Diversity and location: key elements to the production of agroecological technical novelties by smallholders

The institutionalization of the industrial agriculture regime weakened the potential of novelties production by smallholders. Novelties here are understood as specific types of innovations, necessary to find solutions to the current multifaceted agricultural crises and to move towards more sustainable agrifood systems. The objective of this article is to understand how the different approaches to agroecology support the experimentation processes of technical novelties by smallholders. To reach this goal, participatory observation and semi-structured interviews were carried out with smallholders in the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais. Biodiversity was identified as an important factor that enables experimentation and creation of agroecological technical innovations. The ability to adapt to the biophysical environment and the daily observations made by smallholders are key elements. Diversity and location, both fundamental components of agroecology, have proved essential in stimulating the creative capacities of smallholders.