coping with complexity: mapping sustainable agriculture in orissa using rtd framework c. shambu...

Coping with Complexity: Mapping Sustainable

Agriculture in Orissa using RTD Framework

C. Shambu Prasad & Sumita Sindhi

March 6, 2009 Orissa Agricultural Policy workshop

The journey of the book• Changing landscape of agricultural

research, what policy interventions might help us cope?

• RTD framework and policy dialogue• Workshops to test the ground – Nov 2006, Feb

2008, interest and need for stakeholder dialogue on agriculture

• Orissa government’s draft agricultural policy as context

• Mapping study that could lead to policy dialogue

• XIMB & the SRI learning allianceMarch 6, 2009 Orissa Agricultural Policy workshop

Context – why such a study• Complexity of agricultural innovation – linear

models not working

• Decreasing returns to scale – nature catching up big way

• Responses not commensurate – old methods cannot work, support mechanisms for alternate models not existing.

• Policy processes not inclusive – few experts cant solve our common future


Coping with complexity

1. Policies policymaking and science policy

2. Policy analysis and the RTD framework

3. Agriculture in Orissa4. Study findings and analysis5. Towards a policy network


Thinking differently on policies• ‘Orissa agriculture as backward, lagging behind’ – • Response 1: Orissa needs to get its due – farmers not

experiences first green revolution - introduce more seeds, improve irrigation coverage etc.

• Response 2: Build on newer opportunities – climate proofing possibilities, farmers more responsive to SRI, organic farming. Low ecological stress.

• Energy – agricultural nexus. (1.52% natnl avg 21.7%)• Fertiliser 2% of total – poor access• What sort of support can make a difference? • Does Orissa need different solutions?March 6, 2009 Orissa Agricultural Policy workshop

Policy analysis and RTD framework

• Mental models to understand policy too have been linear

• Policy-making as complex, messy, interactive process. • How to accelerate learning from experience?• How to link research and technology to democracy? • How to integrate other forms of knowledge into policy?• RTD as an open learning process• Invest in policy dialogues – the policies will be better.


Agriculture in Orissa: Overview• Most important livelihood – 23% of state GDP, 70 %

of workforce• Largely small and marginal farmers (80%)• Single crop state 74% area under rice• Not in top three on any food grain• Self sufficiency in foodgrains?• Low productivity (showing upward trend)• Strong regional disparities• Greater potential in fruits and vegetables, spices• Extension system collapsing, understaffedMarch 6, 2009 Orissa Agricultural Policy workshop

State Agriculture Policy1996

• Status of Industry• Mechanization • Estb. APICOL• Emphasis on cash crops

and exports• High subsidies on agro

and food-based industries• Irrigation, marketing,

insurance, credit – only of cash crops

2008• Improve economic

status of farmers• Holistic – WUE, SRI, IPM• Participatory – farmers,

private partners• Integration with NREGS,

NFSM• Support for organic

farming, rainfed agri, • Demand driven research• Untouched issues

Policy through RTD lens• Research Institutional Infrastructure – • Research Funding structure – Central

government & State funding (on decline) NAIP (World Bank), DFID, IFAD; emphasis on private investment

• Value laden knowledge – Need better understanding, indigenous knowledge insufficiently recognised

• Concept of development - largely in economic terms, empowerment? Mention of self confidence of farmers, mechanisms…

Policy thro RTD Cont.• Policy dialogue – centre driven

decisions, consultative group, media and internet, no procedures for feedback, CSOs as conduits

• Challenges – to make it an open, learning process, need to improve process, make it inclusive, mechanisms and institutions to be established

• S&T landscape – Assess the strength of research institutes (actor tools used), multiple organisations poor coordination

Actor Oriented ToolsFocuses on• mapping the relationship/linkages• flow of information among various actors• system to facilitate reflection and action

Helps in• suggesting ways for better collaboration

and involvement• improve the procedure of policy

formulation• strengthen the policy dialogue process

Actor oriented tools• Agriculture Time Line • Stakeholder mapping • Actor Linkage Matrix understanding of

the key institutional linkages with which project should work, or strengthen, to achieve its aims.

• Determinants Diagram – exploring nature of a particular linkage

• Better done collectively, as an aid to reflection and planning

Simplified Actor Linkage Matrix

Do

A

OU

AT

WT

CE

R

NR

CW

A

CT

CR

I

CIP

OS

AM

B

AP

ICO

L

CY

SD

SV

A

SA

MB

HA

V

Farm

er

Fed

.

DF

ID

Farm

ers

DoA

OUAT

WTCER

NRCWA

CTCRI

CIP

OSAMB

APICOL

CYSD

SVA

SAMBHAV

Farmer Fed.

DFID

Farmers

Strong linkage Medium linkage Weak linkage Not relevant

Actor Linkage Matrix

• DoA has weak linkage with the ICAR research institutes and most CSOs

• Inter ICAR institute linkages are also minimal

• CSOs provide information to the farmers, farmers trust them

• International research institutes dialogue with other research institutes and agriculture department currently low

• Donor agencies basically confined to areas of project implementation

• Farmers, CSOs not very aligned with government actions and mechanisms.

Arrange for more interactions through various forums

State Agriculture Policy & Research & Technology Linkages

Empowered NGOs/CSOs

Increase in research funding

Interdepartmental research projects

Consultation meetings

Frameworks as RTD

Ideological differences of researchers & politicians

Weak link between agriculture dept. & Research Institutes

Laboratory -oriented research

Farmers’ voices unheard

Weak extension services

Channelize funds for more field research

Increase interactions & holistic solutions

Act as conduits between farmers & department

Sensitization of stakeholders

More collaborative projects

Field research preferred

Strengthen linkage with NGOs/CSOs & media support

Training for extension staff to bring forth backward & forward linkages

Strengthening factors

Weakening factors

What to do?

What to do?

Determinants Diagram – Pg 42

Linkage between Agriculture Policy and Research &

TechnologyStrengthening factors:• Develop better communication modes• Interactions at various forums• Collaborative projects• Sensitization of the government officials

and NGOs in emerging frameworks • Increase in research funding• Interdepartmental research projects

Agricultural policy and research

Weakening factors: Mostly systemic• Ideological differences of researchers and policy

makers• Laboratory oriented research• Weak links of dept. of agriculture• Weak extension servicesNeed to empower farmers, research organizations

and CSOs for better flow of research and technology in both directions.

Not unique to Orissa, but Orissa could like learning alliance take a lead

Towards a Policy Network

• RTD as enabling framework, greater ‘buy-in’ from policy makers needed.

• CSOs need to focus more on policymaking than policies perse.

• Empowering stakeholders necessary for better policies and implementation.

• From technologies to institutional mechanisms• Single agency to multiple consortia.• The case for policy networks


Questions for the panel1. Specific comments on agricultural policy and

research study2. Your (organisation) role, if any, in shaping the

policy.3. What do you see as the key challenges in

translating the policy into action and4. What could organisations like yours do and

what policy support it needs to take this collective agenda further.


coping with complexity: mapping sustainable agriculture in orissa using rtd framework c. shambu...

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