A coevolutionary perspective on the adoption of sustainable land use practices: The case of afforestation on degraded croplands in Uzbekistan

摘要: Abstract Cotton export substantially contributes to Uzbekistan's economy. To produce cotton, the state imposes output targets on farmers which results in intensified cotton production practices, and consequently land degradation. Improving degraded croplands via afforestation is an option explored through research experiments region, yet currently not practiced by farmers. Using example of Amu Darya River lowlands Uzbekistan, we analyze its implementation constraints, developing a coevolutionary socio-ecological systems framework that leans evolutionary economics governance theories. Our study shows farmers' perceptions rationalities, close association with configurations actors, institutions knowledges, make them unreceptive towards afforestation. Altering relations between agricultural actors are present cotton-centric configuration difficult given path-, inter- goal dependencies. change rural sustainable development paths, conclude adoption innovations requires tailoring knowledge technology fitting local situation, as well reassembling knowledge.