Learning faster together: a repeatable co-innovation approach for agroecological initiatives [Practice Abstract]
Agroecological transformation is not simply achieved by implementing agricultural technologies. Initiatives (including farmer groups, advisors and other local actors) that want to innovate work in complex, changing conditions, need a practical way to learn, adjust and stay connected.
In Agroecology-TRANSECT we developed and operationalized a co-innovation approach: a repeatable annual learning cycle that helps innovators turn reflection into next steps and keep collaboration alive across countries.
What we developed (the results) was a structured programme with linked functions:
1. Learning histories to capture “most significant events” and what changed (including what helped or blocked progress).
2. Co-innovation workshops to compare experiences, learn from field visits, and exchanges between practitioners and researchers.
3. Action planning to translate workshop insights into realistic activities, expected results, and support needs.
4. Check-in calls to surface emerging constraints/opportunities, and reflect in more detail.
Over time, the project improved through iteration: more co-design of workshop agendas, and methods to discuss sensitive differences.
Practical implications/recommendations
If you want to start an innovative project, cooperative or advisory network, feel free to copy the logic: make plans, link them to periodic reflections, and use short check-ins to adapt.
Main costs are facilitation and coordination time (plus travel for meetings).
Main benefits are faster peer learning, better alignment of support to real needs, fewer ‘out-of-context’ activities, and a stronger shared narrative/legitimacy for the innovative work
Keywords: Biodiversity, Stripcropping, Transdisciplinary research
Country: Netherlands
