Factors affecting the innovation potential of smallholder farmers in the Caribbean community

Abstract

Using data collected through producer household surveys, focus groups, and key informant interviews this paper explores factors that impact the innovation potential of smallholder farming households in four CARICOM small island developing states: St. Lucia, St. Kitts-Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana. Results indicate that a systemic lack of access to finance, markets, and knowledge networks are limiting smallholder innovation potential in the region. Through innovation platforms and collective action, linking social capital (such as farmers, scientists, extension officers, and policy-makers) will become key to establishing institutional environments that are more supportive of innovation.

Description

Keywords

FOOD SECURITY, AGRICULTURAL POLICY, ADAPTIVE CAPACITY, AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION, SMALLHOLDERS, EXPORT ORIENTED INDUSTRIES, PLANTATIONS, AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION, ACCESS TO SERVICES, CARICOM, CARIBBEAN, WEST INDIES, ST. LUCIA, ST. KITTS-NEVIS, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, GUYANA

Citation

Lowitt, K., Hickey, G. M., Saint Ville, A., Raeburn, K., Thompson-Colón, T., Laszlo, S., & Phillip, L. E. (2015). Factors affecting the innovation potential of smallholder farmers in the Caribbean Community. Regional environmental change, 15(7), 1367-1377. doi 10.1007/s10113-015-0805-2

DOI