What are the pathways for knowledge production during the diversification of cropping systems through the introduction of minor species?
Abstract
The agronomic, ecological and socioeconomic benefits of (re)diversifying crop species within agroecosystems are well established. Agronomists have therefore extensively investigated the conditions for successful diversification processes, the transformations of value chains that they entail, as well as approaches to the production and sharing of knowledge, particularly through participatory processes. Drawing on research and intervention experiences in diversification processes, particularly those involving the introduction of minor crops, which we use as case studies, we propose avenues for further research that consider the contrasts and specificities associated with these species. The concept of paths to knowledge production provides a framework for articulating proposals concerning: 1/ renewals in forms of knowledge about these species and their integration into agroecosystems or sociotechnical systems; 2/ the types of diagnoses that need to be combined and iteratively carried out throughout diversification processes; and 3/ forms of collective experimentation that support these coupled innovations and the development of value chains. We conclude by highlighting the importance for agronomists of considering the dynamic, multiscalar and distributed nature of the diversification processes to which they can contribute.
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BibTeX
@article{toffolini2026what,
title = {{What are the pathways for knowledge production during the diversification of cropping systems through the introduction of minor species?}},
author = {Quentin Toffolini and Margot Leclère and Raphaël Paut and Marie-Hélène Jeuffroy},
journal = {Agronomie, Environnement \& Sociétés},
year = {2026},
month = jun,
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05772545v1},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - What are the pathways for knowledge production during the diversification of cropping systems through the introduction of minor species?
AU - Quentin Toffolini
AU - Margot Leclère
AU - Raphaël Paut
AU - Marie-Hélène Jeuffroy
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/06/01
JO - Agronomie, Environnement & Sociétés
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05772545v1
AB - The agronomic, ecological and socioeconomic benefits of (re)diversifying crop species within agroecosystems are well established. Agronomists have therefore extensively investigated the conditions for successful diversification processes, the transformations of value chains that they entail, as well as approaches to the production and sharing of knowledge, particularly through participatory processes. Drawing on research and intervention experiences in diversification processes, particularly those involving the introduction of minor crops, which we use as case studies, we propose avenues for further research that consider the contrasts and specificities associated with these species. The concept of paths to knowledge production provides a framework for articulating proposals concerning: 1/ renewals in forms of knowledge about these species and their integration into agroecosystems or sociotechnical systems; 2/ the types of diagnoses that need to be combined and iteratively carried out throughout diversification processes; and 3/ forms of collective experimentation that support these coupled innovations and the development of value chains. We conclude by highlighting the importance for agronomists of considering the dynamic, multiscalar and distributed nature of the diversification processes to which they can contribute.
SN - 1775-4240
ER -