INNOVA: Strengthening technical innovation systems in potato based agriculture in Bolivia

Current INNOVA has taken forward the outputs of several earlier RNRRS projects in Bolivia in potato-based cropping systems. Technologies developed under these previous projects were improved and validated by INNOVA, and many have been shown to be highly congruent with pro-poor demand and with good potential for wider adoption. These include fallows, alternative crop systems, integrated nematode (Nacobbus aberrans) management, pest control, foliar and weed diseases, timing and methods for soil tillage, improved tillage equipment, improved management of draught animals, legume crop covering species for use at altitude and live barriers for erosion control. The PMCA has been effective in stimulating innovation and has led to the commercial launch of two new products (crisps made from native potatoes and improved seed), with other products under development (improved quality dried potato). Promotion of strategies to reduce the impact of pests and stabilise yields of crops in hillsides systems, for the benefit of poor people. Information regarding technologies, methodologies and productive chains and markets, is presented and diffused to identified target groups.Engage FDTA's, technological innovation service providers' for the PITAS and municipal governments in adapting and using INNOVA´s methods.Capacity of farmer´s groups, chain participants and Municipal Innovation Committees strengthened for developing and managing innovation projects.Contributed to the identification of guidelines for a long-term research policy.Poor farmers of three eco-regions in Bolivia, and extensionists of other organisations, using ox and donkey drawn tillage equipment, integrating this technology with others validated and promoted by INNOVA in the past three years.