wenchi, Ghana: implications for interdisciplinary action research NJAS, 52: 331-348.
  7. Saïdou, A., T.W. Kuyper, D.K. Kossou, R. Tossou and P. Richards, 2005. Sustainable soil fertility management in Benin: learning from farmers. NJAS, 52: 349-369.
  8. Kudadjie, C.V., P.C. Struik, P. Richards and S.K. Offei, 2005. Assessing production constraints, management and use of sorghum diversity in north-east Ghana: a diagnostic study. NJAS, 52: 371-391.
  9. Zannou, A., A. Ahanchédé, P.C. Struik, P. Richards, J. Zoundjihékpon, R. Tossou and S. Vodouhè, 2005. Yam and cowpea diversity management by farmers in the Guinea-Sudan transition zone of Benin. NJAS, 52: 393-420.
  10. Nederlof, E.S., R. Tossou, O. Sakyi-Dawson and D.K. Kossou, 2005. Grounding agricultural research in small scale farmers’ needs: a comparative analyses of diagnostic studies in Ghana and Benin.

Diagnostic Studies 2012

special issue Diagnostic Studies Netherlands Journal of Life Sciences (NJAS) (2012) (Ed.: J. Jiggins) entitled Diagnosing the scope for innovation: Linking smallholder practices and institutional context’. NJAS, 60-63: 1-121.

  1. Röling, N.; D. Hounkonnou; D. Kossou; T.W. Kuyper; S. Nederlof; O. Sakyi-Dawson, M. Traoré, and A. van Huis (2012). Diagnosing the scope for innovation: linking smallholder practices to institutional context (introduction to the special issue) NJAS 60-63:1-6
  2. Quarmine, W.; R. Haagsma; O. Sakyi-Dawson; F. Asante; A. van Huis; and D. Obeng-Ofori (2012). Incentives for cocoa bean production in Ghana: does quality matter? NJAS 60-63:7-14
  3. Akpo, E.; P. Vissoh; R. Tossou; D. Kossou; P. Richards; T.J. Stomph; and P. Struik (2012). A participatory diagnostic study of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) seed system in Benin. NJAS 60-63:15-27
  4. Sidibé, A.; S. Vellema; F. Dembelé; M. Traoré; and T.W. Kuyper (2012). Innovation processes navigated by women groups in the Mali Shea sector: how targeting of international niche markets results in fragmentation and obstructs coordination. NJAS 60-63:26-36
  5. Amankwah, K.; L. Klerkx; S. Oosting; O. Sakyi-Dawson; A.J. van der Zijpp and D. Millar (2012). Diagnosing constraints to market participation of small ruminant producers in northern Ghana: an Innovation Systems Analysis. NJAS 60-63:37-47
  6. Osei-Amponsah, C.; L. Visser; S. Adjei-Nsiah; P. Struik; O. Sakyi-Dawson; and T.J. Stomph (2012). Processing practices of small-scale palm oil processors in the Kweabibirem District Ghana, a diagnostic study. NJAS 60-63:49-56
  7. Totin, E.; B. van Mierlo; A. Saïdou; R. Mongbo; E. Agbossou; L. Stroosnijder and C. Leeuwis (2012). Barriers and opportunities for innovation in rice production in the inland valleys of Benin. NJAS 60-63:57-66
  8. Togbé, C.E.; E.T. Zannou; S.D. Vodouhé; R. Haagsma; G. Gbéhounou, D. Kossou; and A. van Huis (2012). Technical and institutional constraints of a cotton pest management strategy in Benin. NJAS 60-63:67-78
  9. Kpéra, G.N.; N. Aarts; A. Saïdou; R. Tossou; C. Eilers; G. Mensah; B. Sinsin; D. Kossou; and A. van der Zijpp 2012). Management of Agro-pastoral dams in Benin: stakeholders, institutions and rehabilitation research. NJAS 60-63:79-90
  10. Yemadje, R.H.; T.A. Crane; P. Vissoh; R. Mongbo; P. Richards; D. Kossou; and T.W. Kuyper (2012). The political ecology of land management in the oil palm-based cropping system of the Adja Plateau in Benin. NJAS 60-63:91-99
  11. Doumbia, D.; A. van Paassen; S.J. Oosting; and A.J. van der Zijpp (2012). Livestock in the rice-based economy of the Office du Niger: the development potential for increased crop-livestock integration through multi-actor processes. NJAS 60-63:101-114
  12. Jiggins, J. (2012). Diagnostic research in support of innovation. NJAS 60-63:115-121

