Multi-stakeholder Platform as a Tool for Information Sharing and Innovation Adoption in Avocado Farmin

Abstract

Avocado farming faces numerous challenges including inadequate crop management, climate fluctuations, market uncertainty, and a lack of value addition. Multi-stakeholder platforms offer a promising space to tackle these issues collectively. This research aims to assess how interactions within such platforms influence smallholder avocado farming. Employing a participatory action design and mixed-method approach, data was collected via questionnaires and focus group discussions. The study adopts an innovation systems perspective, using information sharing and stakeholder roles as indicators of communication. It highlights the platform’s role in providing access to information, knowledge, and resources. Results emphasize the need to empower stakeholders for inclusive innovation adoption, ensuring comprehensive access to tools promoting avocado yield for food, industry, and climate resilience. The study underscores the positive impact of multi-stakeholder platforms in fostering collaboration, networking, and capabilities to integrate climate-smart avocado practices, revealing farmers’ innovative potential. It recommends promoting community-based platforms in extension services for increased productivity, income, and positive changes in farming systems. Ultimately, this research contributes to understanding agricultural innovation diffusion through a multi-stakeholder approach within the agricultural innovation system.