Evaluating innovation platforms in fragile agricultural systems: evidence from Lebanon's wheat seed sector
Sarah Saad, Asma Souissi, Boubaker Dhehibi, Rania Soula, Rola El Amil, Hassan Machlab, Ali Mohammed Oumer, Kamiljon Akramov, Michael Baum, Hatem Belhouchette, Salem DarwichPurpose
This article evaluates the effectiveness of the innovation platform (IP) at Terbol Station in strengthening Lebanon's wheat seed sector, with particular attention to stakeholder dynamics, incentive structures and governance gaps in a fragile agricultural context.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 16 seed producers after identifying and mapping the key stakeholders in the seed sector. A combination of descriptive statistical analysis, perception analysis, Kendall's W-test and the Chi-squared distribution tests were applied to assess farmer priorities across six thematic groups related to IP performance.
Findings
The findings show strong farmer agreement on the importance of IP groups, especially incentives and joint planning for improving performance. Farmers view the wheat seed sector as unprofitable and call for greater financial and institutional support. The study recommends government and Ministry of Agriculture action through tailored governance policies, alongside stronger regulation and improved extension services to enhance wheat seed production, distribution and use in Lebanon.
Originality/value
The study finds that IPs in Lebanese agriculture are still poorly developed, mainly due to institutional fragility and weak governance. It adds rare empirical, stakeholder-based evidence from Lebanon's seed sector within the F2R initiative in the CWANA region. The findings emphasize farmers' central role in shaping practical action plans and highlight the need for coordinated Ministry of Agriculture interventions as key to improving sector recovery and sustainability.