Central to the project will be the collection of empirical data from three case studies in the region aiming to investigate local manifestations of agricultural change. Inspired by assemblage and complexity theories, agricultural systems are conceptualized as dynamic social and ecological systems alike. System changes are always co-produced by a variety of social, natural, technical, and political constituents. Accordingly, the research will strongly draw on integrative methods. 

Three local case studies will be conducted in the Punjab (Pakistan), Khatlon (Tajikistan), and Almaty (Kazakhstan) regions. The study will be complemented by two cross-cutting research modules, one investigating the ecological dimension of agricultural transformations in more detail, and the other focusing on China’s role as emerging stakeholder in the region, particularly in the realm of its growing bioeconomy sector. Departing from empirical analyses of past and current trends, we want to explore potential future pathways. Through a series of participatory workshops in the three study regions, the research group will develop local bioeconomy scenarios that will reveal possible social-ecological risks and will identify potential leverage points for proactive management strategies.