Critical Systems of Learning and Innovation Competence for Addressing Complexity in Transformations to Agricultural Sustainability

Abstract

Technological innovation is necessary but not sufficient to achieve food security. This article uses interlinked social, ecological and technical systems theory to investigate why agricultural biodiversity-rich developing countries fail to utilize “agroecological competence,” particularly natural resource-based competitive advantage, to achieve food security despite substantial investments in “technological competence” development. Empirical study involves a critical examination of two food security strategies: improving subsistence agriculture to contribute to Nepal's national food security strategies, and promoting high value agriculture integrating Indian farmers into global commodity supply chains. Findings from these countries at very different stages of economic agricultural development suggest that low and middle-income countries, irrespective of their economic growth, cannot succeed unless technological competences are complemented by critical systems of “learning competence.”