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This study assesses the extent to which growers integrate the 13 principles of agroecology within their farm activities. This is a first step that helps to determine the changes required in different farm components to foster the adoption of agroecology. We used the holistic Farm-Level Agroecology Criteria Tool (F-ACT) to assess the alignment with agroecological principles of 31 farms representative of smallholder irrigated family farms in the Merguellil Plain region of central Tunisia. Although various agroecological practices were implemented, the results revealed little integration of agroecological principles at the farm level, estimated at 34% of the full transition. In a difficult production resource access context, recycling and reducing inputs were the principles mostly applied, with the goal of improving resource use efficiency and farm system resilience. More specialized and market-oriented farms tended to rely on conventional practices, while diversified farms, often cultivating their own land, exhibited more sustainable practices. Although producers’ dominant rationale was to improve their market access, thereby often resorting to more conventional practices, we nevertheless noted interesting practices such as mixed crop and livestock production, which could facilitate the transition to more agroecological systems in these lowlands where production factors are scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like many Mediterranean areas, the Italian island of Sicily faces multiple environmental pressures such as soil loss, fire hazards, and extreme meteorological events, all of which negatively impact local food systems. In response to these threats, a re-thinking of local agriculture and natural resource management is increasingly needed. Agroecology is recognized as a robust proposal for building more resilient food systems grounded in farmers' knowledge and practices. However, agroecological farming experiences struggle to operate and survive in Sicily due to unfavorable political-cultural, environmental, and socio-economic conditions. Learning from small-scale farmers about the ways they perceive, understand, and overcome structural limits and environmental constraints is key for a transition to agroecology in the study area. Understanding its potentials and limits is essential for planning and identifying transformative actions. We approached the problem by adopting a participatory action research methodology involving selected groups of farmers in Western Sicily. We applied a co-creative approach and developed a systemic analysis of the socio-ecological narratives to identify possible leverage points for a transition to agroecology in the study area. We identified a local potential for shifting the current system of water and fire hazards management to new systems of participatory land stewardship. To be effective, these systems should support agroecological farmers' income by altering social practices related to food and reducing the influence of dominant agribusiness actors. Our findings indicate that implementing solutions based on the circulation of local ecological knowledge within systems of participatory guarantees can favor the development of solidarity economies and mutualistic relations between farmers, scientists, and communities. Our work suggests that scientists' facilitation and knowledge cocreation might be of key importance in structuring local, more sustainable food systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humanity faces unparalleled challenges, encompassing climate change, economic and political turbulence, as well as pressing societal issues like food insecurity and poverty. The policies guiding our food systems, from production to consumption, navigate a complex landscape marked by paradoxes, realities, contradictions, challenges, and opportunities. Despite the presence of evidence-based policy frameworks, there remains a lack of comprehension regarding the fundamental factors essential for fostering a sustainable planet and a more inclusive society. It is imperative to challenge rooted perceptions surrounding even the most conventional aspects of agri-food systems, thereby justifying sustainable reforms and agroecological transitions. Such endeavors bolster societal and environmental resilience against economic, social, and environmental crises. Envisioning a viable future demands a more critical approach to the design of agro-policy and research frameworks. Embracing a paradigm shift rooted in skepticism is imperative for shaping equitable, environmentally conscious, and sustainable policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study community interactions and thus to highlight potential ways to support farmers' professional transition toward more sustainable agriculture. Methodology: Mixed methods with a questionnaire, interviews, peer-to-peer interactions, and a theoretical framework to analyze drivers of indeterminacy that can trigger a break in farmers' routines. The study took place in a digital agricultural community. Findings: We highlighted three potential drivers of indeterminacy in a professional transition process like Agroecological Transition (AET), as well as the role of community facilitator. Practical implications: Integrating into farmers' training and extension services the issues of valuation to discuss how practices and objects are prised and evaluated. This can open a way for new meanings and values that support AET and support a departure from usual standards. Theoretical implications: Applying inquiry theory as an epistemic proposition to examine support for farmers' professional transitions and their training in relation to their real work situation. Originality: We propose an articulation between the study of a digital platform and the analysis of the drivers of engagement in an agroecological transition process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current Agriculture and Food System is not delivering adequate food and nutrition for all. There is a need to transform the current agriculture and food system towards a more diverse, efficient, resilient, and sustainable production that provides the growing population with nutritious, healthy and affordable food while restoring the natural environment. Adopting