Institutional issues 2007

Special issue on Convergence of Sciences research, West Africa  of the International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability Volume 5 (2-3), 2007

  1. Nederlof, E.S., N. Röling & A. van Huis, 2007. Pathway for agricultural science impact in West Africa: lessons from the Convergence of Sciences programme. IJAS, 5(2–3), 247–264.
  2. Van Huis, A., J. Jiggins , D. Kossou , C. Leeuwis , N. Röling , O. Sakyi-Dawson , P. C. Struik & R. C. Tossou, 2007. Can convergence of agricultural sciences support innovation by resource-poor farmers in Africa? The cases of Benin and Ghana. IJAS, 5(2–3), 91-108.
  3. Vissoh, P.V., R. Mongbo , G. Gbèhounou , D. Hounkonnou , A. Ahanchédé , N. Röling & T. W. KuyperThe social construction of weeds: different reactions to an emergent problem by farmers, officials and researchers. IJAS, 5(2–3), 161-175.
  4. Ayenor, G.K., N. Röling , A. van Huis , B. Padi & D. Obeng-Ofori, 2007. Assessing the effectiveness of a Local Agricultural Research Committee in diffusing sustainable cocoa production practices: the case of capsid control in Ghana. IJAS, 5(2–3), 109-123.
  5. Saïdou, A., R. C. Tossou , D. Kossou , S. Sambieni , P. Richards & T. W. Kuyper, 2007. Land tenure and sustainable soil fertility management in central Benin: towards the establishment of a cooperation space among stakeholders. IJAS, 5(2–3), 195-212.
  6. Sinzogan, A.A.C., J. Jiggins , S. Vodouhè , D. Kossou , E. Totin & A. van Huis, 2007. An analysis of the organizational linkages in the cotton industry in Benin. IJAS, 5(2–3), 213-231.
  7. Kudadjie, C.Y, P. C. Struik , P. Richards , S. K. Offei & P. Atengdem, 2007. Understanding variation in sorghum through with-farmer experimentation. IJAS, 5(2–3), 124-139.
  8. Zannou, A., R. C. Tossou , S. Vodouhè , P. Richards , P. C. Struik , J. Zoundjihékpon , A. Ahanchédé & V. Agbo, 2007. Socio-cultural factors influencing and maintaining yam and cowpea diversity in Benin. IJAS, 5(2–3), 140-160.
  9. Dormon, E.N.A., C. Leeuwis , F. Y. Fiadjoe , O. Sakyi-Dawson & A. van Huis, 2007. Creating space for innovation: the case of cocoa production in the Suhum-Kraboa-Coalter District of Ghana. IJAS, 5(2–3), 232-246.
  10. Adjei-Nsiah, S., C. Leeuwis , O. Sakyi-Dawson , K. E. Giller & T. W. Kuyper, 2007. Exploring diversity among farmers for orienting inter-disciplinary action research on cropping system management in Wenchi, Ghana: the significance of time horizons. IJAS, 5(2–3), 176-194.

Institutional issues 2014

Articles published in a special issue of the International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability entitled ‘Institutional Change towards sustainable Agriculture in West Africa’ (Eds.: P. Struik and L. Klerx (IJAS) 12 (3): 201-382.

