Factors Hindering the Linkage of Farmers with Researchers in Agricultural Research in Ethiopia: From Agricultural Innovation System Perspectives

Abstract

Agriculture is the backbone of Ethiopian economy. However, many factors are limiting agricultural development emanating from loose linkage of researchers with farmers, weak institutional and technical innovation. Therefore, the objective of this research was to examine critical factors that hindered the linkage of researchers with farmers in agricultural research. A qualitative research design was used. Triangulation between different data sources took place to ensure validity. Respondents were identified through snowball sampling and in-depth interviews were held. Interviews were transcribed, translated and coded applying principles of grounded theory before it was descriptively analysed. The research results obtained from this research revealed that linkage of researches with farmers was hindered by the type of research; farmers’ experience in the past; integration of indigenous and scientific knowledge.