Strengthening Agricultural Innovation Systems through Multi-Actor Platforms: The Case of SASRI in Southern Uzbekistan

This study explores the strategic role of the Southern Agriculture Scientific Research Institute (SASRI) in advancing agricultural innovation, productivity, and climate resilience in Uzbekistan’s Kashkadarya region. As a key public research institution, SASRI has played a critical role in developing drought- and salinity-tolerant seed varieties, promoting improved agronomic practices, and introducing water-saving technologies suited to semi-arid conditions. The study aims to assess SASRI’s effectiveness in generating and disseminating farmer-relevant innovations, identify the main barriers to their adoption, and examine institutional mechanisms to enhance impact. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining farm surveys, field trials, cluster and social network analyses, and statistical evaluations. Data were collected from farmers and households in the Karshi district, as well as through interviews with researchers and key stakeholders. Between 2018 and 2023, SASRI implemented 45 research projects and introduced innovations such as climate-resilient seed varieties and no till farming techniques. These technologies contribute to increasing yield and reducing production costs. However, their adoption remains limited due to weak extension services, outdated infrastructure, and fragmented communication channels. To overcome these challenges, the study recommends the establishment of a multi-actor Innovation Platform (IP) to foster collaboration, enhance knowledge exchange, and accelerate the scaling of sustainable agricultural innovations.