D1.1 Context analysis and co-creation methodology

This report is a deliverable of GALILEO Task 1.1: Context definition and context-based methodology development to co-create promising management innovations of AFSPs (M1–M8), led by CIRAD, with support of all in‑country partners. T1.1 sheds light on the social and institutional context of GALILEO project's focal zones and develops the multi‑actor co‑creation methodology. Deliverable D1.1 establishes the contextual baseline and a shared co‑creation pathway for eight Living Labs (LLs) across Senegal (2), Kenya (1), Ghana (3) and Cameroon (2), providing a harmonised evidence base and practical procedures to initiate multi‑actor design of agro‑(silvo‑) pastoral innovations. The tables in the section 3.1 offer condensed information about the LLs. The document synthesises country contributions developed under a common yet flexible methodology and sets out how each team assembled and analysed data to build a comparable foundation for subsequent tasks in WP1 and beyond. It is explicitly presented as a synthesis of the data collected and analysed in each LL and supporting materials produced through coordinated fieldwork and analysis, with methodological sensitisation sessions conducted to ensure consistent application in all sites.The overall description (title, size, coauthors) of the 4 countries (8 LLs) documents is available in ANNEX 8 and the original files (anonymized) are shared in Zenodo. The overall approach described in T1.1 articulated a sequence of “five‑step” process that combines secondary and primary sources in iterative cycles of collection and interpretation. After an initial organisation of roles and the desk review (about 500 documents screened), teams conducted key informant interviews (155 KII), launched internal data collection, and prepared the data analysis to inform two cornerstone activities: the baseline survey (under WP5) and the LL inception workshop. These, in turn, feed a second round of analysis that straddles several tasks of the GALILEO project (T1.2, T1.3, T2.1, T5.1). A comparative analysis of the eight LLs reveals clear ecological and institutional contrasts that shape co‑creation priorities. Three broad clusters emerge: Sahelian crop–livestock and rangeland systems in Senegal (Niakhar, Ouarkhokh); humid and semi‑deciduous cocoa landscapes in Cameroon and Ghana (Loum‑Tombel, Ntui‑Bokito, Aponoapono–Suhum, New Edubiase, Joabeso–Goaso); and mid‑altitude smallholder mosaics in Kenya (Embu). Across these contexts, recurrent challenges include rainfall variability, soil‑fertility decline, and market‑coordination gaps, while convergent opportunities centre on tree‑based regulation of microclimates, improvement of soil functions, and farmer‑led diversification. The synthesis points to differentiated lines of work within a shared co‑creation framework: rangeland and water‑governance options for Sahelian sites; tenure‑sensitive agroforestry, shade management and varietal choices for cocoa landscapes; and erosion control, input–service bundling and market access in the Kenyan highlands. Taken together, the comparative lens justifies a portfolio approach that flexes common methods to local conditions and deliberately fosters cross‑site learning around “robust” practices that travel well.