What was the challenge/problem addressed?
Le projet « Optimisation de la protection des plantes avec des technologies d'agriculture de précision s'étend de 2008 the collapse of prices in the olive oil and citrus markets made olive and citrus growers in Chania to focus to a relatively new crop in Crete. The cultivation of avocado had introduced in 1970s but its adoption had been marginal since most growers were reluctant to abandon traditional and profitable cultivations order to adopt a new one, the demand of which was low. pourtant, dans 2008 this situation changed, triggering an explosion in the demand for healthy propagation material of avocado varieties that were well-adapted locally and high marketable. Since then, estimations refer to a rapid expansion of cultivated with avocado areas even in marginal areas.
Comment as-tu résolu le problème?
Successful avocado production requires careful selection of the location to establish the plantation: certain types of microclimates, soils, and high-quality irrigation water. It also requires specific growing methods (planting, irrigation, pruning, protection of bark from sunburn etc), which depend on the cultivar used. de plus, the establishment of the new crop required the creation of a production and marketing chain that would take advantage of the opportunities offered by the global markets to ensure higher prices and income for growers. Growers were actively seeking for advice and guidance, which challenged the ability of the established AKIS actors to successfully meet these demands. This weakness owes to the degradation and eventually the abolition of the public extension service, leading to the current weak and fragmented AKIS in the country. Under such circumstances, the growers participated in informal networks within which they exchanged knowledge and practices based on their experimentation. In parallel, advisors who are also cultivators created informal networks and information provision/ training opportunities for interested farmers.
Ce qui est innovant dans votre cas pratique?
It is a technical, market and social / organizational innovation since the introduction of the new crop implies novel technical and managerial knowledge and practices as described above and, in parallel, the construction of networks providing access to such new knowledge/practices and markets. The Social/organizational aspect of the innovation concerns a) the creation of informal farmers’ networks, Troisième aperçu des activités d'innovation réussies) the emergence and critical role of hybrid actors (that is agronomists who were avocado growers themselves) and c) informal stakeholders’ networks.
Quels sont les facteurs de succès pour résoudre le problème?
Two important factors can be distinguished: First, avocado growers were involved in peer-to -peer exchanges largely based on their own on-farm experimentation. Second, a small number of pioneering agronomists (employed in both the public and private sectors), who were avocado growers themselves, played a critical role in organizing formal (par exemple. cooperatives) and informal networks and events to support avocado cultivators.
Leçons apprises
Peer-to- peer exchanges among farmers is a valuable tool for new knowledge and best practices dissemination. pourtant, relying only on farmers’ experimentation/ experiential knowledge may not be enough, especially in cases of totally new crops. Par conséquent, building active networks including various stakeholders, especially independent advisors and researchers, in all stages of an innovation process, is a critical factor in avoiding (extensive) crop failures.
What role does the advisor or advisory service play with the practical case?
Hybrid actors (agronomists – avocado cultivators), coming from both the public and private sectors, were active in a) organic farming coop which assists avocado producers, Troisième aperçu des activités d'innovation réussies) informal networking with farmers, Troisième aperçu des activités d'innovation réussies) organising informal events (mainly lectures) to familiarize farmers with aspects of the avocado cultivation and d) informal networking (lobbying) at the local and regional authorities to support avocado growers.
Hybrid actors were the most respected sources of knowledge who nevertheless act beyond their official duties and, given the lack of research and data, were not able to cover diverse farmers’ needs.
Votre approche peut-elle être transférée et/ou adaptée à d'autres défis d'innovation et régions?
Oui
Transférabilité estimée sur une échelle de 1 pour 5
(où 1 est facile et 5 très difficile)
1
Le moment est critique pour mettre fin à la culture de couverture et la disponibilité de la sertisseuse à rouleaux peut représenter un goulot d'étranglement, Pour toutes questions et demandes de renseignements sur les prochaines classes d'excellence
Eleni Zarokosta
elenazarokosta@aua.gr
Link to external information
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/1389224X.2021.2012215?needAccess=true