Measurement of agricultural innovation from the territories: a conceptual and methodological approach

Abstract

The contribution of agriculture to the country are undeniable. It contributes 20 percent to GDP, 40 percent to national employment, and is the main food source for the population. Although most crops are grown in conventional systems, some of them, as coffee and cocoa, are generators of ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and water infiltration. In addition, agriculture generates community social cohesion and is a remarkable reservoir of popular culture. Three elements of context are threatening this multifunctional character of agriculture. First, climate change, which perhaps the greatest risk for the present and future. Second, low productivity, combined with a process of degradation of soil and water resources. Third, the end of the agricultural boundary, pattern of growth of agriculture in the last 60 years. In addition to these elements, the demand for food will increase by the natural growth of the population. We require innovation in the three dimensions: organizational, products and processes. The proposal raised in this paper consists of eight criteria, with its indicators to measure territorial agricultural innovation, supported by a theoretical and contextual framework adjusted to the conditions of Nicaragua. The instrument can be standardized and used by Nicaraguan research and innovation system

Revista Científica Vol. 15. Nº 24, p. 40-48 mayo 2015