The importance of innovation ecosystems and technology upgrading are emphasised in the catch-up literature. Yet, there is limited evidence-based understanding of the interaction between technological upgrades and innovation ecosystems in contexts where there are persistent weaknesses in technology upgrading and low investment in research and development (R&D). Using pooled data from the two waves of 2007 and 2020 of the World Bank’s Enterprise Survey (WBES), this paper constructs novel multidimensional indicators of technological upgrades and innovation ecosystems. Estimating structural models, the paper examines the effect (direct and indirect) of the self-constructed technology upgrading and innovation ecosystem indices on the performance of productivity and export of South African firms. The findings show a positive complementary effect of technology upgrading and innovation ecosystems on labour productivity. On the contrary, the results suggest that technology upgrading and innovation ecosystems matter differently for export performance. The findings have implications for innovation policy and for firm-level strategies for innovation and technology upgrading towards enhanced performance.

Abstract

Purpose

This study was carried out to examine the effect of human capital development, innovation, and industrial sector performance in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. The main objective of this study is to determine the interactive effect of both human capital development and innovation on industrial sector performance in SSA countries.

Design/Methodology/Approach

Using data from World Bank Indicators, UNDP's Human Development Index (HDI), and the Global Innovation Index spanning 2011-2021, the research employs the system generalized method of moments (SYS GMM) for analysis. This study applies the integrated framework of Kaldor’s Manufacturing theory, Schumpeter’s theory and human capital theory.

Findings

The result shows that the interactive effect of HCD and Innovation leads to positive and significant effect on industrial sector performance in SSA. The findings highlight the tangible impact of human capital on industrial performance, stressing the value of skilled individuals in boosting competitiveness in manufacturing. Moreover, the study underscores the pivotal role of innovation, demonstrated by its positive influence on the industrial sector. Although educational investment shows a positive albeit statistically insignificant effect on industrial performance, it suggests potential long-term benefits for the sector.

Originality/Value

Previous studies have not adequately explored the tripartite relationship amongst Human Capital Development Innovation and Industrial sector performance in SSA region. This paper considered a robust Industrial Sector Performance theory rather than just focusing on Economic Growth Models.

Abstract

In today's digital era, manufacturing firms face increasing pressure to innovate and adapt their business models to keep pace with rapid digitization and a dynamic market landscape. This research investigates the key enablers of business model innovation (BMI) within Ethiopian manufacturing firms. To address the research objectives, Data was collected from a pool of 164 manufacturing firms in Ethiopia. The participants were conveniently selected based on their relevance to the study. The study used Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the effects of enabler variables on business model innovation. The research findings showed positive relationships between BMI and variables like Innovation Capability (IC), Digital Capability (DigC), Dynamic Capability (DC), Business Environment (BE), and Strategic Agility (SA). However, only DC, DigC, and BE were significant antecedents of BMI, with DC having the greatest influence in the case firms. These findings provide insights into the driving factors of BMI. The study contributes to the existing knowledge on BMI and offers valuable insights for practitioners in the manufacturing sector. However, the study has limitations, including a focus solely on the manufacturing sector and only six variables. Future research should expand the variable size and consider other sectors for broader insights.

Digital technologies are essential for gathering, preserving, assessing, and sharing information. These technologies are seen to have the ability to improve logistics, planning, scheduling, and procurement within the supply chain. This study investigated how Kwara State's rice farmers' productivity was influenced by digital technology. Through a three-stage random sampling approach, primary data was acquired from 151 rice producers. Descriptive statistics, the sigma scoring approach, ordinary least square regression, logit regression model, and a Likert-type scale were used to examine the data. The results show that the most extensively utilised digital technology among farmers was mobile phones, with a high adoption level of Sigma score of 5.94. Major determinants of digital technology usage among rice farmers were age (p<0.01), digital awareness (p<0.01), experience in rice farming (p<0.05), access to agricultural financing (p<0.05), and digital awareness (p<0.01). Additional studies showed the purpose of digital technology usage, how frequently it is utilised, and how mobile phone communication with extension workers has a positive statistically significant effect on the rice productivity of farmers. The exorbitant cost of mobile phones, poor access to extension workers, inadequate power supply, weak network connectivity, and poor access to credit impede rice farmers from embracing digital technology. The study advises that to increase farmers' agricultural productivity, the government and development partners should educate farmers about the benefits and correct usage of mobile phones. Expanding network coverage to remote places should also be a focus to improve seamless digital technology use.

