Abstract

CANO-REYES, Octavio et al. Participant research and innovation networks in agroecosystems with papaya trees in Cotaxtla, Veracruz, México. agric. soc. desarro [online]. 2015, vol.12, n.2, pp.219-237. ISSN 1870-5472.

The analysis of social networks can be applied to processes of rural innovation in technology transference. It helps to understand the complexity of social relationships that people or institutions form within their environment, and define the innovation networks that arise between work groups or regions. From April to May, 2011, the networks and central actors present in the association “Productora y Comercializadora de Papaya de Cotaxtla, S.P.R de R.L.” were established, which influences technology transfer in Cotaxtla, Veracruz, México. Three centrality measures were determined with the UCINET software v. 6.289: degree, betweenness and closeness. Of 32 participants in the network, 27 actively divulge the innovations according to their interest, with those with whom they must make alliances to transfer technology. Four producers stand out as central actors, which together with INIFAP, Colegio de Postgraduados and the producers’ organization itself, would be the appropriate ones to develop a technology transfer program to accelerate the diffusion and adoption of innovations. Wholesale traders, intermediaries and credit institutions do not participate in this process, but they could provide funds to finance the diffusion of innovations.

Keywords : Carica papaya; actual knowledge; simultaneous productive growth groups; networks.

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