Beyond soil and yields: a systematic review of social capital’s role in regenerative agriculture

Abstract

Despite growing global interest in regenerative agriculture (RA), the majority of the literature still focuses on biophysical benefits, overlooking the social and relational dynamics that play a role in its adoption and persistence. In order to close this critical gap, this review synthesizes recent research on the function of social capital in RA systems. From an initial list of approximately 400 peer-reviewed articles published within the last decade, 43 studies met predefined inclusion criteria for detailed analysis. These studies reveal important conceptual connections, thematic patterns, and case-based insights into how trust, networks, knowledge exchange, and collective action support regenerative practices. We also explored how RA intersects with other associated paradigms such as agroecology, organic farming, and sustainable agriculture. Although social capital is increasingly acknowledged, its integration into RA policy and research remains inconsistent. To advance the field, this review proposes a structured framework that organizes the role of social capital into five interconnected dimensions: knowledge exchange and learning systems, community building and collective identity, trust and relationship quality, participation, and organizational networks. This framework highlights the multidimensional ways in which social relations shape regenerative transitions and provides a transferable basis for guiding future research, practice, and policy design.