Are smallholder farmers involved in the process of agroecological innovations? Evidence from vegetable farmers in the Republic of Benin

Although recent studies show that agroecological innovations are effective techniques that ensure sustainable food production, their development and adoption are less well-known. This study aims to understand how agroecological innovation occurs in vegetable farming in Benin. Data were collected from 300 randomly selected households in three main vegetable-producing areas in Benin. Among agroecological vegetable innovations developed over the last 10 years, about 49% are outside innovations that farmers know of, 31% are outside innovations that farmers are not familiar with, and 22% are identified by farmers as local innovations. Innovations are better known in municipalities where farmers have more formal education, access to extension services, and access to credit. Farmers' priority innovations relate to integrated soil fertility, pest control, and water management. Promoting these practices would be an effective way towards achieving sustainable food security. Many farmers (82%) were not associated with the innovation process. Agroecological stakeholders need to go beyond traditional forms of top -down intervention and involve farmers in the innovation process.