agroecological approaches as nature-based solutions is increasingly seen as being able to contribute to transforming current agriculture and food production toward sustainability. Ethiopia is one of the potential countries identified for agroecological production. However, more evidence is needed to demonstrate the transformative capacity of agroecology and its applicability to food system change in various contexts for out-scaling of the approach. This paper aims to present evidence on the agroecological performance of smallholder production systems and possibilities for agroecological transition in Ethiopia. Data was collected from 619 farm households. Results showed that the majority of farms assessed had very low agroecological performance, with the majority of farmers operating non-agroecological farms with very limited connectivity between the various components of agroecology. Among the 10 elements of agroecology examined in this analysis, only two surpassed the 50% threshold. However, the study findings indicate that the majority of farms hold potential for transitioning to agroecology. Differentiated pathways for sustainable food systems should prioritize investments in fostering responsible scaling of agroecological production, enhancing environmental sustainability, fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships, promoting co-learning and co-creation, and integrating local agroecological knowledge into decision-making processes.

Human development must ensure the welfare and survival of an ever-growing population. To assess the impact of agroecosystems on sustainability in Nariño (Colombia), variables related to sustainable development were evaluated through a semi-structured survey conducted with 122 producers from 6 municipalities in the Nariño department. The association between the categorical variables associated with the pillars of sustainability was analyzed using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). From the MCA, 23 indicators were selected, representing quantitative information on the economic, social, and environmental characteristics of the participants. The municipalities were characterized according to the needs and strengths of the producers. Five groups encompass most characteristics of the producers, which are largely independent of geopolitical conditions. On the other hand, the population characterization indicates that the economic well-being of fruit growers can promote the conservation of natural resources. Finally, a principal component factor analysis (PCFA) was conducted to construct the General Sustainability Index (GSI). A network graph for each municipality revealed that the indicators of the production systems are in an unfavorable environment in almost all aspects related to sustainability. The GSI values reveal unstable agroecological conditions that are causing environmental deterioration, with critical levels in the municipalities of Arboleda, Sandoná, and Providencia. Social investment and public policies must be implemented to improve the economic conditions of the producers, accompanied by legislation on the proper management of natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the need for agricultural system management under sustainability principles, identification and quantification of the landscape structure surrounding production systems is a tool that allows farmers to make their agroecological transition processes more appropriate. An ACI with eight indicators was proposed for farm assessment. This ACI is focused on functional connectivity both at farm and landscape levels. Two Colombian farms with different connectivity characteristics were evaluated under the index. Tosoly presented a stronger ecological structure and higher connectivity and diversity. Villa Alicia showed a weak ecological structure and low connectivity and complexity. From a systemic approach, the ACI allows an analysis of landscape structural conditions that promote ecological functions of pollination and biological controllers. With landscape structural conditions, it is possible to analyze the quantity and quality of the habitat for designing agroecological transition programs focused on obtaining productive agroecosystems that simultaneously comply with conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like many Mediterranean areas, the Italian island of Sicily faces multiple environmental pressures such as soil loss, fire hazards, and extreme meteorological events, all of which negatively impact local food systems. In response to these threats, a re-thinking of local agriculture and natural resource management is increasingly needed. Agroecology is recognized as a robust proposal for building more resilient food systems grounded in farmers’ knowledge and practices. However, agroecological farming experiences struggle to operate and survive in Sicily due to unfavorable political-cultural, environmental, and socio-economic conditions. Learning from small-scale farmers about the ways they perceive, understand, and overcome structural limits and environmental constraints is key for a transition to agroecology in the study area. Understanding its potentials and limits is essential for planning and identifying transformative actions. We approached the problem by adopting a participatory action research methodology involving selected groups of farmers in Western Sicily. We applied a co-creative approach and developed a systemic analysis of the socio-ecological narratives to identify possible leverage points for a transition to agroecology in the study area. We identified a local potential for shifting the current system of water and fire hazards management to new systems of participatory land stewardship. To be effective, these systems should support agroecological farmers’ income by altering social practices related to food and reducing the influence of dominant agribusiness actors. Our findings indicate that implementing solutions based on the circulation of local ecological knowledge within systems of participatory guarantees can favor the development of solidarity economies and mutualistic relations between farmers, scientists, and communities. Our work suggests that scientists’ facilitation and knowledge co-creation might be of key importance in structuring local, more sustainable food systems.

