Innovation networks and social contagion in East Africa

Abstract

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.

Description

Keywords

Participatory processes, Conservation agriculture, Social learning, Small-scale farming, Conservation strategy, Conservation tillage, Local knowledge, Adoption of innovations, Agent-based modeling, Social network analysis, Simulated populations, Complex contagion, Governance

Citation

Presented at the Models of Infectious Disease Agent Study network meeting, Arlington, VA, 15 November 2012