Exploring participatory approaches for soil health knowledge co-production in agroecological networks

The thesis explores the importance of knowledge co-production practices in agroecological networks and their potential contributions to soil health regeneration. The research focuses on three case studies: Rete Humus, an Italian agroecological network; Navdanya, a women farmers and earth-centric NGO in India; and the Soil Living Labs and Soil Lighthouses EU Soil Mission implementation in Europe. The research brings insights into two main questions: What participatory approaches exist to soil health knowledge co-production? What are the elements of soil health knowledge co-production processes? The thesis investigates, for each case study, the research aims and methodologies, problem framings and contributing knowledge holders, as well as the approach to participation. It also analyses the knowledge creation process and the outputs, outcomes, and the usability of the produced knowledge to provide a nuanced understanding of their potential contributions to the health of the soil. The results highlight the importance of participatory practices to soil health knowledge co-production based on diverse types of knowledge and farmer-centric approaches that create emancipatory processes enabling the transition to more just and ecological food systems. Additionally, the research reveals how participatory tools can serve as communication strategies for biodiversity and soil health, sparking the adoption of agroecology and soil regeneration. Overall, knowledge co-creation in agroecology offers a promising approach to addressing the complex challenges of transforming food systems and healing our soils.