Formal rules and its role in centralised-diffusion systems_Final version (Bernal Hernandez et al, 2020).pdf (820.79 kB)
Formal rules and its role in centralised-diffusion systems: a study of small-scale producers of oil palm in Colombia
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 22:17 authored by Paloma Bernal Hernandez, Matias RamirezMatias Ramirez, Mauricio Mosquera-MontoyaThis paper explores the different pathways of technology diffusion and the resulting impacts on technology adoption that can emerge following a strategy to incorporate vulnerable communities of small-scale producers into traditionally top-down governance agribusiness systems. Building on the Contract Farming Arrangements (CFA) literature, we suggest that despite high levels of top-down control and the mono systems of diffusion that these practices imply, diffusion forms can vary considerably according to the motivations that drive different types of producers and the variances in local governance. We summarise these diffusion forms as a diffusion pathway of governance dictated by dominant change agent control and a diffusion pathway of governance dictated by change agent control and user participation. An important contribution of the paper is to highlight the critical role of formal rules in defining the types of governance for the creation of these different pathways. However, additional factors associated with the participation of smallholders such as attachment to land, engagement in collective action and long-term sustainability visions also introduce variations in these pathways and define the results of technology adoption. The study focuses on the Colombian oil palm sector; a key agribusiness sector targeted by policy makers with a strategy to integrate small-scale farmers into the agribusiness value chain as a means to relieve poverty and reduce levels of rural violence associated with conflicts over land and production of elicit crops.
Funding
Call for PhD Candidates 512, 2010; Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation in Colombia
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Journal of Rural StudiesISSN
0743-0167Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Volume
0Page range
1-50Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2020-11-27First Open Access (FOA) Date
2022-05-14First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2020-11-26Usage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedLicence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC