Improving the output of agricultural extension and research through participatory innovation development and extension : experiences from Zimbabwe.

Based on the experiences of two projects in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe, this paper describes the rationale for moving away from conventional agricultural extension towards participatory innovation development and extension. Case studies or pilot projects played a key role in the strategy adopted to institutionalise the approach into the government structure which was revealed to be a complex process requiring a long term commitment of at least 5-10 years.