Reorienting Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture: A Study Based on Bean’s Traditional Knowledge Management

Historically, innovation has been a milestone in achieving sustainable agriculture for small-scale producers. For several centuries, innovation has improved agricultural activity. However, there is still the challenge of introducing technologies pertinent to the knowledge and practices of small producers to achieve sustainability. Therefore, the present study explores the traditional knowledge embedded in the activities of Planting–Harvest and First Disposal circuit (PHFDc) of beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) for its innovation involving the social, economic, and environmental context. Applying the methodology of roadmapping technology to 73 small-scale producers in Guanajuato, Mexico, combining the SDGs catalogue, in addition to statistical analysis, the results show access to government financial support; improving sales price, production, area, and profitability; having accessible tools; creating their inputs; in addition to having more excellent knowledge for plant care and advice as strategies to develop within economic sustainability. In this sense, based on the assertion that social and productive conditions are directly related to innovation, the proposal for reorientation is towards the creation of word credit, improving bean varieties, sustainable practices, mechanical seeders, bean corridors, and the connection with associations and institutes as the most pertinent ones that are developing in similar contexts. This research can be significant for small producers and the general population regarding food security, zero hunger, and the fight against climate change, as well as for researchers and politicians who support continuing new studies.