Within the context of the programme, innovations are perceived as new ideas, technologies or ways of doing things in a certain setting by people who have previously not used these new ideas, technologies or ways of doing things before. Innovation is recognised as one of the most important means to increase productivity within a value chain across all the nodes
However, though many agricultural technologies are being created continuously, the effective dissemination of knowledge pertaining to innovations remains a challenge that inherently affects the productivity of many value chain actors especially women and youth. Women and youth are particularly disadvantaged because of lack of access to finances and land resources. ASDSP, through the innovation fund will therefore try to improve the chances of women and youth taking up innovations that improve their participation in VCD. In addition, ASDSP will promote innovations that build the resilience of natural resources through innovations that apply CSA adaptations and risk mitigations. Overall the CSA innovations will improve the sustainability of VCs