A people-centred approach science is needed to create high-impact transformations

Let's start with some facts- yes, they are widely disseminated-, but give them a try:

• According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), approximately 70% of the Earth's land is degraded, potentially affecting 3.2 billion people, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.
• In 2019, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that since 1900, 75% of the genetic diversity of agricultural crops has been lost due to the pressure of climate change and unsustainable agricultural practices.

Statistics could work to raise awareness, but only by themselves it's difficult to think of them as change drivers. Statistics lack a human bond.

We cannot address those realities by forming a mental image of them. Statistics alone don't let us connect with the people behind them. First we should break down these overwhelming figures into concrete, actionable scenarios.

How can we ensure that the solutions developed in institutional, technical, or scientific environments truly benefit and connect with stakeholders all along the food systems? How can these solutions create opportunities that impact the social, cultural, and economic fabric?

We should place people at the forefront of endeavours.

Agricultural innovation cannot be rolled out like the latest smartphone. People must first be heard, and recognised as part of a community trying to transform their production systems and, consequently, their way of life. From its conception, innovation should rest on a platform where dialogue is the headstone.

This should be a self-evident truth, integrated into daily scientific practices. But this is not guaranteed. There are many cases of science working on harmonised systems for innovating and developing state-of-the-art tools and methodologies, without involving those who will benefit from them. It is widely recognised that the scientific community is often disconnected from the communities it aims to help. However this link is essential for research to be applied in decision-making, particularly in areas such as environmental management.

To accomplish this, we identify foundational principles for thriving on advancing stakeholder engagement and driving change:

• Deep dialogues come first.
• Design approaches, methodologies and solutions should be based on long-term relationships.
• Projects must be implemented within the specific needs of the multi-actor communities.
• Understanding that what is effective in one may not be suitable for another.

Change does not happen in isolation. It happens when people, all along the value chain, engage in meaningful dialogues, and that is the key to bridging the gap between what we know and what we do.