Exploring relational farming futures for responsible innovation in precision agriculture through q-method and speculative design

• In Event: Science, Knowledge & Technology Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 10: The Contested Science of Climate Crisis

Abstract

This paper draws on concepts of speculative design and responsible innovation to examine the possible impacts of data-driven precision agriculture on farmers and farm work. We use an innovative mixed-method approach to research design. Using artistic depiction of futures of precision agriculture in design workshop, and in-depth semi-structured interviews, we explain how farmers perceive different futures of precision agriculture. Specifically, in our design workshop, we combined visual arts and social science methods, namely Q-method, to explore existing and new relationships between humans, technologies, and environment in the design, deployment, and use of data, algorithms, and automation in agriculture. Results from the Q-method and accompanying interviews reveal four distinct typologies: (a) farmers who believe that no technology can fully control nature but still recognize the value of innovative tools; (b) those who see precision agriculture technologies like grid-mapping as valuable for improving operational efficiency; (c) those who envision automation as central to the future of agriculture; and (d) others who anticipate the growing role of tech-savvy organizations and experts in supporting decision-making on the ground. Our study suggests that despite the techno-optimism demonstrated by farmers, many still desire to stay deeply involved and active in on-farm decision making. This study shows that inclusive and anticipatory methods like Q-methodology and design workshops can help surface farmers’ preferred futures while accounting for human–nonhuman interdependencies.

Authors

• Bhavna Joshi, Virginia Tech

• Maaz Gardezi, Associate Professor, Virginia Tech

• Edward Prutzer, Germanna Community College