BRICOLAGE AS INNOVATION: OPENING THE BLACK BOX OF DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEMS1. (7th May 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Benouniche, Maya; Zwarteveen, Margreet; Kuper, Marcel
• Is Part Of: Irrigation and drainage. Volume 63:Number 5(2014:Dec.)
• Page Start: 651
• Page End: 658
• Publication Date: 2014-05-07
• Subjects: Irrigation engineering -- Periodicals; Drainage -- Periodicals; Flood control -- Periodicals; Sustainable agriculture -- Periodicals; 627.52
• DOI: 10.1002/ird.1854
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1531-0353

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <p>In Morocco, many farmers enthusiastically use drip irrigation. However, few drip irrigation systems conform to engineering standards. In a process they refer to as <italic>bricolage</italic>, farmers modify and adapt standard designs, thus creating their own technical standards. We document three instances of <italic>bricolage</italic> and show that it is a useful term to explain irrigation innovation processes. Through <italic>bricolage</italic> farmers adapt and modify the system to their needs, but also enter a process of gradual learning about what drip irrigation is and what it can achieve. <italic>Bricolage</italic> has led to the multiplication and diversification of drip systems, with different categories of users co‐designing the nature and direction of change it provokes. Through <italic>bricolage</italic>, local actors effectively share responsibilities of the design process with engineers. The paper concludes that the fact that drip irrigation lends itself to <italic>bricolage</italic> helps explain its success as an innovation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.</p> </abstract>