Juan Jose Rodriguez Giraldo
Project Title: Agroecological Transition, Knowledge and Power in the Irish Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS)
Biography: Juan José Rodríguez is a Teagasc Walsh Scholar and PhD Researcher in Political Science and Sociology at the University of Galway. His research explores how knowledge and power shape the transition towards agroecological practices in the Irish dairy sector through Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS). He is particularly interested in how farmers, advisors, researchers, industry actors, policymakers and other organisations influence what knowledge is produced, shared and considered valuable in agricultural decision-making.
His research draws on political economy, governance and network approaches to innovation to examine how interactions among these actors influence the production, sharing and uptake of agroecological knowledge within Irish dairy systems. Understanding these relationships is important because the transition towards more sustainable agriculture is not only a technical challenge, but also involves questions about whose knowledge is recognised, who has influence, and how knowledge moves between different actors.
Juan José has a background in Animal Science and Interdisciplinary Development Studies, with more than six years of experience in agroecological practice, rural extension and participatory research. His previous research in Colombia explored how sustainable production systems can create social, environmental and economic value, with a particular interest in opportunities for innovation and rural development.
Teagasc email juanjose.rodriguez@teagasc.ie
University email j.rodriguezgiraldo1@universityofgalway.ie
Teagasc Research Programme Rural Economy and Development Programme
Research Location Teagasc Athenry
University University of Galway
Teagasc Supervisor Áine Macken-Walsh
University Supervisor Brian McGrath
Funder Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM)