Creating Farming Practices for Social Innovation: The Case of Kohnotori-hagukumu Nouhou (Farming formula nurturing oriental storks)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the process of social innovation through creation of Kohnotori-hagukumu Nouhou (KHN), or "Farming formula nurturing oriental storks, " which has been widely adopted by local farmers in Toyooka, Japan. Special analytical focus is on different roles and motivations of actors involved in the initial technical creation process to establish the farming formula. Results of the case study indicate that "key actor's passion and commitments", "lowering risks associated with introducing KHN", and "selection of growers enthusiastic about protection of oriental storks" were some of the key factors determining the winning of collaborators to the social innovation process.