According to the literature on regime transition, niches are sources of innovation that may lead to the transformation of the dominant regime, if processes at other level of the system – the landscape and the mainstream regime - are supportive. A focus on actors involved in the transition process and the analysis of their specific role in knowledge networks can help assessing the robustness of a specific niche and its growth potential. Knowledge systems, and in particular the dynamics of local and expert knowledge, have in fact a key role in innovation models.
This training document provides technical facilitators and producers with the tools to develop experimental training in agroecological silvopastoral systems and to sensitize producers in the recognition of the importance of trees and shrub species as integral component of the silvopastoral system. Diagnostic tools are combined with group dynamics, ballot box, fruit salad and plenary discussions, among others, to familiarize participants with the different silvopastoral models and to define main tree and shrub species in the region.