Upscaling agroforestry in the tropics through actor-networks: a comparative case study of cacao farming systems in two regions of Colombia

Abstract Agroforestry systems (AFS) upscaling has the potential to integrate sustainability and resilience objectives into agriculture. However, this is a daunting task requiring multi-actor collaboration across public private sectors at multiple governance levels, coupled with innovative approaches jointly managing AFS knowledge. Understanding such interactions from network perspective may help unravel how social structures, created by relational patterns enhance or hinder upscaling. Our paper aims comparatively explore role of regional actor-networks on for selected farming system. By conducting semi-structured interviews, we collected information about ties 86 actors supporting cacao agroforestry (CAFS) two regions Colombia. We use analysis (SNA) visualize understand general structure these networks, find between diverse categories involved, identify set key players bridging majority within networks. highly centralized networks that connect low number mostly non-reciprocal ties. Within predominance over bonding ties, homophily among research education institutions, heterophily configurations farmer-based organizations. also composition sets platforms where they converge varies substantially region due decentralized agricultural policies differing characteristics regions. approach provides entry points promoting coalitions can effectively expand benefits in tropical systems.