Knowledge networking among actors of Rahad Agriculture scheme, Sudan

315 Pages·2013·5.3 MB·English

by  Tyseer Elhadi, Omer

Institute of Rural Sociology and Extension
Justus Liebig University Giessen,Germany
Prof.Dr. Hermann Boland

Knowledge networking among actors of the Rahad Agriculture
scheme, Sudan

A Thesis submitted for the requirement of doctoral degree in agriculture from
Faculty of Agriculture and Nutritional Sciences, Home Economics and
Environmental Management
Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany

Submitted by

Tyseer El hadi Omer

Khartoum/Sudan

2013
Acknowledgements
First of all my thanks go for Deutsche Academiche Ausland Dienst for selecting my proposal
for three years doctoral scholarship in Giessen University. My thanks then continues to
colleagues in University of Khartoum the ones who supported me to continue my education
abroad.
Grateful thanks stretched to Dr. Professor Herman Boland for his supervision of my work;
thanks for providing a wonderful guidance and care during this research journey. Many
regards are for Dr Professor Micheal Kirk from University of Marburg, for taking the duty of
being the second supervisor for this research.
Special thanks for my colleagues in Institute of Agricultural Sociology and Extension in
Giessen University; your help and support are very much appreciated.
I would like to send special regards to the staff in Rahad Irrigated Scheme, for being so
helpful during field work. Just to mention few, I would like to thank Mr Azhari Bashir, Mr
Mudathir Saad, Mr Abu Gasim Mohamed; the Agriculture Engineers in Northern of the
Scheme. Regards are for Mr Ahmed Nour and Mr Eltag; the responsible Engineers in Central
of the Scheme. Many thanks are to Mr Ali El Tilib the responsible Engineer in Southern
Rahad Scheme.
Grateful thanks for Mr Hashim Malik, the Assistant Farm Manager in Rahad Scherme, the
first person who introduced me to Rahad Irrigated Scheme and the interviewed actor from the
scheme; His sudden death was a great shock to everyone encountered with him either
officially or socially. Many thanks to responsible persons in KIAS Company the ones who
officially allowed this research to be carried out in Rahad Scheme. Special regards to Mr
Awad Mohamed from KIAS Company who kept updating me with progress and situations in
the Scheme
Many appreciations to Ms Adawia, Ms Fatima, Ms Mona, Ms Shirin, Mr Mohamed Daibaish;
secretaries and administrative in Rahad Scheme; thanks for your help in conducting RAAKS
exercises and interviews. Grateful thanks to Mr Mutaz Abd Rahaman,El fau locality deputy
executive manager who allowed conducting of RAAKS workshop in Elfau locality Hall. My
grateful thanks to RAAKS team in Rahad Scheme; Ms Haja,Mr Ali, Mr AbdelMounim, Mr
Mustafa, Mr El tayeb. Thanks for sharing me all the productive and less productive moments
during a hell of three months work.
Special thanks to Secondary Schools’ teachers in El fau city, the wonderful ladies whom I
was allowed to share a house for 3 months. I will never forget your care and warm welcoming
of me at the hostel. My thanks continue to Mr Mohamed Ali, the driver who had to bear many
hours of driving and waiting during field work
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My biggest gratitude to community at Rahad Irrigated Scheme, without your participation, I
would not be able neither to start nor to finish this work; thanks for your hospitality and care
Finally I acknowledge all the work of this research for my beloved mother; peace is upon her
soul; thanks can never satisfy the love and strength you shared me in life.
Tyseer Elhadi Omer, Giessen, 12.12.2012
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Table of Contents

Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................................................ii
Table of contents ..................................................................................................................................... iv
List of figures ........................................................................................................................................... ix
List of tables ............................................................................................................................................. x

1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background of the study ..........................................................................................................1
1.2 Research problem ..........................................................................................................................2
1.3 Research objectives ........................................................................................................................4
1.4 Structure of the study ....................................................................................................................5

