Innovation deals with interactions among all stakeholders. It is highlighted in this book about new developments in agricultural innovation systems. Contributions by some 100 authors of 25 chapters trace the conceptual and methodological roots of the innovation systems thinking, examine various forms of social capital in agricultural innovation systems, discuss institutional change, policy and indigenous innovation. The chapters originate from selected papers from an international symposium in Kampala, Uganda, in 2006. One chapter provides a comprehensive overview of how the concept of innovation has developed over the last half century. Contrasting the linear transfer of technology model, the innovation systems research recognizes the complexities by focusing on social and economic components.

The papers present progress and weaknesses of pilot-interventions, mainly from Africa. Useful details describe participatory processes and action research, farmer innovators, empowerment, improved social status of farmers and how the new concept can enrich livelihoods. There is little information on how the innovation systems approach works at larger scales. Some contributions confine themselves to interactions between only two or three groups of stakeholders. Less attention is devoted to the potential of the private sector and sustainability issues. The book also carries messages on how formal training programmes can be modified. The new approach requires interdisciplinary, intercultural teams with social skills, personal ethos and a culture of reflection. Another message calls for general changes in agricultural research in strengthening rural innovation capacity. Implications for policy change might have been spelled out more explicitly. The book is strongly recommended to agricultural scientists, university teachers, agricultural research managers and extension staff.