To emerge as a dominant socio-technological regime, agroecological transitions require supportive public policies and collective agroecological actions, with refinement in scientific/technological practices, cultures, markets, and user preferences. Using a multi-level perspective approach, this study inquires why the proper positioning of these determinants is substantial in transforming niche innovations in agroecology into a dominant regime by replacing vicious cycles associated with enriching agribusiness with virtuous cycles that support regional ecologies and communities. The models of agroecological transition during the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods in Kerala and how the political agroecological position during the latter period succeeded in enabling a transition were examined. Owing to the landscape turbulence caused by COVID-19, the Government of Kerala triggered the de/realignment of determinants toward agroecological transition through programs, strategies, and nudges using a bottom-up approach under the "Subhiksha Keralam" (Self Sufficient Kerala) project. At the agroecosystem level, Characteristics of Agroecological Transition was used to quantify the magnitude of transition, the results demonstrating an improvement in farms during the COVID-19 period. The majority of homestead farms were characterized as agroecological, either in transition or advanced. Agroecological transition became possible because the government systematically targeted user preferences and societal values, along with modifying policy and technology, through nudges, thereby preventing possible lock-ins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Biológico Agropecuaria Tuxpan is the property of Revista Biologico Agropecuaria Tuxpan and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The simplification of the landscape as a consequence of the decrease in biodiversity and the adoption of monoculture production systems has led to a significant decrease in the provision of ecosystem services in the territory. The conversion of agroecosystems requires the adoption of agroecological techniques, which aim to design the agroecosystem as an integrated part of a vegetation matrix of the landscape, interconnecting the different production systems with the agricultural landscape. In order to measure the degree of connectivity of agroecosystems with the landscape, we used the Main Agroecological Structure (MAS) method, which was applied to 36 small agroecosystems of vegetable, livestock and fruit producers, which generally presented a low degree of connectivity. This allows us to evaluate the potential of these systems for agroecological transition, since being present in a moderately complex agricultural landscape gives important advantages over a more simplified system, allowing these producers to dispense with the use of many energy subsidies. This evaluation allows a first approximation to the quantification of the landscape matrix and will allow a comparison between agroecosystems or an evaluation of the evolution of the MAS over time. It is necessary to complement the MAS by quantifying the ecosystem services that may be associated with it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the issues surrounding the agroecological transition in the European wine industry, focusing on reducing pesticide use, developing organic certification and using genetic research in relation to resistant grape varieties. The study distinguishes between stakeholders from the wine industry, institutions and the agricultural research sector. The findings consistently identify the agroecological transition as a priority, particularly in terms of pesticide reduction. However, variations exist in the views of the surveyed stakeholders. French and Portuguese stakeholders emphasise the role of market and societal pressures as drivers of the transition, while Italian producers do not. Professionals in France and Portugal express doubts about achieving pesticide reduction through changes in practices, while others stress the importance of regulatory constraints. The research also highlights industry challenges such as decreased consumption due to health awareness and the need for social responsibility. Resistant grape varieties are seen as a viable solution, especially for the development of organic production, but market acceptability remains a significant hurdle. The study sheds light on stakeholder perspectives and challenges, thus contributing to a better understanding of priorities in the European wine industry’s pursuit of sustainable practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How farms and the surrounding landscape are managed locally substantially affects biodiversity, with consequent impacts on the supply of certain ecosystem services, such as pollination. Wild bees provide pollination services for small-scale horticultural farming, and are key to determining and improving farm production, as well as maintaining ecosystem-level diversity. Here, we investigated how landscape composition and agroecological practices affect wild bee community in small-scale horticultural farms. The study was conducted at 16 horticultural farms in the northern part of Madrid. The pan-trapping method was used to collect wild bees during the flowering period of horticultural plants. We interviewed farmers to identify which agroecological practices were primarily adopted to attain a resilient ecosystem. The most common practices adopted were weed control methods, natural fertilizer usage, pest control, and crop diversification. In total, 109 wild bee species were identified, and included individuals from all six bee families present on the Iberian Peninsula. One genus (Lasioglossum) was highly abundant, accounting for 68% of individuals, and is a known ground nester. Areas of sparse vegetation and bare soil and forested areas primarily enhanced the richness of bee species. On the other hand, abundance of wild bees is enhanced by pasture and forest areas. The presence of these habitats in areas surrounding farms might represent the potential nesting sites with important resources for wild bees. Small-scale horticulture production promotes landscape diversity, which strongly promotes the potential of different ecosystem services, including pollination and wild bees. Thus, implementing agroecological practices could transcend farms, and individual fields, to the landscape level, providing long-term sustainability of ecosystems.

