Support and resources required for innovations to be successful

Different innovations are suitable for different locations and contexts. No one innovation fits all situations — for example, an innovation that was implemented in a village that is frequently flooded would not be suitable for a village that has a shortage of water and often experiences drought. Innovations can therefore be described as site-specific, as they depend on the type and availability of natural resources in the area where the innovation will be implemented.

Support should come mainly from local government agencies that have the authority to operate at village or small township levels with some assistance from grassroots organisations. The support is crucial to the successful implementation of the chosen innovation.

Support and resources for innovations that are suitable for a specific context can take the following forms:

• Knowledge dissemination — for example, information about local weather is accessible, and early warning systems for hazards like severe drought or rainfall or typhoons are in place.
• Subsidies or financial assistance to buy new resilient seeds and/or crop varieties, equipment to harvest more efficiently, improved packaging for food or new equipment to speed up processing of grains or flour.
• Technological assistance — for example, researchers and scientists can provide advice on and workable solutions for choosing what crops to plant and when to plant them, watershed management techniques, buying water control equipment and building small dams to ensure paddy fields and plantations are not flooded. They can also advise on techniques for proper soil management to enhance its fertility.
• Both local and regional governments can provide support by continuously monitoring and evaluating the impacts of climate change and the progress of innovations that are put in place to address those impacts.
• Community members should participate in networking and connecting with community-based organisations (CBOs) or grassroots organisations that have the resources — that is, the knowledge and funds — to assist the farmers or fishers whose livelihoods are affected by climate change.
• Rural district councils can organise regular educational and awareness campaigns for the most vulnerable communities on soil conservation techniques, post-harvest management techniques, watershed management, climate-responsive livestock production practices and other related topics to promote food security and resilience.
• Community leaders can ask local authorities to invite key players to come to discuss and explore new livelihoods and implement pilot projects on climate-smart interventions that use mainly locally sourced materials and resources.
• Policies and legislation designed to help farmers, small land owners and fishers — for example, to secure rights to land and water or provide access to markets and financial institutions.

Adapted from Shiferaw, B.A., Okello, J., & Reddy R.V. (2009). Adoption and adaptation of natural resource management innovations in smallholder agriculture: Reflections on key lessons and best practices. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 11, 601-609. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-007-9132-1