Uncovering the Landscape of Participatory Research in Agricultural Innovation: A Scoping Review

Innovative farming practices to mitigate environmental impacts are critical. Participatory approaches, which actively involve farmers in co-developing solutions, are vital for overcoming resistance and enabling successful, context-specific agricultural innovations. This scoping review maps participatory methodologies in agricultural innovation, identifying their key characteristics and factors contributing to their success. We used PRISMA-ScR guidelines and conducted a systematic search on the databases Scopus and Web of Science, out of 807 studies published between 1994 and 2022, 34 met our criteria. Data extraction involved coding theoretical frameworks, project phases, duration, participant types, barriers, facilitators, innovations, and modes of participation into categories: contributory, collaborative, and co-created. We used Atlas.ti for coding transparency and analysis. Projects spanned 26 countries, primarily in Europe and Africa, with an average duration of 5 years. Innovative practices were grouped into the following themes: climate change, crop choice, irrigation, pest management, and technical improvements. Most projects involved farmers in defining research questions. Participants included farmers, experts, NGOs, private companies, and public organizations. Successful projects actively involve stakeholders, especially farmers, from idea generation to implementation, and benefit from strong relationships and informal, flexible interactions. Intermediaries, like extension agents, are effective in bridging gaps and fostering trust. Our review indicates the need for clearer reporting guidelines to enhance comparability and effectiveness across participatory research.