Analysis of drivers and profitability of Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage Technology use in Benue State, Nigeria

1Asogwa, Uzoamaka G. and 2Ayinde, E. Opeyemi

1Agriculture and rural management training institute (ARMTI), PMB 1343, Ilorin, Nigeria

2Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria

*Corresponding author e-mail: uzoasogwa@gmail.com, phone: +2348064710121

Abstract

This study evaluates the drivers and profitability of PICS technology use. We use data collected from 120 cowpea farmers and their corresponding counterfactuals in 12 communities of Benue State. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression and marketing margin were employed in analyzing the data generated. The results of the study shows that most of the respondents were male and married, however access to credit and extension contact was low across the two group. Results of the logistic regression shows that age, marital status, and household size, off-farm income, extension contact, credit access and quantity of cowpea harvested are significant factors influencing use of PICS technology. The result also suggest that PICS users earn higher return and market share than the non-users value. Thus, the study recommends that rural development policies should consider credit or grant access and extension contact a core component in promoting technology uptake while also sensitizing farmers on the benefits of PICS technology use.

Murang’a County's economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, with smallholder farmers forming the backbone of food production. The small holder farmers rely on weather patterns to determine the agricultural seasons and activities. This region, has recently faced numerous challenges on food shortage and increase in reported cases of malnutrition. From previous studies, climate change exacerbates existing vulnerabilities and threatens the food security and nutritional status of any population. Research also links the currently observed climate changes to human activities. Applying the Tragedy of commons theory, individuals with access to a public resource act in their own interest and ultimately deplete the resource. Collective impacts of individuals’ activities that are unfriendly to the environment have been said to result to the inevitable changes in climate. Kenya is among the countries that signed the Paris Agreement on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in order to reduce global warming. The agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. This study purposed to comprehensively assess the effect of climate change on food production and nutrition among smallholder farmers in Murang'a County It also aimed at establishing the role of vulnerable groups (children, women, disabled individuals, pregnant women, and the sick) in the relationship between climate change and food security and nutrition in Murang’a County. It sought to identify specific climate risks and vulnerabilities faced by these groups and explore innovative strategies and policy recommendations to mitigate these risks and enhance resilience as a means of enhancing food security and nutrition. In pursuit of fulfilling her mandate on the Paris Agreement, there are strategies that are called upon for climate change mitigation. The Social Learning theory underscores the importance of community-based learning and collaboration in adopting sustainable practices to mitigate climate risks in pursuit of sustainable food productivity in the County. Murang’a county has experienced changes in climatic patterns especially on rainfall amounts and temperature fluctuations. This study employed primary data analysis of smallholder farmers in Murang’a County. Purposive sampling was used to select Murang’a County, clustering was done to include all the sub counties in Murang’a County and small holder farmers were randomly selected to take part in the study. The study explored innovative ways to integrate traditional ecological knowledge with scientific findings to develop adaptive strategies that mitigate climate change impacts on food security and nutrition in Murang’a County, ensuring the well-being of all community members. The study findings revealed that the food shortages and nutrition challenges experienced in Murang’a County are due to changes in climate. Residents of Murang’a County have experienced climate risks that have led to crop failure, loss of livestock, displacement and even loss of life. They are ready to take actions that may alleviate them from food security and nutrition challenges. They are aware of traditional methods of predicting weather changes and seek guidance on mitigation and adaptive mechanisms as they rely on climate-fed agriculture. The study recommends capacity building for smallholder farmers on climate change mitigation and adaptation. It also recommends policy changes on support of innovation on resilience to climate changes in pursuit of alleviating the challenges that come with climate change especially to the vulnerable groups due to their challenges in mobility. Further recommendation is to use digital transmission as a climate change resilience measure.

