Applying a conceptual framework for effective implementation of on-farm greenhouse gas mitigation: Evaluation of knowledge exchange methods in Wales and Uruguay

Globally, agriculture must tackle many complex challenges to ensure food security for a growing population while safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystem services and contributing to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction. Effective agricultural knowledge exchange (KE) strategies are vital to implementing GHG emissions mitigation measures. Here, KE activities undertaken by publicly funded extension services in Wales (in the global north) and Uruguay (in the global south) were compared using a previously developed conceptual framework. The main goals were to assess the utility of the framework and to evaluate KE methods in terms of i) potential challenges to initial engagement, ii) categories of challenge they could address and their potential mode of operation, iii) their potential impacts on non-target stakeholder groups, including iv) the interests and limitations of KE practitioners. Use of the framework highlighted issues including the need to i) tackle initial challenges potentially affecting engagement with mitigation narratives, ii) widen the outlook of stakeholders on climate change and emissions reduction, iii) recognise how KE may affect, and be affected by, non-target stakeholders and, iv) address KE practitioners’ needs and outlooks. Priorities for improved implementation of mitigation measures include the use of technical (e.g. modelling) and social (e.g. discussions involving non-food chain actors) KE methods that act on stakeholder interests, with the potential to engage farmers in empowering KE processes for GHG emissions mitigation. A renewed research focus on agricultural extension systems is needed to more effectively apply KE resources to meet sectoral GHG emissions targets.