Given the need for agricultural system management under sustainability principles, identification and quantification of the landscape structure surrounding production systems is a tool that allows farmers to make their agroecological transition processes more appropriate. An ACI with eight indicators was proposed for farm assessment. This ACI is focused on functional connectivity both at farm and landscape levels. Two Colombian farms with different connectivity characteristics were evaluated under the index. Tosoly presented a stronger ecological structure and higher connectivity and diversity. Villa Alicia showed a weak ecological structure and low connectivity and complexity. From a systemic approach, the ACI allows an analysis of landscape structural conditions that promote ecological functions of pollination and biological controllers. With landscape structural conditions, it is possible to analyze the quantity and quality of the habitat for designing agroecological transition programs focused on obtaining productive agroecosystems that simultaneously comply with conservation strategies.

The sustainable transformation of agri-food systems through the application of agroecological principles can help to mitigate the effects of the food crisis triggered by the health emergency and the subsequent economic recession. Accordingly, the aim of this reflection research article is to reflect on the correspondence of the principles of transformative innovation (TI) with the agroecological approach and how its application favours the processes of generation, diffusion and adoption of agroecological innovations. It is currently recognised that overcoming social and environmental challenges can contribute to economic growth and competitiveness in the long term, which becomes the basis of TI policies aimed at the generation, diffusion and adaptation of environmental and social innovations, framed within the achievement of the SDGs. At the territorial level, innovations conceived from a sectoral approach can limit the analysis of the contribution of science, technology and innovation in solving social problems. Therefore, especially in rural areas, the application of IT principles can help support agroecological transition processes, which allow addressing social, economic, political and environmental challenges.

The simplification of the landscape as a consequence of the decrease in biodiversity and the adoption of monoculture production systems has led to a significant decrease in the provision of ecosystem services in the territory. The conversion of agroecosystems requires the adoption of agroecological techniques, which aim to design the agroecosystem as an integrated part of a vegetation matrix of the landscape, interconnecting the different production systems with the agricultural landscape. In order to measure the degree of connectivity of agroecosystems with the landscape, we used the Main Agroecological Structure (MAS) method, which was applied to 36 small agroecosystems of vegetable, livestock and fruit producers, which generally presented a low degree of connectivity. This allows us to evaluate the potential of these systems for agroecological transition, since being present in a moderately complex agricultural landscape gives important advantages over a more simplified system, allowing these producers to dispense with the use of many energy subsidies. This evaluation allows a first approximation to the quantification of the landscape matrix and will allow a comparison between agroecosystems or an evaluation of the evolution of the MAS over time. It is necessary to complement the MAS by quantifying the ecosystem services that may be associated with it.

