This book explores the nature of innovation processes associated with a socio-economic change in rural areas of developing countries. It brings together a collection of empirical and conceptual papers that discuss contemporary experiences and perspectives. Most of the papers explore these issues with a view to providing lessons for the agricultural research community and in particular lessons on ways of more effectively deploying agricultural science and technology as part of the socio-economic development process. This emphasis responds to the growing sense that, while agricultural science continues to be an important policy instrument in rural development and poverty reduction, research efforts need to be less isolated and more closely linked to social, economic, and policy domains in which they seek to bring about change. This mirrors other shifts in development practice where processes are becoming more inclusive, consultative, and participatory and where the roles of the State and other players in the development process are being revisited. While these developments offer great opportunities for progress, they also bring challenges. Not least of these challenges is the need for agricultural research to respond reactively to a wide range of interest groups and agendas. And, given the rapid pace of change of modern economic systems, new arrangements need to be nimble and responsive as agendas, priorities, and opportunities are likely to evolve very quickly indeed
