The South African agricultural innovation system – stakeholders, structure and process

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study makes a contribution to the research about the emergence andfunctioning of innovation systems in the agricultural sector in developing countries.It determines the current status quo of the South African Agricultural InnovationSystem and its limitations and shows possible solutions to overcome these. Theagricultural sector in South Africa faces many challenges. Water scarcity, climatechange and increasing resource pressure are just some of the obstacles, whichneed to be overcome. Agricultural activity is very diverse and ranges from highlyefficient farming operations to food gardens and subsistence farming.Furthermore, the South Africa's population will continue to grow, and foodproduction will need to increase significantly. In order to meet these challengesand to ensure and improve food security, new solutions need to be found andinnovations need to be implemented. This study explores the ability of the SouthAfrican Agricultural Innovation System to support the emergence andimplementation of innovative solutions and to enable long lasting change of the agricultural sector and the overall food system. The research used a variety ofmethodologies, such as literature review, qualitative interviews, social networkanalysis and content analysis. A first journal article seeks to portray the SouthAfrican Agricultural Innovation System. Based on innovation system theory and itsapplication in agriculture as well as qualitative interviews with variousstakeholders, a social network analysis was performed and the results arepresented in a visual form. The maturity of the innovation system and its ability toface and meet the existing challenges are discussed. The second journal articledescribes the ability of the South African agricultural sector to support a long-termtransition towards more sustainability. The concepts of transition theory, the multilevelperspective and strategic niche management are presented and discussed.Limiting factors for a transition towards a more sustainable agricultural and foodsystem in South Africa were identified during interviews with various partiesinvolved in agricultural innovation. Potential solutions to overcome theselimitations are described and reviewed.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University