2 Theoretical review: innovations in the social system .................................... 7
2. 1 Innovation and social Innovations.................................................................................................7
2.2 Adoption of innovation and diffusion of innovations ....................................................................9
2.3 Knowledge and connection to innovations ................................................................................. 13
2.4 Extension and the relation to diffusion of innovations ............................................................... 14
2.5 Social Organization of Innovation ............................................................................................... 17
2.6 Social network analysis ............................................................................................................... 20

3 Sudanese agriculture development and extension in relation to the
Rahad scheme ............................................................................................................................. 24
3.1 Facts about Sudan ....................................................................................................................... 24
3.1.1 South Sudan separation ....................................................................................................... 24
3.1.2 Geographical location, resources and political system of the Republic of Sudan ............... 25
3.1.3 Evolution and changes of local authorities, and resource management ............................. 26
3.2 Agriculture in Sudan .................................................................................................................... 29
3.2.1 The traditional and mechanized rain-fed sectors ................................................................ 29
3.2.2 Irrigated farming sector ....................................................................................................... 31
3.2.3 Forestry ................................................................................................................................ 31
3.3 Agricultural research in Sudan .................................................................................................... 32
3.3.1 Evolution of the Agricultural Research Corporation as the main research institution ........ 33
3.3.2 Present strategy of agricultural research ............................................................................. 34
3.4 Pastoral sector in Sudan .............................................................................................................. 35
3.5 Approaches for developing the pastoral sector in Sudan ........................................................... 36
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3.6 Research policies in the livestock sector ..................................................................................... 38
3.7 Extension and extension approaches used in Sudan .................................................................. 38
3.7.1 Traditonal extension approaches ......................................................................................... 40
3.7.2 Training and visit approach .................................................................................................. 42
3.7.3 The Integrated approach ...................................................................................................... 44
3.7.4 Farmers’ field schools ........................................................................................................... 45
3.8 People’s organizations in Sudans ................................................................................................ 47
3.9 Background of the Rahad irrigated scheme ................................................................................ 50
3.9.1 Resettlement of agro-pastorals in the Rahad agricultural scheme...................................... 50
3.9.2 Geographic location and climate conditions of the scheme ................................................ 51
3.9.3 Irrigation of the Rahad scheme ............................................................................................ 52
3.9.4 Institutional set of the the Rahad scheme ........................................................................... 54
3.9.5 Social services in the the Rahad scheme .............................................................................. 57
3.9.6 El Fau locality as the headquarters of the the Rahad scheme ............................................. 58
3.9.7 Production relations in the scheme ..................................................................................... 59
3.9.8 Laborers in the Rahad scheme ............................................................................................. 61
3.9.9 Impact of government economic policies on the Rahad scheme’s performance................ 62
3.9.10 Private sector in Rahad scheme ......................................................................................... 63

4 Methodological framework of the study ............................................................... 66
4.1 Quantitative research, Qualitative research and mixed method research ................................. 66
4.2. Knowledge and information system perspectives to view agricultural innovations ................. 68
4.3 System thinking and soft system thinking to facilitate innovation ............................................. 69
4.4 Why RAAKS is used as a methodology ........................................................................................ 71
4.5 RAAKS as an empirical methodology of soft system thinking ..................................................... 72
4.5.1 Phases of RAAKS ................................................................................................................... 73
4.5.2 Preparing for RAAKS in the Rahad scheme .......................................................................... 76
4.5.3 Sampling ............................................................................................................................... 77
4.6 Social network analysis ............................................................................................................... 78
4.6.1 Measurements of social network analysis ........................................................................... 79
4.6.2 Relations between actors ..................................................................................................... 82
4.6.3 Maxqda 10 and coding strategy ........................................................................................... 83