We begin our analysis in this paper by recalling the persistent paradox that while the digital age is now pervasive around the world, it remains grossly underrepresented in relation to its official contribution to GDP growth. Conversely, the increasing dominance of software and internet companies among the world’s most research and development (R&D) intensive firms,and the fierce digital innovation race among the leading technological nations, gives some credence to the slogan that “data is the new oil”. Given that the asymmetric global value distribution from the “big data revolution” mirrors the natural resource curse that continues to plague African countries, we therefore problematize the intersection between Africa’s data governance trajectory and technological innovation. However, rather than attempting to account for the elusive contribution of the data revolution to GDP or tracking the R&D investment of African digital firms, we instead underscore the significance of endogenous technological innovation in achieving inclusive developmental outcomes (public value). In this vein, our main objective is to conceptualize a framework for the governance of inclusive, data-driven innovation in Africa. This conceptual framework is then operationalized to demonstrate its potential for being applied in three main ways: 1.) By developing a measurement indicator framework that uses stylized facts from reliable sources; 2.) Through an analysis of key policy documents on data governance and digital innovation in selected countries; 3. By grounding the conceptual framework in an experiential reality, based on the insights of specialist professionals in the relevant domains. On the basis of our analyses (including benchmarking against data from an OECD country, namely, South Korea), we conclude with recommendations for the efficiency of innovation-driven data governance in Africa, with implications for the achievement of policy relevant outcomes relating to digital access, health, agriculture and energy.

Data plays a crucial role in enabling individuals, organizations, and governments to make informed decisions. In the realm of education, big data analytics (BDA) is becoming increasingly prominent, allowing educational institutions to process and analyze large volumes of data to enhance their operations and outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate the awareness and preparedness for predictive analytics in Nigerian universities. The study adopted a non-experimental design leveraging on the descriptive survey research design. The population for the study were university employees while the target population were academic and top-level non-academic staff. The purposive sampling technique was employed to reach the target population. The instrument for the study was a self-developed questionnaire titled Big Data and Assessment for Learning in Nigerian Higher Institutions Questionnaire (BiDAL) with an overall reliability coefficient of 0.96. The instrument was deployed using google forms for data collection. The research questions were answered using percentages and frequency while the generated hypotheses were tested using chi-square statistics. The findings of this study revealed that there is an average awareness of predictive analytics within the higher education institutions in Nigeria while the preparedness predictive analytics for improving educational assessment was established among others based on which the conclusion was drawn.

This paper presents insights on how developing country firms learn, with a particular exploration of the learning associated with the introduction of the new fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technology. At the core of production are questions about how firms select, adopt and adapt new technology and how they acquire the associated skills and knowledge. Industrial development rests on the notion of improving productivity to generate increasing returns to scale. How the value-added and efficiency gains are set in motion, shaped and achieved has interested scholars across a variety of disciplines and produced a diverse literature drawing out insights on what drives firms to invest in technology, what types of technology, the impact on revenue or costs, and obstacles as well as the broader sector, national and global economic setting. Recent research has identified the need to unpack the diversity of learning processes and the heterogeneity of technology adoption patterns. The contribution targets three gaps identified in the literature. First, there is a need to look within the firm to explore technology adoption from the perspective of the workers involved. Second, the paper adds to literature exploring the complexities and unique forms of technology-learning processes that take place in developing country firms and sectors. Third, is to contribute to a better understanding of the patterns and processes of learning associated with technology across manufacturing and services.

