Template-type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Hall, Andy
Author-Email: hall@merit.unu.edu
Author-Workplace-Name: UNU-MERIT, and LINK
Author-Name: Clark, Norman
Author-Email: n.clark@open.ac.uk
Author-Workplace-Name: Open University
Title: What Do Complex Adaptive Systems Look Like and What Are the
	 Implications for Innovation Policy?
Abstract: This paper explores the use of complex adaptive systems theory in 
	 development policy analysis using a case study drawn from recent events 
	 in Uganda. It documents the changes that took place in the farming 
	 system in Soroti district during an outbreak of African cassava mosaic 
	 virus disease (ACMVD) and the subsequent decline in cassava production - 
	 the main staple food in the area. Resultant adaptation impacts are 
	 analysed across cropping, biological, economic and social systems each 
	 of which operate as an interlinked sub-system. The policy implications 
	 of this story suggest a policy agenda that recognises adaptation 
	 capacity as the life blood of complex adaptive systems. Since these 
	 types of systems are found in all realms of human activity, it follows 
	 that strengthening this capacity is a key developmental priority that 
	 requires linking together new configurations of actors and resources to 
	 tackle an ever-changing set of contexts.
Classification-JEL: N57, O13, O31, Q16, Q18
Keywords: Complex Adaptive Systems, Innovation Policy, Uganda, Cassava, 
	 Adaptation Capacity, Smallholder Production, Policy
Series: UNU-MERIT Working Papers
Creation-Date: 2009
Number: 046
File-URL: http://www.merit.unu.edu/publications/wppdf/2009/wp2009-046.pdf
File-Format: application/pdf
File-Size: 275 Kb
Handle: RePEc:unm:unumer:2009046