Social Network Drivers of Agroecological Practices: Study of the Avocado Multi- stakeholder Platform
Abstract:
Smallholder farmers increasingly adopt agroecological practices to enhance productivity, eficiency, and market access while addressing climate vulnerabilities, market uncertainties, and financial instability. However, the role of social network drivers in fostering on-farm resilience practices remains underexplored. This study investigates the social network drivers supporting avocado agroecological practices among producers in Kenya, focusing on a multi-stakeholder platform. Using the social network analysis (SNA), the study identifies connections and central- ity measures within production, market, and information exchange networks. Data were collected through farmer interviews and analyzed using a multiple linear regression model to assess the influence of network centrality met- rics, sociodemographic factors, and farm attributes on agroecological techniques. The findings reveal that market centrality and information exchange networks influence agroecological practices more than production networks. The key factors such as farmers’ age and education level play a critical role in adoption, while farm size and gen- der show limited impact. The study highlights the importance of multi-stakeholder strategies in addressing societal challenges, particularly in the avocado sector that underpin the value of local initiatives that engage farmers in technology innovation. By leveraging the strengths of social networks, stakeholders can enhance knowledge shar- ing, build trust, and promote sustainable practices, ultimately improving farm resilience and productivity. These insights contribute to the broader discourse on agroecology and the Agricultural Innovation System, offering ac- tionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners to support smallholder farmers in Kenya.