Energy innovation is a critical impetus for developing an economy. Furthermore, South Africa, in particular, aspires to inclusive and sustainable development through the lens of science, technology and innovation (STI). It is intended to be inclusive in that participation in the supply and demand side is demographically representative. It is also to be sustainable in that consideration should be given to a balance among economic, social, and environmental factors. However, while the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) has long identified energy innovation among its STI priorities for growing the South African economy, the whole-of-government approach advocated for in its Decadal Plan requires that the innovation imperative be robustly adopted by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). To inform a much-needed synthesis between the policies of both agencies, which intersects around energy innovation, we conceptualise a value chain-informed energy innovation system framework based on input, output, and outcome indicators. By considering and applying this framework as part of the implementation of the Decadal Plan, energy innovation could contribute more meaningfully to the National Development Plan (NDP), and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as some of the perennial challenges associated with the sustainable production, widespread distribution, equitable and efficient use of energy in South Africa.

This study examined the adoption and efficiency level of improved charcoal stoves among peri-urban households, using data from randomly selected 143 sampled households in Osun State, Nigeria. The result revealed Improved Charcoal stoves had some level of awareness and satisfaction compared to traditional charcoal stove. The age of the household head was a marginally significant factor (P is slightly < 0.05) influencing the probability of the adoption of ICS. The years spent in school (P < 0.05) was found as a factor that significantly influenced the adoption of ICS, as household heads with more years of schooling were significantly more likely to adopt or use ICS. The monthly energy expenditure (P < 0.05) was also strongly and significantly associated with higher likelihood of ICS adoption or efficiency. This suggests that households willing to invest more in energy-saving technologies are more likely to adopt ICS and find it efficient. Being a member of a cooperative society was also found to be significantly associated with a higher likelihood of ICS adoption or efficiency as cooperative membership provides access to information and resources that promote ICS adoption. Promoting education, financial incentives, cooperative membership and charcoal availability become necessary for using clean cooking technologies among households.

This paper analyses various innovation strategies of firms. Using the 2019 wave of the Community Innovation Survey in Nigeria, we have traced the innovative behaviour of firms and examined the extent of R&D engagement, the drivers of R&D activities, the relationship between these drivers and innovation performance, and the influence of technological acquisition on three main innovation types (Goods, Service and Business Process) at firm level. The analysis of this study is based on a sample size of 833 innovative active firms. Quantitative data collected were analysed with the aid of descriptive analysis and binary logistic regression statistical tools. Our analysis reveals that a high proportion of firms (94.2%) consider innovation a top priority. Management dedicates time to innovation activities in most firms (76.6%). Similarly, a large share of firms has a formal innovation strategy. A strong focus on R&D is evident in the corporate strategies of most firms. However, measuring innovation performance is less frequent, with only 70.6% of firms doing so. Using Binary Logistic model, we explained the determinants of each and every innovation types with the explanatory variables. Firstly, for Goods Innovation, our analysis reveals that manufacturing firms are significantly more likely to innovate in goods compared to service firms (OR = 2.817, p < .05). In addition, firms focusing on improving the quality of their products are more likely to innovate, as quality enhancements often require new processes and technologies. Conversely, firms that engage in R&D to enhance the quality of services show a decreased likelihood of goods innovation (OR = 0.316, p = .058, 95% CI = 0.096-1.041). Secondly for Service Innovation, result shows that only firms motivated to conduct R&D to meet customer needs are significant probability to positively influence service innovation. Lastly for Business Process Innovation, result shows that only firms motivated with making goods safer or more environmentally friendly have marginally significant probability (OR=2.899, p = 0.052, 95% CI= .993-8.462). In conclusion, specific tailored-need efforts and policies are key to develop more effective strategies to foster innovation and enhance the competitive advantage of firms in Nigeria.

Firms typically invest a significant portion of their resources in basic research to generate new ideas and technologies. However, turning these ideas into marketable products can be challenging, and firms often struggle to bridge the gap between prototype development and successful product commercialization. Scholarly literature provides little guidance on how this gap can be overcome and on the role of broader organizational factors in this process. The main objective of this study is to assess the firm-specific, market-centric, and policy-related determinants of commercialization valley of death (CVD) encountered by techno-business firms in Uganda. A quantitative research method was employed, using interviews and observational approaches. This method involves gathering evidence through observations and interviews with techno-business entrepreneurs. Observations were made to understand the interactions and contextual factors associated with CVD. Interviews were conducted to gain insights and experience regarding the firm-, market-, and policy-related determinants of CVD. The findings indicate that market dynamics, strong R&D infrastructure, technological expertise, product awareness, and supportive government regulations are crucial determinants of CVD among techno-business firms. Bridging CVD hinges on sustainable financial systems, effective partnerships/collaborations, strong global linkages, and the availability of R&D infrastructure. This study makes theoretical and policy contributions to the literature by highlighting the firm-specific, market-centric, and policy-related determinants of CVD. Ultimately, this study presents a solution that techno-business firms can implement to improve the benefits of innovative technology and product development to achieve commercial gain and overall economic growth. This would generate transformational development by increasing industrial output and strengthening the linkages between techno-business firms and the industrial sector.

