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Strengthening the role of innovation brokers in the livestock advisory services system of Pakistan

Hassan Warriach , Margaret Ayre, Ruth Nettle , Kaitlyn Height, Humera Iqbal, Abdul Aziz, Khizar Hayat, Anam Afzal, Sobia Majeed, Aijaz Kumbher, David McGill

Abstract

Abstract Context This article assesses development and implementation of a non-traditional training the ‘whole-family extension approach’ (WFEA) that contributes to innovation brokering capacity of farm advisors within current livestock advisory services system of Pakistan. Aims The primary obectives of the research are to explore how the WFEA training leads to improved capacity and knowledge of farm advisors and then examines these through the lens of innovation brokers and difference they can make within the extension system including; (1) articulation of problems and possibilities (2) network building and (3) supporting negotiation and learning in networks. Methods A qualitative investigation was conducted during four facilitated discussions and three field follow- up visits following project interventions to build the capacity of 50 farm advisors from across a network of twenty-two organisations who are part of the Pakistani livestock extension system. Data was collected by using two qualitative approaches (1) Facilitated discussions; during each of the four separate training workshops and (2) Field follow-up visits; farm advisors were interviewed following a set of semi-structured questions. The data was analysed to assess the changes observed across the different farm advisors during the training interventions and subsequent mentoring provided by the project team. Key results Identify gaps in innovation brokering capacity from WFEA include co-designing and more institutional support of various collaborating organisations, use of visioning tools, scenario analysis to predict possible future for the farm advisors training and training of farm advisors on analytical skills to capturing the household impacts should be incorporated in WFEA training. Conclusions A holistic extension training intervention approach (the WFEA) can positively influence the innovation brokering capacity of farm advisors within the current livestock advisory services system of Pakistan. Implications This article contributes to the literature on innovation brokering roles in the livestock advisory systems by highlighting key additional functions of innovation brokering in a developing country context. Furthermore, examples from Pakistan are used to how farm advisors can develop skills in articulating problems and possibilities, network building and supporting negotiation and learning in networks. Keywords: Advisory services, agricultural extension, livelihoods, smallholders, whole family extension approach, training, capacity building

AN23398  Accepted 12 April 2024

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