Co-designing of innovation in Zimbabwe

The Agroecology Initiative (AE-I) acknowledges context-specific technologies to enhance the sustainability and resilience of food systems. It is hinged on interconnected agroecology principles. In low-input systems, improving the connectivity of these principles can be used to enhance, re-model and optimize productivity. These efforts require co-designing socio-technological innovations that reduce environmentally disruptive inputs and enhance resilience. Local stakeholders and food system actors (FSA) play a crucial role in this co-creation, testing and evaluation process to promote culturally relevant innovations and ensure natural resources are managed responsibly and inclusively. In the Mbire and Murehwa districts of Zimbabwe, the AE-I is working with 4 Agroecology living landscapes (ALLs). Most of the ALLs members rely on crops and livestock as a source of livelihood and are active in the associated value chains (Output 3.2 Value chain Mapping). In Murewa, the value chains identified include horticultural crops (tomatoes, onions, carrots, butternuts – we can select), poultry (indigenous), livestock (cattle and goats), maize, groundnuts and sweet potato. Mbire’s value chains included cotton, livestock (goats and cattle), honey, sorghum and sesame. However, they face several challenges (Report 1). The main challenges relating to crop production were increased pest and disease incidences (namely fall armyworm), crop failure, increased incidences of drought and, at times, long dry spells and low access to improved seed varieties. For animal production, challenges were related to poor quality grazing lands, fodder and feeds, the prevalence of several pests and diseases and poor livestock breeds. Our first entry point was the crop production aspects, which we hope can also assist with alleviating some of the issues of poor fodder and feed quality. The following interventions were co-identified: (i) introduction of appropriate scale mechanization, (ii) Push-pull (PP) for insect pest control, (iii) Conservation agriculture (CA) for improved resilience to drought, (iv) Seed and livestock fairs to improve access to inputs, markets and, showcase and promote crop and livestock diversity, and (v) Haymaking and Feed formulation for improved animal health.In our concerted effort to foster co-creation and empower farmers in driving sustainable agricultural practices, we have strategically incorporated their invaluable feedback and input into the development and testing of co-identified technologies, particularly geared towards supporting agroecological transition. Recognizing the significance of addressing challenges related to seed availability, we introduced seed and livestock fairs just before the growing season commenced. To assess the effectiveness of CA and PP technologies, the research team and extension officers collaborated to design and establish demo plots. In response to labour issues, the members of the ALLs actively participated in identifying fellow members to serve as mechanization service providers. Working in tandem with extension officers, these individuals underwent comprehensive training and were equipped with cutting-edge machinery to implement and showcase the identified technologies. Field days were organized to broaden the outreach, inviting local Food System Actors (FSA) and other stakeholders to engage actively in the evaluation process. During these events, participants were not merely passive observers; they were encouraged to actively rate, rank, and propose adaptations to the technologies on display. The commitment to co-creation extended further as farmers, in collaboration with extension officers, undertook thorough pest and disease assessments at various stages of crop development, culminating in hands-on harvesting experiences. This allowed farmers a first-hand opportunity to assess the technologies. Subsequent to this intensive engagement, farmer feedback played a pivotal role in prompting collaboration with BioHUB to identify local technological innovations that could complement and enhance the existing technologies aligned with the identified value chains. The culmination of these efforts materialized in the incorporation of both adapted and locally sourced technologies into the meticulously planned demonstration plots for the upcoming 2023/24 season. Acknowledging the dynamic nature of agriculture and the unique challenges faced by individual farmers, a consultant has been engaged to implement decision choice experiments (DCE). This Initiative aims to gain profound insights into farmers’ decision-making processes concerning the identified technologies. The insights garnered from the DCE will be instrumental in informing the design and implementation of baby trial experiments scheduled for the forthcoming 2023/24 growing season. This innovative approach ensures that the farmers involved in the baby trials are not just passive recipients but active participants, as they will be provided with inputs and empowered to adapt the technologies according to their specific needs and contexts. Through the iterative and inclusive process (Figure 1), we hope to co-create sustainable agricultural solutions that resonate with and empower the farming community.