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One critical observation stands out in the evolving landscape of agricultural development especially from farmers’ engagements: farmers often understand their agricultural contexts better than anyone else. However, many development and research projects are implemented, with the assumption that the innovations conceptualized by scientists and high-level developers are inherently suitable and can be readily adopted by farmers. The reality is more complex, characterized by gaps between expectations and realities, often resulting in poor adoption and sustainability of innovations.

The ICT4BXW Project exemplifies the importance of aligning project design with the contextual realities of farmers. Over six years (2018-2023), the project was implemented to deploy digital innovation for surveillance and control of Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW) disease in Rwanda.

As a devastating banana disease, BXW has significantly impacted the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. While the project initially envisioned delivering smartphone-based digital tools to address the disease, engagement with farmers and the national extension system revealed the need for a more nuanced approach.

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