Managing the Uncertainties of Long-term Strategies: a Methodological Proposal

This paper proposes a methodological approach to study processes of innovation in rural contexts. During the various phases of the project, the researchers’ perspective is integrated with the farmers’ point of view. The major drivers of change that may affect farming systems are identified through specific exercises conducted with the participation of the farmers as well as by means of an academic research analysis. A Delphi exercise is presented for the purpose of identifying possible future scenarios. Integration of farmers’ perspective with that of the researchers is proposed for the development of the Delphi technique during the experts’ identification phase. Lastly, a critical evaluation of the proposed methodology is presented.