To meet the major challenges of demographic transition, climate change, market instability and soil degradation, Malagasy farmers will have to adopt new agricultural practices or more efficient forms of organization, i.e. to say innovate. Innovation is a complex and uncertain process that requires enabling conditions at multiple levels (in the institutional and political environment, in the capacities of the individuals and organizations that are involved). Accompanying innovation speeds up the process and increases its chances of success.

Many mechanisms are implemented by development actors in Madagascar to provide services to farmers and help them innovate. Among these mechanisms, new technology transfer programs have had mixed results. Other support models offer a less direct approach based on support and co-construction: coaching, master farmers, innovation platforms, farmer field schools, etc. Their results seem promising but need to be confirmed by a rigorous study.

• Rural innovation processes and innovation support methods in Madagascar are known, analyzed and compared
• An approach to improving existing innovation support systems in Madagascar has been validated
• A community of practice "accompanists of innovation" emerges which allows to share experiences, knowledge and advice
• Recommendations for improving the Malagasy national agricultural support system are proposed to Ministries and Technical and Financial Partners

SOME PRODUCTS AND TOOLS

• 10 comprehensive innovation support case studies
• 4 improved innovation support systems
• A practical guide to supporting innovation in Madagascar
• 2 training modules to support agricultural innovation (technicians and engineers)
• 5 annual scientific seminars on innovation and its support
• A forum theater piece to discuss the fairness of support systems
• A policy brief