Systemic barriers to agricultural innovation: The case of Kuncho teff in Northwestern Ethiopia

This study examines barriers to innovation practices related to Kuncho teff in the Chilga District of Northwestern Ethiopia. It has three main objectives: (i) assess the current state of technological innovation adoption for Kuncho teff, (ii) gather farmers’ perspectives on innovation practices, and (iii) identify challenges hindering widespread adoption of innovations. A mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating household surveys (n = 262), key informant interviews (n = 16), and focus group discussions (n = 5). Findings reveal that 43% of farmers practise row planting, 26% use broadcasting, and 31% employ a combination of both methods. Row planting resulted in a 33% increase in productivity (16 vs. 12 quintals/ha) and an 82% reduction in seed usage. However, fertilizer application remains below recommended levels, and 94% of farmers report declining yield trends due to labour intensity, limited mechanization, high input costs, and poor coordination among innovation system actors. To enhance technological innovation and boost productivity, it is crucial to strengthen connections within the innovation system, promote labour-saving mechanization, improve access to markets and credit, and encourage private-sector involvement. This study highlights failures in agricultural innovation within Kuncho teff production, offering insights for policies aimed at fostering technology-driven rural transformation in Ethiopia.