Browsing by Author "Ojok, R. L."

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  • Innovation networks and social contagion in East Africa
    Gunter, J.; Rivers, Caitlin; Eubank, Stephen; Moore, Keith M.; Kuhlman, C.; Lamb, Jennifer Nicole; Norton, James B.; Omondi, Emmanuel C.; Ojok, R. L.; Sikuku, Dominic Ngosia; Ashilenje, Dennis S.; Odera, J. (2012)
    This study seeks to understand the pathway by which new technology and the associated knowledge passes through community networks in western Kenya and eastern Uganda. Previous research in the region emphasizes the importance of community support to promote widespread adoption of Conservation Agriculture practices. We will simulate complex contagions of information in these networks using the simulation platform EpiSimdemics. This work complements and expands on the growing body of research that uses network analysis to study the effects of network structure and social contagion on complex health and social systems.
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    Social network analysis for strengthening conservation agriculture participatory research: A closer look at collaboration in the Mount Elgon Region of Kenya and Uganda
    Lamb, Jennifer Nicole; Moore, Keith M.; Norton, James B.; Omondi, Emmanuel C.; Ojok, R. L.; Sikuku, Dominic Ngosia; Ashilenje, Dennis S.; Odera, J. (2012)
    The poster presents social network analysis as a method to support collaboration in the participatory research process to design strategies to scale up conservation agriculture production systems (CAPS). Objectives of this research project were to identify knowledge and attitudes concerning agricultural production practices held by actors in the network, to describe the structure of information and physical resource flows between these actors, and to determine critical pathways and opinion leaders that facilitate technological change among farmers and their service sector providers. Research presented was carried out in Eastern Uganda and Western Kenya. The poster highlights the feedback provided by farmers during workshops held in four communities. Both scientific and local knowledge were found in the research communities. Findings identified misconceptions about agent misconceptions about the knowledge of others. Findings also identified challenges to conservation agriculture adoption and how local networks can be mobilized to resolve them. Social Network Analysis contributions to overall project management were also presented. The research verified and expanded the network of service sector/community agents involved in the project, encouraged reflexivity in the research process, and empowered project participants to address network conditions which they can control.