Innovative Advisory Practices
Coming soon
Innovative Advisory Practices (IAPs) use farmer-focused methods like training, farm walks, coaching, and demos to address key agricultural challenges with practical solutions. They are adaptable to local contexts and guided by inclusivity, sustainability, and evidence-based approaches.
Definition of Innovative Advisory Practices (IAPs) in the LIVENET Project
Innovative Advisory Practices (IAPs) for Sustainable Livestock Production (SLP) are defined as a combination of three key dimensions:
Purpose
- A technical-organizational solution that addresses a specific SLP challenge.
- Covers four thematic areas or integrated advice at the farm level.
Process
- Uses advisory methods that align with farmers’ learning processes, such as:
- Training programs
- Farm walks
- Individual or collective advising
- Demonstrations
- Encourages interactive innovation by combining top-down and bottom-up approaches.
Context-based Adaptation
- The effectiveness of IAPs depends on how well they fit within regional and sector-specific conditions, including:
- National agricultural policies
- Pedo-climatic conditions
- Learning habits and cultural factors
- Contextual adaptation ensures faster uptake and adoption by practitioners.
LIVENET's Approach to Developing and Scaling IAPs
Methodology
- An iterative and feedback loop to collect, assess, adapt, and refine 100 IAPs.
- Involvement of the Scientific and Technical Group (STG) with experts from all EU regions.
- A structured evaluation process using a Strengths and Weaknesses grid.
Collection & Selection Process
- Two waves of IAP collection:
- First wave (end of Year 1) → 33 case studies
- Second wave (mid-Year 2)→ 67 case studies
- Selection of replicable and scalable IAPs (50% of collected cases).
Evaluation Criteria
Strengths:
- Usability – Easy to adopt by advisors.
- Simplicity – Minimal inputs and outputs required.
- Success/Impact – Proven to improve farmer performance.
- Transferability – Can be adapted to different contexts.
Weaknesses:
- Implementation barriers – Structural and governance challenges.
- Resources required – Time, tools, and expertise needed.
Validation & Dissemination
- Evaluated IAPs will be documented and made available in an e-library.
- They will be reviewed in regional and EU-wide cross visits with farmers and advisors.
- Digital Advisory Tools (DATS) will be integrated to support implementation.
