Behavioral intelligence in plant breeding: A framework for qualitative research

Large-scale challenges such as climate change, malnutrition, reducing biodiversity, social inequities, and poverty threaten the well-being of millions of smallholders in the Global South. Recognizing these challenges, plant breeding efforts have embraced new types of targets to better support smallholders. They do so, for instance, by breeding more climate-tolerant and nutritious varieties, and by paying more attention to breeding of so-called orphan crops, which are typically not traded internationally but play an important role in regional food security. In doing so, plant breeding programs are placing a greater emphasis on ensuring that new varieties and products meet producers’ and consumers’ needs.