When complex organizational, institutional, technical (production, processing) and market constraints and needs are being faced by limited resources, innovative R&D methodologies are required for appropriate, efficient and effective solutions. In 1996, more than 200 cassava starch processing households were being faced by a myriad of problems regarding their small agro-industries, resulting in poor social & economic conditions. This was further aggrevated by serious public order problems due to violent actions of "guerilla" groups throughout Cauca Valley, Colombia. Demands for intervention from farmer processor groups and local institutions led to an innovative R&D action plan. Several principal approaches were combined for this R&D action plan; (i) integration of the principal actors and activities in the production to consumption chain : (ii) integration of client opinions with expert analyses; (iii) prioritization and consensus among stakeholders, and (iv) optimization of project resources efficiency. Rapid industry inventory, sampled technical surveys, focus group sessions, market analysis, concensus seeking partner workshops together with a frequent information feedback system generated a set of collaborative project proposals acceptable to and co-owned by all partners. Three out of four sub-proposals have already been financed and are currently being executed. This paper, first, lays out the background conditions of Cauca Valley, followed by a discussion on the basic R&D approaches and participatory needs opportunities assessment methodologies used. Then it summarizes the principal and most relevant findings, and concludes with summing up the advantages of the used combination of approaches and methodologies.