Coping with Complexity: Mapping Sustainable Agriculture in Orissa using RTD Framework

1. Coping with Complexity: Mapping Sustainable Agriculture in Orissa using RTD Framework C. Shambu Prasad & Sumita Sindhi Orissa Agricultural Policy workshop

2. Orissa Agricultural Policy workshop

3. 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 alliance Orissa Agricultural Policy workshop

4. 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 Orissa Agricultural Policy workshop

5. Coping with complexity • Policies policymaking and science policy • Policy analysis and the RTD framework • Agriculture in Orissa • Study findings and analysis • Towards a policy network Orissa Agricultural Policy workshop

6. 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? Orissa Agricultural Policy workshop

7. 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. Orissa Agricultural Policy workshop

8. 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, understaffed Orissa Agricultural Policy workshop

9. 1996 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 State Agriculture Policy

10. 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…

11. 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

12. Actor Oriented Tools Focuses 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

13. 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

14. Simplified Actor Linkage Matrix

15. 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.

16. Channelize funds for more field research Increase interactions & holistic solutions Act as conduits between farmers & department Sensitization of stakeholders What to do? Interdepartmental research projects Empowered NGOs/CSOs Frameworks as RTD Increase in research funding Strengthening factors Consultation meetings State Agriculture Policy & Research & Technology Linkages Ideological differences of researchers & politicians Weak link between agriculture dept. & Research Institutes Laboratory -oriented research Farmers’ voices unheard Weak extension services Weakening factors More collaborative projects Field research preferred Strengthen linkage with NGOs/CSOs & media support Training for extension staff to bring forth backward & forward linkages What to do? Determinants Diagram – Pg 42 Arrange for more interactions through various forums

17. Linkage between Agriculture Policy and Research & Technology Strengthening 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

18. 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 services Need 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

19. 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 Orissa Agricultural Policy workshop

20. Questions for the panel • Specific comments on agricultural policy and research study • Your (organisation) role, if any, in shaping the policy. • What do you see as the key challenges in translating the policy into action and 4. What could organisations like yours do and what policy support it needs to take this collective agenda further. Orissa Agricultural Policy workshop