Formulating sound policies on harnessing the full potential of underutilized edible insects requires a deep knowledge of their current commercialization level and its drivers. The objective of this study is therefore to bring to light the determinants of edible insect commercialization. The study was carried out in Benue State due to its high involvement in edible insect commercialization. A cross sectional survey using a three-stage sampling procedure was used to retrieve data from 200 rural households that were involved in the commercialization of underutilized edible insects in the State. Descriptive statistics, the household commercialization index, and the Tobit regression analytical tools were adopted for this study. The study revealed that cricket, termite, caterpillar, grasshopper, and palm weevil were the edible insect species that are popularly commercialized in the study area. The prime drivers of commercialization of underutilized edible insects were gender (p = 0.1), marital status (p = 0.05), years of schooling of the household head (p = 0.1), annual income (p = 0.01) and household size (p = 0.01). It is recommended that the government and other interested bodies reorient rural households on the benefits that can be derived from this enterprise to further promote the concept of commercializing of under-utilised edible insects.

Cashew production has a lot of potentials for the development of the Nigerian economy. However, these potentials have not been optimized as cashew farming in Nigeria is characterized by use of traditional practices such as poor spacing and direct sowing of seeds, poor use of innovation along the value chain of the crop and weak linkages among stakeholders in its innovation system. The aim of the study was to examine local economic development in cashew production using the agricultural innovation system approach. The objectives of the study were to: (i) examine the linkage among actors in the cashew value chain; (ii) describe the stakeholders’ innovative activities in the value chain; (iii) assess the value chain actors’ use of innovative practices; (iv) examine the effects of selected innovative practices on actors’ welfare.

The study employed a cross-sectional research design. The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative approaches and the targeted population for this study were the cashew value chain actors and the key stakeholders in the cashew sector in Kwara and Oyo States. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 282 actors from a sampling frame obtained from the State Chapters of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria. There was a purposive selection of 10 key stakeholders in the cashew sector. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and Focus Group Discussion. The statistical tools used for the analysis were descriptive statistics, double hurdle model, and structural equation model.

Result showed that producers, local buyers, and local processors were the main cashew value chain actors, with an average weighted degree of 27.07 linkage between them. Also, planting depth, spacing, pruning, and polyclonal seeds were the innovative practices used by the actors; with an overall mean usage level of 37.20. The result further showed that the use of innovative practices had a positive significant effect on the welfare indicators at p<0.05.

The study concluded that the examined innovative practices had positive effects on the welfare of the actors. The study therefore recommended that there is need to drive the use of innovative practices by the key stakeholders in cashew production through training and capacity development of the actors.

