A taxonomy of failure modes of agricultural technology ventures in developing countries: part 1
Abstract
Agricultural technologies strengthen and streamline Food Value Chains (FVCs) while improving the lives and livelihoods of smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs. Technologies such as greenhouses, solar food dryers, threshers, grinders, and storage and packaging equipment can help increase the efficiency and sustainability of food value chain activities in emerging economies. However, there are a myriad of technological, infrastructural, and operational challenges that hinder the successful design and sustainable commercialisation or deployment of such products. After over a decade of research, experience, and consultation in the field, we present here an initial taxonomy of potential failure modes during the design, implementation, and maturity phases of agricultural technologies ventures. We argue that consideration of these failure modes early in the design process will assist agricultural technology designers and entrepreneurs in avoiding pitfalls later in the venture lifecycle. Part 1 (of 2) in this article series presents this rationale and development as well as the early, design-phase pitfalls. Together with Part 2 (implementation and maturity failure modes), this taxonomy aims to inform innovators and entrepreneurs seeking to launch successful and sustainable agricultural technology ventures in the developing world.
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