Fostering Innovation and Food Sovereignty in African Livestock: An Ecosystem Approach via University-based Extension Systems in Cameroon

Abstract

The livestock sector is a cornerstone of food security, livelihoods, and economic development across Africa, yet chronic systemic challenges (including pervasive diseases, feed constraints, and climate variability) are compounded by inadequate and fragmented agricultural extension services. Historically, extension in Cameroon transitioned from rigid, top-down models, such as the National Extension System Approach (NESA) prior to 1990, to pluralistic, project-dependent participatory systems like Training and Visit and Farmer Field Schools. While these participatory approaches enhanced farmers’ participation, they have struggled with issues of scaling, long-term coordination, and sustainable funding, leaving a significant gap in the knowledge-to-innovation value chain. This paper proposes and conceptualizes a transition to a University-Based Agricultural Extension System (UBAES), utilizing multi-stakeholder Innovation Platforms (IPs) as the core mechanism for an Ecosystem Approach to Innovation (EAI). This model positions the University as a neutral, stable anchor, leveraging its triple mandate of teaching, research, and outreach to directly strengthen the corresponding Research-Extension-Farmer (R-E-F) linkages. Using the proactive initiative at the University of Buea (UB) as a foundational qualitative case, based on document review, internal programme documentation, and participatory observation, this paper details a three-phased framework for establishing IPs in specialized value chains, including snails, bees, beef, dairy, fish, swine, poultry, and ostrich production. The UBAES model promotes sustainable financing through student research and social enterprises, facilitating whole-value-chain coordination that remains endogenous and less reliant on volatile external aid. By integrating mandatory student research requirements into localized extension needs, the model shortens the time lag between scientific discovery and field adoption. Furthermore, anchoring digital extension within university digital hubs provides the necessary institutional capacity to overcome digital literacy barriers, making information dissemination more efficient. The paper argues that this EAI is crucial for driving systemic, indigenous-led innovation, ultimately serving as a robust strategy for enhancing Food Sovereignty (understood here as strengthening democratic control over livestock production systems, gender responsive access to resources, and the right to food) and contributing to securing the future of Africa's rising livestock sector. The implementation of this model redefines the university's role as an active knowledge broker and system orchestrator, offering a scalable blueprint for other national universities in Africa to fulfil their outreach mandate and contribute directly to the African Union's Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) goals. Key words: Livestock, Food Sovereignty, University-Based Extension, Innovation Platforms, Ecosystem Approach