5 Rahad scheme actors and connections at scheme level .............................. 85
5.1 Actors at the Rahad scheme level ............................................................................................... 85
5.1.1 Rahad scheme administration.............................................................................................. 85
5.1.2 Rahad research station ......................................................................................................... 87
5.1.3 El Fau locality (executive unit).............................................................................................. 89
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5.1.4 Ministry of Agriculture (El Fau locality) ................................................................................ 92
5.1.5 Ministry of Livestock (El Fau locality) ................................................................................... 94
5.1.6 Irrigation administration ...................................................................................................... 96
5.1.7 Health Administration .......................................................................................................... 97
5.1.8 National Forest Corporation- El Fau ..................................................................................... 98
5.1.9 El Fau Agricultural Secondary School ................................................................................. 100
5.1.10 Zakat Dewan ..................................................................................................................... 101
5.1.11 Sudanese Agricultural Bank .............................................................................................. 103
5.1.12 Savings and Social Development Bank ............................................................................. 105
5.1.13 Rahad scheme Farmers’ Union ........................................................................................ 107
5.1.14 Pastoral Union .................................................................................................................. 110
5.1.15 Women’s Union ................................................................................................................ 113
5.2 Actors at the village level .......................................................................................................... 116
5.2.1 Public committees .............................................................................................................. 116
5.2.2 Women’s associations ........................................................................................................ 117
5.2.3 Youth clubs ......................................................................................................................... 119
5.2.4 Farmers’ committees ......................................................................................................... 120
5.2.5 Local leaders (sheikhs) ....................................................................................................... 120
5.2.6 Western Sudan laborers communities in the Rahad scheme ............................................ 122
5.3 Connections of actors at level of the Rahad scheme ................................................................ 127
5.4 Summary of connections at level of Rahad scheme ................................................................. 144

6 The Rahad scheme network ........................................................................................ 146
6.1 General description of the network at the Rahad scheme level .............................................. 146
6.1.1 Geodesic distances in Rahad’s network ............................................................................. 147
6.1.2 Density and centrality of network at the Rahad scheme level .......................................... 147
Table 4: Centrality of actors at the Rahad scheme level ................................................................. 150
Table 5: Density of actors at the Rahad scheme level .................................................................... 150
6.2 Actor’s strength of relationships at scheme level ..................................................................... 151
6.2.1 Description of connections ................................................................................................ 151
6.2.2 The Rahad scheme administration ..................................................................................... 152
6.2.3 Rahad research station ....................................................................................................... 155
6.2.4 El Fau locality ...................................................................................................................... 158
6.2.5 Ministry of Agriculture ....................................................................................................... 159
6.2.6 Ministry of Livestock .......................................................................................................... 162
6.2.7 Irrigation administration .................................................................................................... 164
6.2.8 Health Administration ........................................................................................................ 166
6.2.9 Zakat Dewan ....................................................................................................................... 168
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6.2.10 National Forest Corporation ............................................................................................ 171
6.2.11 Agricultural School ........................................................................................................... 173
6.2.12 Savings and Saving and Social Development Bank .......................................................... 176
6.2.13 Sudanese Agricultural Bank .............................................................................................. 178
6.2.14 Farmers’ Union ................................................................................................................. 180
6.2.15 Pastoral Union .................................................................................................................. 183
6.2.16 Women’s Union ................................................................................................................ 186
6.2.17 summary of Strong connections in the Rahad scheme .................................................... 189
6.3 Special connections in networks at the Rahad scheme level ................................................... 190
6.4 Connection of actors at the village level in the Rahad scheme ................................................ 195
6.4.1 Public committees - connections ....................................................................................... 196
6.4.2 Women’s association connections ..................................................................................... 200
6.4.3 Sheikh connections ............................................................................................................ 203
6.4.4 Farmers connections .......................................................................................................... 206
6.4.5 Summary of local connections ........................................................................................... 209
6.4.6 Special connections in villages of Rahad scheme............................................................... 211
6.5 Connection between actors at the Rahad scheme level and actors at the village level ........... 214
6.5.1 Youth clubs ......................................................................................................................... 214
6.5.2 Women’s associations ........................................................................................................ 218
6.5.3 Local leaders / sheikhs ....................................................................................................... 222
6.5.4 Public committees .............................................................................................................. 227
6.5.5 Farmers’ committees ......................................................................................................... 232
6.5.6 Farmers in the Rahad scheme ............................................................................................ 238
6.5.7 Density of the total network in the Rahad scheme ........................................................... 254

