An innovation learning platform for drought tolerant maize in Malawi: lessons learned and the way forward

Innovation learning platforms have their roots in the agricultural innovation systems (AIS) approach. AIS emphasizes a systems view of agricultural innovations and conceptualizes an innovation system as all individuals and organizations that keep on interacting in producing and using knowledge and the institutional context of knowledge sharing and learning. Research creates knowledge and technology; but innovation process goes further to include putting that knowledge into use. The Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa (DTMA) project of CIMMYT aims to address the challenge of combating the impacts of drought on people’s livelihoods. For this to succeed, however, the initiative faces the challenge of how best to advocate and promote drought tolerant maize varieties (DTMVs). The initiative accordingly proposed to establish Innovation Learning Platforms (ILeP) in selected pilot countries (Malawi and Nigeria). This report focuses on presenting detailed account of the implementation of the approach, the lessons learned, analyzing whether there is enough experience to suggest (or not) extrapolation of the approach to other areas and communities, and the way forward. The report is based on data and information generated from participating farmers and key individuals from important institutional stakeholders.