Agricultural innovation targeting approaches: Review and evidence from Bangladesh

Abstract

Agricultural innovation in diversified smallholder systems is often undermined by ad hoc targeting that overlooks local ecological and socio-economic heterogeneity. Drawing on a structured review and a multi-actor innovation process in southern and northern Bangladesh, this study examines how farm differentiation can more systematically guide intervention design. Using participatory workshops and an Agricultural Systems Framework, we classify stakeholder targeting approaches across contrasting farming systems. The findings show that innovation providers combine place-based, capability, network, socio-demographic and risk-mitigation strategies in different ways depending on land type, water access, salinity, market opportunities and farmer capacity. We propose a harmonised targeting framework to align public extension, specialised initiatives and private investment within a coordinated and adaptive system. This framework offers a practical basis for improving the precision, inclusiveness and scalability of agricultural innovation in diversified smallholder systems.