The dearth of users’ feedback is the bane of improvement and popularization of NSPRI developed and designed postharvest technologies. Hence, this study sought to boost the improvement of NSPRI Technological innovations such as NSPRI Fish-Smoking-Kiln (NSK), Parabolic-Shaped Solar Dryer (PSSD), Iced Fish Box® (IFB), Hermetic Steel Drum (HSD) and Stackable-Ventilated Plastic Crate (SVPC) through feedback from the users. The study employed Interview schedule to obtain primary data from 1049 beneficiaries of NSPRI disseminated technologies purposively selected from thirteen (13) out of the twenty-four (24) States where the technologies were distributed and promoted. Descriptive statistics (frequency count, percentages, and mean) and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Results revealed that HSD has the highest (27.7%) number of users, while 3.27%, 21.26%, 24.12% and 23.64 of the respondents used SVPC, IFB®, PSSD, and NSK respectively. About 41.2% and 26% of users of the SVPC and IFB® reported that the quality of commodities during transit was maintained for an average of 13 and 24 hours, respectively. The utilisation of all the technologies improved users’ income and increased their capacity to meet market demand. The majority of the users (VPC: 100%, IFB®:92.7%, NSK: 51.3%, PSSD: 74.9%, HSD: 86.9%) are willing to pay for the technology, albeit at varying amounts. Despite the relative advantages of the postharvest technologies as indicated by beneficiaries, several areas for improvement were highlighted for all the technologies except the IFB®. The NSK and IFB® had adoption rates of 56.45% and 50.22%, respectively while the PSSD, and HSD and SVPC had less than 50% adoption.

Study Motivation: The primary motivation for this study is to address the scarcity of scientific data on the factors influencing ethical AI practices among tech startups in Lagos State. The main research question is: What factors influence the ethical application of AI among tech startups in Lagos State?

Study Objectives: The study aims to establish the nature and effectiveness of AI governance frameworks, explore the impact of stakeholder engagement, and assess the value of technological enablers for ethical AI practices among tech startups in Lagos State, Nigeria. Understanding these factors is crucial as tech startups are at the technological frontier of AI and significantly influence societies and economies.

Methodology: The study employs a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative strategies for data collection and analysis. Surveys and interviews with stakeholders, including startup founders, policymakers, and technology experts, provide comprehensive insights into the determinants of ethical AI practices.

Findings: The findings reveal that robust AI governance frameworks and active stakeholder engagement are pivotal in promoting ethical AI practices. Additionally, the existing technological infrastructure plays a critical role, either facilitating or hindering the ethical deployment of AI. The study highlights that while Lagos State has a burgeoning tech ecosystem, there is an urgent need for well-defined ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible AI use.

Policy implications: This research emphasize the need for policymakers to develop comprehensive AI governance structures and encourage stakeholder collaboration to foster ethical AI practices. The study advocates for continuous monitoring and adaptation of these frameworks to keep pace with technological advancements. The conclusion underscores the necessity for ethical AI practices and provides a direction for future research, focusing on the determinants of ethical AI use in developing regions like Lagos State.

Frontier technologies, such as AI, IoT, big data, 3D printing, and robotics, are transforming socio-economic systems globally. Developing countries, including Ghana, face significant pressure to adopt these technologies to remain competitive and harness their benefits. However, challenges such as skill development, technology transfer, and regulatory frameworks need to be addressed. This study, aims to generate empirical data to inform policy formulation for technology adoption in Ghanaian firms, using 500 randomly selected firms across Ghana. The study involved a comprehensive data collection process, selecting firms from sectors such as agro-processing, tourism, pharmaceuticals, garments and textiles, and ICT, using a multi-stage sampling technique. Results show a high awareness of frontier technologies among firms but lower adoption rates, particularly for advanced technologies like industrial robots and 3D printing. Adoption is influenced by factors such as firm size, ownership structure, and sector. For instance, larger firms and sole proprietorships are more likely to adopt advanced technologies. Gender also plays a role, with female-owned firms more inclined to adopt market-oriented technologies like e-commerce. The study underscores the need for targeted policies to address barriers and promote the widespread adoption of frontier technologies in developing economies.

Purpose - A new era in entrepreneurship is being ushered in by digital technologies, one in which questioning and refashioning conventional methods and forms of seeking entrepreneurial opportunities. The purpose of this research agenda and the theoretical questions it raises are to highlight the importance of digital entrepreneurship and provide directions for future research. Thus, this study investigated the determinants of digital entrepreneurial intentions among social science students at the University of Lagos. An integrated model was developed that combined factors from the theory of planned behaviour (attitude, social norms, and perceived behavioural control), family background, digital educational support, and digital literacy to explain determinants of digital entrepreneurial intentions among social science students in the University of Lagos.

