Social relationships, local institutions, and the diffusion of improved variety seed and field management techniques in rural communities

6 case studies in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

• From: Department for International Development
• Published: 1 December 2015

• Country: Congo (Democratic Republic)
• Document Type: Technical Report
• Theme: Agriculture
• Authors: Kendzior, J, Zibika, J.P., Voors, M, Almekinders, C

Abstract

This study is part of an evaluation of the impact of the N2Africa intervention in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC. The N2Africa intervention in South Kivu (phase one, 2009-2014) included dissemination of improved variety seeds (beans, cassava, maize, soy) and field management techniques (e.g. line sowing, cereal-legume associations, fertilizer application, and use of rhizobium inoculum for soy), the focus being benefits of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Research aims and questions: The aim of this study is to analyse how improved variety seeds and information traveled through rural communities, with attention to social relationships and local institutions as well as the intervention set up.

This work is part of the ‘Which farmer(s) should we target? How do extension approaches influence social learning and spread of agricultural innovations?’ project.

Citation

Jennifer Kendzior, Jean-Paul Zibika, Maarten Voors, Conny Almekinders (2015) Social relationships, local institutions, and the diffusion of improved variety seed and field management techniques in rural communities: six case studies in South Kivu, DRC. Wageningen University

Links

Social relationships, local institutions, and the diffusion of improved variety seed and field management techniques in rural communities: six case studies in South Kivu, DRC

Research Summary Social relationships, local institutions, and the diffusion of improved variety seed and field management techniques in rural communities: six case studies in South Kivu, DRC

Published 1 December 2015