Change Laboratory interventions for sustainable agriculture: fostering expansive learning

Abstract

Purpose: To provide a method for transforming the purpose and principles of agriculture. Design/methodology/approach: This study conducted a scoping review utilising the Change Laboratory, Developmental Work Research, Agriculture, Horticulture, and Permaculture as keywords in the primary scientific databases. Findings: Practitioners in formative interventions broadened problem understanding by adopting a systemic, historical perspective, formulating hypotheses of contradictions, creating and implementing a sustainable production concept, and fostering transformative agency. Practical implications: The CL interventions were able to address sustainability topics in agriculture. In doing so, the learning and change outcomes were particularly effective in enabling participants to deepen their understanding of the challenges they face in transforming the purpose and principles of agriculture. Theoretical implications: CHAT offers concepts, models, and principles that can be used to support practitioners to re-conceptualise their problems and collaboratively design more expanded solutions to resolve them. Originality/value: First review and discussion about formative interventions in the agriculture context.