Martin Gummert

Rice postharvest learning alliance in Cambodia: comparison of assumptions and implementation of a network approach

ABSTRACT Research projects employ the learning alliance (LA) approach but there is scepticism that its rhetoric is not evident in practice. The authors examined a case of an implemented LA, comparing its outcomes with assumptions from the project and its conceptual design to evaluate the implementation of an LA. Data were from interviews and network maps of actors involved, as well as farmers and town-level actors in Battambang and Pursat, Cambodia. An LA approach can promote actor–network processes that target social, technical, and institutional reordering. Assumptions about the approach, however, may lead projects to emphasize scaling out and direct efforts away from processes that enable innovation.

INNOVATION PLATFORMS IN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH FOR DEVELOPMENT

Innovation platforms are fast becoming part of the mantra of agricultural research for development projects and programmes. Their basic tenet is that stakeholders depend on one another to achieve agricultural development outcomes, and hence need a space where they can learn, negotiate and coordinate to overcome challenges and capture opportunities through a facilitated innovation process. Although much has been written on how to implement and facilitate innovation platforms efficiently, few studies support ex-ante appraisal of when and for what purpose innovation platforms provide an appropriate mechanism for achieving development outcomes, and what kinds of human and financial resource investments and enabling environments are required. Without these insights, innovation platforms run the risk of being promoted as a panacea for all problems in the agricultural sector. This study makes clear that not all constraints will require innovation platforms and, if there is a simpler and cheaper alternative, that should be considered first. Based on the review of critical design principles and plausible outcomes of innovation platforms, this study provides a decision support tool for research, development and funding agencies that can enhance more critical thinking about the purposes and conditions under which innovation platforms can contribute to achieving agricultural development outcomes.

Technical, Economic and Environmental Evaluation on Mechanical Rice Straw Gathering Method

Rice straw is a rice by-product, which is currently mostly wasted in Vietnam, in particular in the Mekong delta. At present, the cost of straw gathering is increasing because of the increased use of combine harvesters. High labor cost and lack of labor makes manual collection unfeasible. Farmers therefore often just burn it, which causes pollution, increased greenhouse gas emissions and loss of opportunities to value add. An economic and environmental evaluation and technical field testing of a straw baler with 4 ha/day capacity was therefore conducted in Long An province. During the field testing data on the gathering capacity, fuel consumption, labor requirement and other cost items were collected. The test results showed that the baling cost is US

Learning selection revisited: how can agricultural researchers make a difference?

19.0 per ton of rice straw, the pay-back period of 2.1 years and the internal rate of return of 38%. In addition to the baling cost, the transportation cost varies from US

Mobile phones and market information: Evidence from rural Cambodia

24 for a distance of 100 km to US

How does burning of rice straw affect CH4 and N2O emissions? A comparative experiment of different on-field straw management practices

32 for 150 km. The benefits of the machine are not only economical but also include the reduction of field burning.