  1. Struik, P and L. Klerkx. Preface (2014). IJAS Vol. 12 (3): 201-203
  2. Struik, P., L. Klerkx, A. van Huis, and N. Röling (2014). Institutional change towards sustainable agriculture in West Africa, IJAS 12 (3): 203-213
  3. Akpo, E., T. Crane, T-J. Stomph, R. Tossou, D. Kossou, P. Vissoh, and P. Struik (2014). Social institutional dynamics of seed system reliability: the case of oil palm in Benin, IJAS 12 (3): 214-232
  4. Osei-Amponsah, C., T-J. Stomph, L. Visser, O. Sakyi-Dawson, S. Adjei-Nsiah, and P. Struik (2014). Institutional change and the quality of palm oil: an analysis of the artisanal processing sector in Ghana, IJAS 12 (3): 233-247
  5. Quarmine, W., R. Haagsma, A. van Huis, O. Sakyi-Dawson, D. Obeng-Ofori, and F. Asante (2014). Did the price-related reforms in Ghana’s cocoa sector favour farmers? IJAS 12 (3): 248-262
  6. Sidibé, A., S. Vellema, F. Dembelé, B. Témé, H. Yossi,  M. Traoré, and T. Kuyper (2014). Women, shea and finance: how institutional practices in a Malian cooperative create development impact, IJAS 12 (3): 263-295
  7. Togbé, C., S. Vodouhê, G. Gbèhounou, Rein Haagsma, E. Zannou, A. Guédénon, D. Kossou, and A. van Huis (2014). Evaluation of the 2009 reform of the cotton sector in Benin: perspectives from the field, IJAS 12 (3): 276-295
  8. Amankwah, K., L. Klerkx, O. Sakyi-Dawson, N. Karbo, S.  Oosting, C. Leeuwis, and A. van der Zijpp (2014). Institutional dimensions of veterinary services reforms: responses to structural adjustment in Northern Ghana, IJAS 12 (3): 296-315
  9. Kpéra, N., N. Aarts, R. Tossou, G. Mensah, A. Saïdou, D. Kossou, B. Sinsin, and A. van der Zijpp (2014). A pond with crocodiles never dries up.’ A frame analysis of human–crocodile relationships in agro-pastoral dams in Northern Benin, IJAS 12 (3): 316-333
  10. Totin, E., C. Leeuwis, B. van Mierlo, R. Mongbo, L. Stroosnijder, and D. Kossou (2014). Drivers of cooperative choice: canal maintenance in smallholder irrigated rice production in Benin, IJAS 12 (3): 334-354  
  11. Yemadje, R., T. Crane, R. Mongbo, A. Saïdou, H. Azontonde, D. Kossou, and T. Kuyper (2014). Revisiting land reform: land rights, access, and soil fertility management on the Adja Plateau in Benin, IJAS 12 (3): 355-369
  12. Struik, P., L. Klerkx, and D, Hounkonnou (2014). Unravelling institutional determinants affecting change in smallholder agriculture in West Africa, IJAS 12 (3): 370-382

PhD Dissertations

Doctoral Dissertations defended in Accra and Contonou in 2006 and 2013

  1. Ayenor, G.K. (2006) Capsid Control for Organic Cocoa in Ghana. Results of participatory learning and action research.
  2. Dormon, E.N.A. (2006). From a technology focus to innovation development. The management of cocoa pests and diseases in Ghana
  3. Adjei-Nsiah, S. (2006) Cropping systems, land tenure and social diversity of Wenchi, Ghana: implications for soil fertility management
  4. Saidou, A. (2006) Converging strategies by farmers and scientists to improve soil fertility and enhance crop production in Benin
  5. Vissoh, P.V. (2006) Participatory development of weed management technologies in Benin
  6. Kudadjie, C.Y. (2006) Integrating science with farmer knowledge: Sorghum diversity management in north-east Ghana
  7. Zannou, A.S.A. (2006) Socio-economic, agronomic and molecular analysis of yam and cowpea diversity in the Guinea-Sudan transition zone of Benin
  8. Sinzogan, A.A.C. (2006) )Facilitating learning toward sustainable cotton pest management in Benin
  9. Nederlof, E.S. (2006) Research on Agricultural Research. Towards a pathway for client-oriented research in West Africa
  10. Akpo, E. (2013). Analysing seed system performance. The case of Oil Palm, Benin. Wageningen and Cotonou: WUR & UAC, published doctoral dissertation
  11. Amankwah, K. (2013). Enhancing food security in Northern Ghana through smallholder small ruminant production and marketing. Wageningen: WUR, published doctoral dissertation
  12. Osei-Amponsah, C. (2013). Improving the quality of crude palm oil. Trans-disciplinary research on artisanal processing in Kwaebirirem, District, Ghana. Wageningen: WUR, published doctoral dissertation
  13. Quarmine, W. (2013). Incventives for smallholders to enhance the production of quality cocoa beans in Ghana: the role of institutions. Wageningen: WUR, published doctoral dissertation
  14. Sidibé, A. (2013). Analysis of collective performance in the Malian Shea sector: From fields to markets. (2013). Wageningen and Bamako: WUR and UdB, published doctoral dissertation
  15. Togbé, C.E. (2013). Cotton in Benin: Governance and pest management. Wageningen and Cotonou: WUR & UAC, published doctoral dissertation
  16. Totin, E. (2013). An institutional perspective on farmers’ water management and rice production practices in Benin. Wageningen and Cotonou: WUR & UAC, published doctoral dissertation
  17. Yemadje, R.H. (2013). Political ecology in the oil palm-based cropping system on the Adja Plateau in Benin: Connecting soil fertility and land tenure. Wageningen and Cotonou: WUR & UAC, published doctoral dissertation
  18. Kpéra, G.N. (2015) Understanding complexity in managing agro-pastoral dams ecosystem services in Northern Benin

