Critical perspectives on the support of inclusive agricultural innovation in Kenya

Abstract

This chapter reviews the history and current landscape of the agricultural innovation system in Kenya and how this relates to issues of social inclusion and exclusion. It employs a document analysis of historical records and key policy documents and government legislations in Kenya. I find that smallholder farmers in rural Kenya emerged as an important interest group of marginalised actors since they were excluded from state driven research, innovation, agricultural extension, and other forms of support to farmers. This group remain a significant target group for policies and practises on inclusive agricultural innovation and development. I also find that inclusive innovation can emerge as a goal aimed for by actors such as the state as a result of unplanned and unexpected events that forces these actors to react in a certain way. Table 2.1. History of national agricultural research and development in Kenya Historical period Key events and state of agricultural innovation Status of agricultural education, research, and extensio Key technological and institutional innovations that emerged