Research has a critical role in supporting the implementation of farming practices that are appropriate for meeting food and climate security for a growing global population. Notwithstanding progress towards more sustainable agricultural production, the rate of change varies across and within regions and is, overall, too slow. Understanding what is and is not working at the implementation level and, critically, providing justified explanations on outcomes, is an important contribution of the literature. Based on the assumption that theory-informed research can contribute to adoption policy and practice, this review ascertained and described the use of theory in the identification and examination of barriers to adoption in studies included in a recent systematic literature review. Following the application of criteria for ‘theory use’, 16 studies out of 75 were found to have applied or built upon one or more of 14 theories and models in their research approaches, including established theories in the social and behavioural sciences, as well as systems based models developed specifically in the sustainable agriculture space. Following a description of theory and model use in the studies, results are discussed relative to how theoretical constructs and mechanisms within individual and across studies can assist in explaining why and how adoption of sustainable practices is constrained.

Purpose: Females are underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), both in the workforce and in universities. Low self-efficacy and limited access to role models are key factors preventing retention of female STEM students enrolled in university degrees. This paper aims to report on one social marketing pilot programme that was co-designed to increase self-efficacy in females currently enrolled in STEM programmes. Design/methodology/approach: The Co-create, Build and Engage (C-B-E) framework was applied. Process and outcome evaluations were conducted using a repeated measure design to assess pilot programme effectiveness. Findings: A significant increase in self-efficacy and high satisfaction rates were observed for STEM students that attended the bias literacy workshop. Social advertisements raised awareness for available STEM specific university services. Originality/value: This paper outlines the application of the C-B-E framework. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study delivers the first scientific paper reporting an outcome evaluation for a social marketing programme seeking to retain women enrolled in university STEM degrees.

Purpose: This paper aims to offer a detailed explanation of the five-step creating collective solutions (CCS) process and a contrast from the collective intelligence (CI) methodology. The CCS process described in this paper is set within the very wicked problem of improving water quality flowing into the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef. Design/methodology/approach: Leveraging the strengths of CI and co-design methodologies, CCS offers a streamlined five-step process that can be implemented in a short time period (16 weeks). Findings: A total of 220 barriers were identified by stakeholders selected in the project working group meeting. Stakeholders participating in the CCS workshop identified 12 key barriers, and they generated an action map and solutions that could be applied to improve water quality. The CCS process was delivered in a shorter time frame when compared to the CI method that it drew upon. Research limitations/implications: This study aimed to extend beyond CI by adding the seven-step co-design process to a shortened CI process. Method details are provided to permit researchers interested in extending CI methodologies beyond problem definition and understanding towards solution generation. Future research is needed to more directly compare and/or contrast the two models of research within the same context. Ideally, this research should be conducted using a field trial to permit a direct evaluation of the two approaches to be undertaken. Practical implications: Application of the CCS process identified 12 key barriers and solutions that could be implemented to improve water quality. Stakeholders agreed that the installation of stormwater management structures was one approach that could be applied to prevent chemicals from flowing into waterways. Other issues included the need for improved communication and confidence to monitor and evaluate progress. CCS delivers clear guidance on approaches that need to be implemented in the short, mid and long term to address very wicked problems. Originality/value: CCS delivers a guided process that can be implemented in a short time frame to identify solutions that can be implemented to address very wicked problems.