Innovation Systems

Innovation Systems: Towards effective strategies in support of smallholder farmers

J. Francis, A. Van Huis and N. Röling (Eds.)

  1. Introduction. Francis, Judith, Arnold van Huis and Niels Röling .
  2. Innovation Systems Approaches in a Time of Transition. Mytalka, Lynn Krieger
  3. What is Systematic about Innovations Systems? The Implications for Policies, Governance and Institutionalisation. Ison, Ray.
  4. Personal Reflections on innovation systems analysis – especially as it relates to agricultural/rural mechanisation and rural poverty reduction. Biggs, S.; H. Matsaert & S. Justice.
  5. Innovation Platforms for Smallholders in Maize and Cassava Value Chains: DONATA’s Experiences in West and Central Africa. Sanyang, Sidi; S.J.B. Taonda; Julienne Kuiseu and A. Kafando.
  6. The Journey to R4D: An Institutional History of an Australian Initiative on Food Security in Africa. Hall, Andy; Peter Carberry; Appolinaire Djikeng, Harold Roy-Macauley, Bruce Pengelly; Aboubakar Njoya; Leah Ndungu; Issoufou Kollo; Caroline Bruce; Lartelle McMillan, Ray Ison and Brian Keating.
  7. The Theory of Change Underlying the Efficiency of Agricultural Innovation Platforms (IPs): The Case of the Thyolo Vegetable IP in Malawi. Adekunle, Adewale; A.O. Fatunbi; and Kefasi Nyikahadzoi.
  8. Policy Change: the CTA/ASTI Programme (provisional title). Francis, Judith.
  9. Innovation Systems an Capability Building among Smallholder Farmers: lessons and Insights from Kenya’s Flower Farmers. Bolo, Maurice.
  10. Building Innovation Capacity of Local Actors: The Case of the Chilean and Argentine Wine Industries. Farinelli, F.
  11. The Use of Research in and Across Nine Agro-Enterprise Domains. The Experience of the Convergence of Sciences- Strengthening Innovation Systems Programme in Benin, Ghana and Mali. Jiggins, Janice; George Essegbey; Laurens Klerkx; Annemarie van Paassen; Rhiannon Pyburn and Rigobert Tossou.
  12. Research and Experimentation in Support of Artisanal Palm Oil Production in Ghana. Osei-Amponsah, Charity.
  13. Innovation Platform and Pricing Policies: The Case of Cocoa in Ghana. Adu-Acheampong, Richard; Ebenhezer Tei-Quartey; William Jonfia-Essien; Michael Owusu-Manu; Maxwell Samuel Nana Kankari Addo; Kwasi Ofori-Frimpong; Paul Osei-Fosu; Maxwell Amuzu; Charles Afari-Mintah; Nana Nyarko Eku-X; Edward T.N. Quarshie; Francis Out Acquah.
  14. Making Sense of Innovation Processes in African Smallholder Agriculture. Triomphe, Bernard; Anne Floquet; Geoffrey Kamau; Brigid Letty, Conny Almekinders; and Ann Waters-Bayer.
  15. The Use of Innovation Systems in a Technology Development Programme: The Case of Research Into Use (RIU). Clark, Norman.
  16. Political Power in Innovation Systems: Smallholder Sustainable Intensification and Rural Mechanisation. Biggs, Stephen and Scott Justice.
  17. Conclusions: Implications for Innovation Systems Thinking. (Provisional title) Leeuwis, Cees and Laurens Klerkx
  18. Strengths and Gaps in applying Innovation Systems Thinking and Approaches: The Way forward. (Provisional title)  Mugabe, J.; R. Maharajh & M. Jacobs.
  19. Implications for Policy and Further Research (Provisional title). Van Huis, Arnold, Judith Francis and Niels Röling. New pathways for innovation: creating conditions in which West African farmers can capture opportunities. Strengthening agricultural innovation systems in Benin, Ghana and Mali (CoS-SIS)