Science-based technical assistance in agribusiness accelerators: a pathway to responsible scaling

Nkosi, Mahlatse; Kamanda, Josey; Dlamini, J. C.; Enokenwa Baa, Ojongetakah; Jacobs-Mata, Inga

Science-based technical assistance in agribusiness accelerators: a pathway to responsible scaling

Autores

Nkosi, Mahlatse

Kamanda, Josey

Dlamini, J. C.

Enokenwa Baa, Ojongetakah

Jacobs-Mata, Inga

Editor

SSRN

Descripción

CONTEXT: Agrifood systems face persistent constraints driven by climate change, inequality, and resource overuse. While agribusiness accelerators are positioned as pathways to agricultural transformation, many fail to adequately address equity, sustainability, and systemic constraints. OBJECTIVE: This study examines how science-based technical assistance (SBTA) enables responsible scaling practices within agribusiness accelerator programmes, drawing from qualitative analysis of two cohorts (n=20) of the CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator (CFSA) in East and Southern Africa. METHODS: Using an integrated framework that combines systems thinking, innovation systems and responsible scaling, and empirical findings from CFSA’s two cohorts the study analyses how SBTA interacts with thematic innovation bundling to shape inclusivity and sustainability. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Findings show that SBTA improved the contextualization of innovations, strengthened the inclusion of women, youth and smallholder farmers, and supported anticipation of socio-environmental risks. Participating agribusinesses demonstrated improved investor readiness, strengthened institutional linkages, and clearer pathways for sustainable co-benefits. SIGNIFICANCE: Overall, SBTA contributes to more inclusive and sustainable accelerator outcomes, offering a methodology that can inform the adaptive design of future programmes for scalable, transformative impact.