7 Views of Rahad scheme actors on their weakness and strength ........ 255
7.1 Roles of actors at the Rahad scheme level ............................................................................... 255
7.1.1 Extension and technology transfer department in the Rahad scheme ............................. 255
7.1.2 Rahad research station ....................................................................................................... 255
7.1.3 El Fau locality ...................................................................................................................... 256
7.1.4 Ministry of Agriculture ....................................................................................................... 257
7.1.5 Ministry of Livestock .......................................................................................................... 257
7.1.6 Irrigation administration .................................................................................................... 258
7.1.7 Health Administration ........................................................................................................ 258
7.1.8 National Forest Corporation -El Fau ................................................................................... 259
7.1.9 El Fau Agricultural Secondary School ................................................................................. 259
7.1.10 Zakat Dewan ..................................................................................................................... 260
7.1.11 Sudanese Agricultural Bank .............................................................................................. 261
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7.1.12 Savings and Social Development Bank ............................................................................. 261
7.1.13 Rahad scheme Farmers’ Union ........................................................................................ 262
7.1.14 Pastoral Union .................................................................................................................. 262
7.1.15 Women’s Union ................................................................................................................ 263
7.2 Roles of actors at village level ................................................................................................... 264
7.2.1 Public committees .............................................................................................................. 264
7.2.2 Youth clubs ......................................................................................................................... 265
7.2.3 Farmers’ committees ......................................................................................................... 265
7.2.4 Local leaders (sheikhs) ....................................................................................................... 266
7.2.5 Women’s Associations ....................................................................................................... 266
7.3 knowledge networking between actors at the Rahad scheme level ........................................ 267
7.4 Knowledge networking between actors at scheme level and actors at village level................ 270

8 Recommendations for improving the Rahad scheme network ........... 273
8.1 How knowledge networking among actors in the Rahad scheme can be improved ................ 273
8.2 Present Rahad Scheme network ............................................................................................... 273
8.3 Building of Multi hubs model .................................................................................................... 275
8.4 possible trainings and materials to be realized within Rahad Scheme ..................................... 283

9. Summary ................................................................................................................................. 284
9.1 English Summary ....................................................................................................................... 284
9.2 Deutsche Zusammenfassung .................................................................................................... 287

10 Bibliography ....................................................................................................................... 290

11 Appendices ........................................................................................................................... 298

