Promising pulses: interventions and constraints in chickpea supply chains in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT We examine user experiences with two innovations introduced into the Ethiopian agri-food system: scaling up chickpea production and use of chickpea in Ready to Use Foods processing. Using qualitative methods grounded in innovation and knowledge system approaches, and drawing from stakeholder interviews, we identify extrinsic and intrinsic factors influencing the success of intervention strategies. Interviews with smallholder farmers reveal several factors influencing chickpea adoption decisions, including agronomic uncertainties, climatic resilience, and access to key inputs. Demonstration projects and knowledge networks encourage adoption. Interviews with agro-processors suggest that ongoing trust issues between stakeholders constrain the use of chickpea.