Design/ methodology / Approach - The study is based on data collected from a questionnaire survey completed by social sciences undergraduates. The random sampling was used to sample 187 students from the specified sampling frame. The model was tested using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression approach, whereas the hypotheses and research questions were tested using the t-test.

Findings - The findings revealed that all six independent variables- Family background, Attitude towards entrepreneurship, perceived behavioural control, Subjective norm, Digital educational support, and Digital literacy – positively affect digital entrepreneurial intentions. However, only Attitude towards entrepreneurship, Digital educational support, and digital literacy are significant in determining Digital entrepreneurial intention at a 5% level of significance. The findings underscore the importance of digital entrepreneurial policies and programs aimed at encouraging young people to embark on entrepreneurial activities.

The increasing cost of orthodox veterinary services calls for the use of alternative healthcare practices in livestock production, which is affordable, easy to access, environmentally friendly and sustainable. This study examined the potentials of indigenous knowledge and practices for the treatment and management of small ruminants in Niger State, Nigeria. The study adopted a longitudinal survey and experimental research design. The population for the study comprised all farming households that keep small ruminants in Niger State. Data were collected through a three-stage sampling procedure using a structured interview schedule and an observational template from 240 farmers while the experiment comprised of 20 male goats infested with helminthes treated with Khaya senegalensis in a Complete Randomized Design over a four-month period. Data collected were analyzed using Descriptive Statistics, ANOVA, Dominance Analysis and Marginal Analysis. The findings of the study were that: indigenous knowledge and innovation were effectively practiced for the treatment of diarrhoea (69.5%), ecto-parasites (73.9%), helminthosis (81.2%), bloat (42.0%), retained placenta (23.2%), respiratory problem (17.4%), wound (16.0%), and snake bite (14.5%). The result of the study further revealed that utilization indigenous knowledge and practices of farmers increased the returns to small ruminant production by N63,580.25($152.03)/Tropical Livestock Unit/cycle, the marginal rate of return was N3.74($0.01). The study concluded that the use of indigenous knowledge and innovation system increased returns to small ruminant production. The study recommended that there should be sensitization and training of livestock keepers by appropriate agencies such as the ministry of agriculture on the need to preserve their indigenous knowledge and the medicinal plants species in their communities, with the aim of combining and alternating the usage of conventional and indigenous practices.

The potential of innovation to drive societal and sustainability goals has been widely acknowledged. Over the past decade Science Technology Innovation (STI) policy was called upon to tackle Grand Challenges, as articulated in the Lund Declaration of 2009. Subsequently call for a transformative policy arose demanding reframing of STI policies, questioning its direction and ‘fitness of purpose’. This call demands time-intensive, participatory and inclusive processes in policy formulation for directional innovation. However, transformation literature is ominously silent on how to disrupt incumbent policy path-dependencies and shift the innovation policy paradigm in achieving this change. This paper addresses this research gap with insights gained from the policy narrative literature and a case study of Finland’s transition to Circular Economy.

The influence of narratives on human decision-making is well understood in the narrative literature. The policy literature has acknowledged the power of narratives as a potential tool for policy change. The narrative-policy literature has explored how concept-coalitions employ narrative power to reframe policy. Yet, none of them explain how coalitions achieve this fete through narrative change.

From a case study of Finland’s Circular Economy transition and through a review of academic and non-academic grey literature we draw principles and practical lessons on narrative shift for policy change. This paper presents an ‘access and manoeuvring strategy’ for narrative-led policy change involving a set of ‘entry-points’ and ‘tactics.’ Strategic entry-points aid in coalition-building and serve as spaces for shaping public opinion. Coalitions employ tactics such as monitoring of opinion-change, identifying counter narratives and dismantling the assumptions that the counter narrative depends on for manoeuvring collective opinion to the desired direction. The paper demonstrates how this access and manoeuvring strategy can provide options for policy shift for transformation. Even though the case study is on a developed country the insights drawn are universally applicable and especially useful for the global southern countries deficient in innovation policies and coordination mechanisms.