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List of figures
Figure 1: Map of the Rahad scheme, Location of scheme blocks (villages and farms) .......................5
Figure 2: Map of the Republic of Sudan ................................................................................................ 25
Figure 3: Map of the Republic of South Sudan ..................................................................................... 25
Figure 4: Irrigation of the Rahad scheme from the source to the sections .......................................... 54
Figure 5: Administrative structure of the Rahad scheme ..................................................................... 55
Figure 6: Sketch for research design ..................................................................................................... 75
Figure 7: Rahad Scheme institutions ..................................................................................................... 89
Figure 8: Government institutions at El Fau locality ........................................................................... 103
Figure 9: Finance institutions at Rahad scheme ................................................................................. 107
Figure 10: Composition of the Rahad scheme Farmers’ Union .......................................................... 109
Figure 11: Composition of the Pastoral Union from village level to federal level .............................. 112
Figure 12: Composition of the Women’s Union from village to federal level .................................... 115
Figure 13: Self organization actors at level of Rahad Scheme ............................................................ 116
Figure 14: Actors at village level ......................................................................................................... 124
Figure 15: Trajectory of actors at the village level and their connections .......................................... 125
Figure 16: Trajectory of actors at the level of the Rahad scheme ...................................................... 127
Figure 17: Rahad scheme administration’s network .......................................................................... 129
Figure 18: Rahad Research Station’s network .................................................................................... 130
Figure 19: Irrigation administration’s network ................................................................................... 131
Figure 20: Ministry of Agriculture’s network ...................................................................................... 132
Figure 21: Ministry of Livestock’s network ......................................................................................... 133
Figure 22: Farmers’Union’s network ................................................................................................... 134
Figure 23: Pastoral Union’s network ................................................................................................... 135
Figure 24: Agricultural Bank’s network ............................................................................................... 136
Figure 25: Saving and Social Development Bank’s network ............................................................... 137
Figure 26: National Forest Corporation’s network ......................................................................... 138
Figure 27: Zakat Dewan’s network ...................................................................................................... 139
Figure 28: Agricultural School’s network ............................................................................................ 140
Figure 29: Health Administration’s network ....................................................................................... 141
Figure 30: Women’s Union’s network................................................................................................. 142
Figure 31: El Fau locality office’s network ........................................................................................... 143
Figure 32: Connections of actors at the Rahad scheme level ......................................................... 145
Figure 33: Rahad scheme valued connections .................................................................................... 155
Figure 34: Research station valued connections................................................................................. 157
Figure 35: El Fau locality office valued connections ........................................................................... 159
Figure 36: Ministry of agriculture valued connections ....................................................................... 162
Figure 37: Ministry of Livestockvalued connections ........................................................................... 164
Figure 38: Irrigation admnistation valued connections ...................................................................... 166
Figure 39: Health Administration valued connections ........................................................................ 168
Figure 40: Zakat Dewan valued connections ...................................................................................... 170
Figure 41: Forest Corporation valued connections ............................................................................. 173
Figure 42: Agricultural School valued connections ............................................................................. 175
Figure 43: Saving and Social Development Bank valued connections ................................................ 177
Figure 44: Sudanese Agricultural Bank valued connections ............................................................... 180
Figure 45: Farmers’ Union valued connections ................................................................................... 183
Figure 46: Pastoral Union valued connections .................................................................................... 186
Figure 47: Women’s Union valued connections ................................................................................. 188
Figure 48: Valued connections between actors at the Rahad scheme level ...................................... 190
Figure 49: Special connections between actors at the Rahad scheme level ...................................... 194
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Figure 50: Connections of actors at the village level in Rahad scheme .............................................. 210
Figure 51: Youth clubs network .......................................................................................................... 217
Figure 52: Women’s associations’ network ........................................................................................ 222
Figure 53: local shiekhs’ network ........................................................................................................ 224
Figure 54: Public committees‘network ............................................................................................... 231
Figure 55: Farmers’ committees’ network .......................................................................................... 238
Figure 56: farmers’ network ................................................................................................................ 251
Figure 57: Strong and weak connections at scheme and village network .......................................... 253
Figure 58 Connections at Rahad scheme level .................................................................................... 269
Figure 59: Trajectory of connections at scheme and village network ................................................ 272
Figure 60: Scheme and village network in Rahad scheme .................................................................. 275
Figure 61: Suggested hubs in Rahad Scheme network ....................................................................... 278

List of tables

Table 1: Sections and villages in the Rahad scheme ............................................................................. 56
Table 2: hectares of crops grown in the Rahad scheme ....................................................................... 60
Table 3: Actors at the Rahad scheme level ......................................................................................... 128
Table 4: Centrality of actors at the Rahad scheme level ..................................................................... 150
Table 5: Density of actors at the Rahad scheme level ........................................................................ 150
Table 6: Density of scheme and village network................................................................................. 254

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