The added value of citizen-generated data for restoring and preserving soil health

The lack of adequate level of information hampers appropriate decision-making processes. The engagement of citizens in collecting data, the so-called citizen-generated data (CGD), can contribute to solve this challenge. This study seeks to assess the value of making decisions holding CGD and it proposes an approach to prioritize the collection of CGD capable of reducing uncertainties undergoing specific decision-making processes. This work is set in the context of improving decision-making processes to restore soil health. applying a stochastic cognitive mapping, we select different groups of stakeholders linked to specific decision-making objectives connected to defined soil health problems. Then, through an analytic hierarchy process, we identify the principal information gap – to be potentially filled by employing CGD – at the basis of the decision-making objectives individuated by each stakeholders’ group. Lastly, employing a qualitative value of information approach, we prioritize the CGD to be collected in relation to the recognised information gap.