ILRI scientists develop new guideline on pioneer-positive deviance for agricultural extension in Ethiopia

Scientists at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) have published a new guideline on pioneer-positive deviance for the agricultural extension system in Ethiopia.

The document provides guidance on how to use approaches that look for solutions on the ground, rather than imposing them, and work with farmers in building on those in a genuine co-design process with equal collaboration of all.

This approach is based on positive deviance theory and identifies pioneer households for sustainable livestock solutions.

What is pioneer-positive deviance?

Pioneer-positive deviance is an approach developed by a team of scientists at ILRI to address issues of adaptation to climate change.

It is an evolution of the original concept of positive deviance originating in public health research.

It focuses on identifying and learning from individuals, groups, or households who find unique, successful solutions to common challenges despite having no additional resources or advantages.

By studying these “positive deviants”, communities can discover locally effective practices that can be adopted and scaled, making solutions more sustainable and tailored to specific needs.

Positive deviance has been used in areas like public health, education, and social change to solve complex problems from within the community.

This resource will be useful for development practitioners, extension workers, and educators in colleges and universities in Ethiopia.

Acknowledgements

The work was partly financed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and conducted as part of the CGIAR Initiative on Livestock and Climate, the CGIAR Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods program and the CGIAR Climate Action program.

Citation

Habermann, B., Worku, T., Teshome, A. and Gebreyes, M. 2025. Pioneer-positive deviance: Applications for the agricultural extension system in Ethiopia — Guideline for practitioners. Nairobi, Kenya: ILRI.

Photo: A farmer feeds his sheep in Doyogena, Ethiopia (credit: ILRI/Zerihun Sewunet)

Curated by Tezira Lore, Communication Officer, ILRI