| |
Lokal knowledge and innovation networks for raisin production were examined by using the participatory methods in Kapanci Village (Salihli County, Manisa Province, Turkey) in this study. Farmers; extension staff (public and chamber of agriculture); input dealers; researchers were participated in the discussion sessions. Market opportunities, needs, plant protection efforts, competition and crises are determined as drivers in learning and adoption of innovations. Increases in production costs have accelerated the technology (materials, equipment, etc.) adoption tendency in the village. Farmers in the village have high problem solving skills. The most important actors in the networks appear to be input dealers and private companies. The farmers think that local knowledge and practices are insufficient in today’s farming climate. The farmers do not believe that their priorities and problems are sufficiently considered in the research and extension agenda in the region. Farmers’ linkages with public extension services are generally weak. According to the farmers public extension advices are usually theoretical and limited economic validation. The local innovation networks in the raisin production can thus be defined as market-orientated and pluralistic but have weak links with the formal knowledge and innovation systems.