Public procurement can help drive a transition to a more sustainable food system based on local agroecological production. In countries with large public education systems, school and university canteen services can play a significant role by virtue of their enormous centralized purchasing power. In this study, we investigate the potential and feasibility of implementing an enduring transformation to a sustainable food procurement model in public higher education institutions based on agroecological principles for the case of Spain. To address our research questions, we employed participatory workshops and a questionnaire survey (1,058 respondents) to analyze perceptions and priorities around sustainable food practices on campus of the university community across three Spanish public universities. Workshop participants proposed and prioritized interventions aimed at improving the sustainability of oncampus food services. Some recommendations for action for policy makers are detailed in the Discussion section, as key actors in this process. Pathways toward a future transition to more sustainable practices included the importance of food services to the university community, the high level of understanding of food system impacts and demand for change from consumers on university campuses, the universities’ commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the potential of university networks as a powerful agent of social change and social innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small producers are participating more and more in the debate on moving towards sustainable agriculture. Natural resources are given as the main reason, but these producers also base their decisions on the need to produce enough food to feed their families and strengthen local economies. During the transition, however, economic and productive sustainability represents a real challenge for the producers and the organizations to which they belong. This study analyzes the experiences of coffee-growing families located in the department of Cauca, Colombia. These families opted for a transition from conventional management to certified organic coffee production while continuing—within the framework of the agroecological transition—to produce and market food. The study aim consisted of identifying those factors that favor or pose a threat to remaining within the certification, as well as the degree of importance of these factors as they relate to the sustainability of the family production units (FPU). To achieve this, a qualitative research approach was adopted that required collaborative work tools involving producers, technicians, and researchers. Limiting factors to holding the organic certification, as identified from the results, were the precariousness of the FPUs, their dispersion and their heterogeneity, limited access to the supply chain, and the requirements for labor, while factors that favored transition were related to the extensive knowledge of the FPUs, their capacity for productive and economic diversification, the organization of collective work and the revitalization of other productive initiatives that achieve the commitment of different groups of producers. The contribution of this study lies in helping to re-design sustainability strategies with groups of small producers of coffee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the transformative potential of an agroecological project in addressing challenges faced by vulnerable smallholder farmers in Kembata Tembaro, Ethiopia. Four key indicators of farmers' food security – enset stock, land sharing, agricultural biodiversity, and fodder production – were assessed before and after the project implementation. The findings reveal that the agroecological transition initiated by the project positively impacted all indicators, with longer-term beneficiaries experiencing more significant improvements. The transition resulted in breaking the vicious circle of food insecurity and in establishing a virtuous circle of improved livelihoods and resilience through enhanced productivity, reintroduction of livestock, and the production and marketing of fodder into local markets. The study also highlights the crucial role of traditional indigenous organizations, in identifying context-specific needs and in creating and sharing knowledge for successful agroecological transitions. Millions of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia are trapped in a vicious circle of food insecurity and vulnerability due to soil degradation, high population density, and depletion of natural resources. This research serves as a compelling call to prioritize and invest in agroecology as a key solution to sustainably intensify smallholder agriculture, conserve natural resources, protect biodiversity, and improve the livelihoods of vulnerable farmers in similar contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture can benefit from crop diversification to facilitate its transition to more sustainable agrifood systems. However, these practices remain rare in Europe. One major barrier is the existence of sociotechnical lock-ins. To clarify the dynamics at work, we analyzed the relationships between actors involved in 23 crop diversification experiences across 11 European countries. The novelty of this paper lies in the systemic analysis of the network of actors involved in crop diversification experiences. Using data from qualitative interviews and cognitive mapping approaches, we identify and describe the role of actors and the key relationships in crop diversification and detect relationships that are currently missing. Our study shows that in the different European countries, similar relationships act as levers or barriers to crop diversification, with farmers and researchers playing a crucial role. The most important cognitive factors that influence the choice of farmers to diversify are environmental and health concerns and the desire to make