Systems-oriented Innovation towards Sustainable Smallholder Mixed Farming

Existing innovation approaches in smallholder mixed farming systems (MFS) often fall short by overlooking system complexity and local contexts. This Perspective calls for more responsible and effective co-design of MFS innovations. We outline distinct (socio-)technical innovation pathways, to better comprehend their opportunities and trade-offs. Drawing on case studies from Sub-Saharan Africa and South and South-East Asia, we identify three key enablers for MFS innovation approaches: systems thinking, participatory processes, and context-sensitivity. Together, these elements can help unlock the potential of MFS to improve livelihoods and advance landscape sustainability across the Global South.