Agricultural living labs: bridging theory and practice through transformative learning

Abstract

Purpose: This conceptual study addresses methodological and conceptual gaps in Agricultural Living Labs (ALLs) by integrating Mezirow’s Transformative Learning (TL) theory into their design. It aims to enhance agricultural education and knowledge co-creation, enabling stakeholder-driven resilience amid climate volatility. Design/methodology/approach: This study follows a qualitative, conceptual, and meta-analytical design, developed through a four-step, inductive–deductive process aimed at constructing the proposed TRANSFORM-ALL framework. The approach integrates literature mapping, conceptual synthesis (steps 1 and 2), and interpretative analysis and validation to align the principles of TL theory with the methodological architectures of ALLs (steps 3 and 4). Findings: The framework organizes ALLs into six phases, which directly match with Mezirow’s TL steps: Initiation (disorienting dilemmas), Insight Research (critical reflection), Prototyping (collaborative experimentation), Field Testing (adaptive application), Feedback Loop (iterative discourse), and Scaling/Dissemination (systemic change). Practical Implications: The study provides an actionable tool for designing ALLs that systematically foster transformative learning by prioritizing dialogue, collective norm-creation, and stakeholder-aligned solutions. Practitioners gain a flexible yet rigorous model that could strengthen agricultural resilience through learning and iterative adaptation. Theoretical Implications: Theoretically, this research enhances pedagogical coherence in agricultural education by linking TL theory with participatory methodologies in ALLs. It clarifies how ALLs internalize TL principles, offering greater epistemological rigor to experiential approaches and helping to address conceptual heterogeneity in the field. In doing so, the study advances current understandings of learning in ALLs by complementing existing social learning and experiential learning theorical perspectives with a more systematic TL framework. Originality/Value: TRANSFORM-ALL uniquely integrates TL theory into Living Labs, positioning ALLs as tools for harmonizing ecological stewardship with collective learning. Its structured yet adaptable architecture would enhance agricultural systems’ capacity to respond to climate challenges through stakeholder-driven innovation, contributing a novel model for sustainable transitions.