profit and innovate. We relate the cognitive factors to organizational, technical, economic, and political factors and suggest levers for crop diversification based on successful crop diversification experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increasing need for more sustainable and diversified cropping systems while guaranteeing adequate crop yields and economic viability for European farms. The intercropping of lentils with wheat can be a valuable agroecological practice for stabilizing crop yields and improving weed control; however, this requires better knowledge about the technical viability, suitable varieties, sowing density, management practices for different conditions, and the feasibility of these solutions for farmers. In this paper, we present a three-stage participatory approach aimed at involving farmers in the evaluation and design of knowledgeintensive agroecological cropping systems and apply it to the case of wheat-lentil intercropping. The proposed approach is articulated into three connected stages involving experiments at different scales (plot, field, and farm) and with different grades of interactions among farmers and researchers regarding the design of experiments and the evaluation of the results. In the first stage, we set up controlled plot experiments at an experimental station allowing all interested farmers to observe and comment on the various treatments that were investigated during dedicated events. This stage tested the potential of intercropping to improve the sustainability of the local farming system and provide a solid scientific background to the ecosystem services provided by wheatlentil intercropping, such as crop production, yield stability, and weed control. While being agronomically beneficial, the technical feasibility and economic benefits of wheat-lentil intercropping have yet to be proven. Therefore, based on the results obtained from the first stage and the feedback of local farmers on the opportunities and weaknesses of the on-station application of wheatlentil intercropping, a second experiment was carried out using commercial agriculture machines to test the technical viability of intercropping at a larger scale. In the final third stage, we set up a co-designed on-farm experiment aimed at supporting a farmer in establishing lentil-wheat intercropping adapted to the farm conditions. This approach demonstrated that gradually involving farmers in the experimental process, starting from evaluating the most promising agroecological solutions on station to implementing them on farms, supports a successful agroecological transition of farms towards more diversified cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How farms and the surrounding landscape are managed locally substantially affects biodiversity, with consequent impacts on the supply of certain ecosystem services, such as pollination. Wild bees provide pollination services for small-scale horticultural farming, and are key to determining and improving farm production, as well as maintaining ecosystem-level diversity. Here, we investigated how landscape composition and agroecological practices affect wild bee community in small-scale horticultural farms. The study was conducted at 16 horticultural farms in the northern part of Madrid. The pan-trapping method was used to collect wild bees during the flowering period of horticultural plants. We interviewed farmers to identify which agroecological practices were primarily adopted to attain a resilient ecosystem. The most common practices adopted were weed control methods, natural fertilizer usage, pest control, and crop diversification. In total, 109 wild bee species were identified, and included individuals from all six bee families present on the Iberian Peninsula. One genus (Lasioglossum) was highly abundant, accounting for 68% of individuals, and is a known ground nester. Areas of sparse vegetation and bare soil and forested areas primarily enhanced the richness of bee species. On the other hand, abundance of wild bees is enhanced by pasture and forest areas. The presence of these habitats in areas surrounding farms might represent the potential nesting sites with important resources for wild bees. Small-scale horticulture production promotes landscape diversity, which strongly promotes the potential of different ecosystem services, including pollination and wild bees. Thus, implementing agroecological practices could transcend farms, and individual fields, to the landscape level, providing long-term sustainability of ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine livestock covers more than a third of the earth’s surface and has transformed various natural ecosystems in different parts of the world, including those in fragile, biodiverse regions. Such livestock is found in several of these ecosystems throughout Colombia, and face productivity limitations and environmental impacts. One of them, the High Andean region represents a strategic ecosystem for the conservation of biodiversity globally. Dairy farming in this area has undeniable socioeconomic relevance that is currently threatened by climate variability and market globalization. In this article we explore key elements for the sustainability of dairy livestock in the High Andean region, considering environmental conditions, technical and economic viability, as well as its relationship with society’s values and objectives. Through applied research, field trials, participant observation, consultation with experts, and bibliographic review, we analyze the factors that hinder dairy farming in the High Andean region. We conclude that the traditional models-extensive and conventional intensification-present economic problems, generate environmental impacts and are vulnerable to current changes in the social and environmental plains. We propose to venture into different approaches and technologies, such as agroecological production with silvopastoral systems.

