Serpantié G.

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After Rio Summit, new authorized knowledges

Case of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in Madagascar

Contested Agronomy: Cases, Dynamics & Implications Conference,

Brighton, 23-25 feb 2016

�  Introduction �  1. SRI genesis context �  2. SRI actors and acts �  3. Change and continuity in knowledge governance �  Conclusion

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Outline

INTRODUCTION

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The SRI case Aim Useful concepts

authorized knowledge (Verrier, 1999) science democracy, hybrid forums (Callon et al., 2001)

Methods

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1. SRI GENESIS CONTEXT

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Malagasy rice growing : between diversity of practices, local and introduced norms

Institutional and economical context 1985-1995

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1980 1985 1990 1995

Price local/global

urea

rice paddy

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

0 20 40 60 80

density  of  planting  (/m²)

seedlings  age  (d)

SRI improved  (SRA) local

2. SRI ACTORS AND ACTS

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0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

0 20 40 60 80

density  of  planting  (/m²)

seedlings  age  (d)

SRI improved  (SRA) local

The designing of SRI

Emphatic mediatisation before any assessment Yields have thus increased from 2 tons of paddy rice per ha to 8 or even 12 with local varieties‘

Scoffing local practices Moral arguments Yield competitions Media coverage, plays of influence and truncated debates Avoidance of agricultural research forums A SRI self-promotion No work of disillusion Some farmers like it

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An idea sprouts, arises and circulates

3. CHANGE AND CONTINUITY IN KNOWLEDGE GOVERNANCE

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• Sharing knowledge power: a new authorised knowledge

• Continuity • Scoffing at farmers' knowledge

• Agronomic invention

• Changes

• Mass media : a knowledge stakeholder mobilised by SRI proponents

• Knowledge “champions”

• Rebuilding the scientific landscape and new alliances

• Active marginalisation and then self-censure of authorised knowledge

• The special nature of 'civil knowledge’

• An international controversy without impact

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CONCLUSION

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