Intervention for rural innovation in organic Roselle cooperatives in the Mexican dry tropics

Abstract

Purpose: This work presents and discusses the social and technological extent of a transdisciplinary intervention model for rural innovation (MOTI-IR) conducted with organic Roselle production farmer cooperatives in Michoacan, Mexico.

Methodological design: MOTI-IR originated from a methodological framework co-designed between the community and academic promoters; it includes with six stages: 1) openness and motivation; 2) problematization, 3) linking; 4) development of solutions (co-design), 5) evaluation and learning, and 6) dissemination of products. 23 activities were carried out, such as the training of promoters, community workshops for reflection and planning, and involvement of extra-territorial collaborators. The problematization established technological improvement priorities in the cleaning and dehydration practices of organic Roselle.

Results: Community promoters appropriated the process quickly and dynamized its development. The term innovation was new for 75% of the surveyed group and 70% self-recognized as un-innovative. Community conditions for innovation pointed to decision-making and trust, trained people in the community, and a well-organized structure. Individual barriers were fear of failure, rejection from the community and the fear of the new things. The process integrated local and scientific knowledge which generated five prototypes of tools for stripping and two for dehydrating, whose first validation showed the need for subsequent improvements.

Research limitations: It is the first MOTI-IR application, but its replication is in process in other farming organizations

Findings: Empirical bases of rural innovation, barriers and stimuli in farmer population, technological co-designs, MOTI-IR success, and potential for rural development in less favored territories were found.