There is an increasing need for more sustainable and diversified cropping systems while guaranteeing adequate crop yields and economic viability for European farms. The intercropping of lentil with wheat can be a valuable agroecological practice for stabilizing crop yields and improving weed control; however, this requires better knowledge about the technical viability, suitable varieties, sowing density, management practices for different conditions, and the feasibility of these solutions for farmers. In this paper, we present a three-stage participatory approach aimed at involving farmers in the evaluation and design of knowledge-intensive agroecological cropping systems and applied it to the case of wheat-lentil intercropping. The proposed approach is articulated into three connected stages involving experiments at different scales (plot, field and farm) and with different grades of interactions among farmers and researchers regarding the design of experiments and the evaluation of the results. In the first stage, we set up controlled plot experiments at an experimental station allowing all interested farmers to observe and comment on the various treatments that were investigated during dedicated events. This stage tested the potential of intercropping to improve the sustainability of the local farming system and provide a solid scientific background to the ecosystem services provided by wheat-lentil intercropping, such as crop production, yield stability, and weed control. While being agronomically beneficial, the technical feasibility and economic benefits of wheat-lentil intercropping have still to be proven. Therefore, based on the results obtained from the first stage and the feedback of local farmers on the opportunities and weaknesses of the on-station application of wheat-lentil intercropping, a second experiment was carried out using commercial agriculture machines with the objective to test the technical viability of intercropping at a larger scale. In the final third stage, we set up a co-designed on-farm experiment aimed at supporting a farmer in establishing lentil-wheat intercropping adapted to the farm conditions. This approach demonstrated that gradually involving farmers in the experimental process, starting from evaluating the most promising agroecological solutions on station to implementing them on farms, supports a successful agroecological transition of farms towards more diversified cropping systems.

Legumes have multiple advantages that meet agroecological challenges. However, many farmers are reluctant to include them permanently in their crop rotations. We investigated farmers' motivations for growing pulses in a case study of a French cooperative which has developed a pulses sector, by analyzing data from questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Environmental and social values were more present among organic than conventional farmers; the latter were more concerned about their image. The results suggest that mechanisms to promote knowledge sharing among farmers would be valuable and highlight the intermediary role between local stakeholders that cooperatives can play to support agroecological policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) are unsustainable because participatory processes requires time. This research focused on the coordination and implementation of actions to strengthen the PGS of the Red de Mercados Agroecológicos de Bogotá Región (RMABR). The methodology was the Participatory Action Research (PAR) with four phases: diagnosis, with semi-structured interviews with the promoters of agroecological markets of the RMABR to identify the state of the PGS; planning of strengthening actions; execution, with sixty participatory certification visits; and, evaluation, to apply opportunities for improvement of the PGS. The PGS of the RMABR is an example of governance where assertive participation is essential. Apparently, the main challenge facing the PGS was the contribution of time from its members, especially consumers and producers. However, the real challenge is more complex: who participates (diversity and equity), how (ability, motivation, trust, efficiency, continuity, communication, and procedures) and why (effectiveness), which must be managed assertively with ‘dynamic balance’. Technical challenges persist in the agroecological transition, the greatest in processing, less in livestock, and much less in agricultural production, above all the need to reduce dependence on external inputs persists, difficult given the low availability of family or hired work.

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Copyright of Revista Caatinga is the property of Revista Caatinga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The application of participatory methods for codesigning sustainable land uses in research and development (R&D) projects for the agroecological transition are receiving increasing attention. However, there has been limited research critically assessing participatory methods employed in a codesign process. We therefore analyze the participatory methods applied for codesigning alternative land uses in the Sustainable Amazonian Landscape (SAL) project in the Caquetá department, Colombia. We conducted our analysis by situating the codesign process in a participation continuum and a codesign typology. We found that a gradient of participation level in the R&D project is beneficial for managing a codesign process. Thus, codesigning can be shaped during the project to respond to specific needs, and farmer participation levels change during the project. We found that codesigning is a process that only partially relies on participatory methods epistemologies. Instead, it reflects a tension between the continuity of a codesign project in a given territory, the sustained involvement of local partners, and external conditions such as socioeconomic and institutional stability. These are essential points to consider for co-designing the agroecological transition, as we suggest that these project-based research conditions might hinder critical principles of the codesign process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroecology represents one of the main alternatives to production models generated by the green revolution, both in Uruguay and other countries. It appears as a response to climate change, biodiversity management, nature resource restoration, and, more recently, as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. In Uruguay, agroecology is marginal despite the existence of a law for a National Plan to Encourage Production with Agroecological Bases since 2018. Moreover, research on agroecological transition processes is very incipient. This study aims to identify agroecological practices and possible transition paths towards agroecology of family livestock farmers in northern Uruguay. The methodology used focuses the study on technical, social and organizational practices, allowing access to the operation scheme and understanding the decision-making processes in family-type production systems. The socio-productive practices revealed in the research allowed the elaboration of a typology that represents possible ways for these livestock farmers to move towards agroecological production and management of their farms. The results of this study can be used to strengthen processes of conception or co-conception by selecting and disseminating innovation with actions and public policies closer to farmers.

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Many Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) are unsustainable because participatory processes requires time. This research focused on the coordination and implementation of actions to strengthen the PGS of the Red de Mercados Agroecológicos de Bogotá Región (RMABR). The methodology was the Participatory Action Research (PAR) with four phases: diagnosis, with semi-structured interviews with the promoters of agroecological markets of the RMABR to identify the state of the PGS; planning of strengthening actions; execution, with sixty participatory certification visits; and, evaluation, to apply opportunities for improvement of the PGS. The PGS of the RMABR is an example of governance where assertive participation is essential. Apparently, the main challenge facing the PGS was the contribution of time from its members, especially consumers and producers. However, the real challenge is more complex: who participates (diversity and equity), how (ability, motivation, trust, efficiency, continuity, communication, and procedures) and why (effectiveness), which must be managed assertively with 'dynamic balance'. Technical challenges persist in the agroecological transition, the greatest in processing, less in livestock, and much less in agricultural production, above all the need to reduce dependence on external inputs persists, difficult given the low availability of family or hired work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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On pioneer fronts, the new spatial-temporal evolution of agriculture needs to be understood to help farmers find their way to conciliate food production and forest conservation. Analyzing farm trajectories is consequently critical for designing such futures and to assess their commitments with agroecology principles. Based on the analysis of the literature on farm trajectories and pathways we proposed a renewed analytical framework to analyze farm trajectories in pioneer fronts and support the identification of desirable strategies for the future. A systematic review adapted from the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology was used. From an initial record of 246 papers, 81 were selected as eligible for the review. The articles were classified in six categories according to three criteria: i) the retrospective or prospective analysis of farm trajectories, ii) the consideration or not of the territorial scale (drawing lessons at territorial scale), iii) the use or not of modeling tools. We also explored whether off-farm factors (such as existing infrastructure at territorial scale or access to credit) and intra-farm factors (such as the organization of family work and the role of women within this organization) were considered since these factors affect farms trajectories in pioneer fronts. Results indicate that the concept of trajectory is mainly associated with retrospective analyses while the concept of pathway is mostly associated with prospective studies generally using simulation tools for the design of future scenarios. The link between trajectories and agroecological principles also has been little explored in the literature. Both retrospective and prospective studies fail to pay sufficient attention to the roles of women and family organization. Lastly, most of the methodologies studied do not fully consider the effects of off-farm territorial factors and public policies on these trajectories. We propose an analytical framework that would address these limitations. This framework is currently used in Brazilian and Colombian Amazon and will help defining sustainable farm trajectories limiting deforestation. Such a framework is needed to support farm development on pioneer fronts and broadly in territories that must deal with highly critical environmental agendas. [Display omitted] • Analyzing farm trajectories may help to identify the most sustainable sequences of farm changes that could limit deforestation on pioneer fronts • This review on fam trajectories is based on an adaptation of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) method • Existing studies overlooked agroecological principles, the effects of territorial factors, the contributions of women and family work organizations • We propose an analytical framework that addresses the limitations found in existing studies and combine retrospective and prospective analyses • This framework should help defining sustainable trajectories limiting deforestation in pioneer fronts [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the increasing number of stakeholders engaged in promoting agroecological transition initiative in West Africa, these initiatives are still struggling to scale it up. This study analyzes the potential for agroecological transition on farms in the Atacora and Houet regions of Benin and Burkina Faso respectively. To this end, a stepwise sampling method including 400 farm households has been carried out throughout the two regions. The FAO-designed TAPE tool was initially used to analyze the agroecological performance of farms. The theoretical framework of Therond et al. (2017) was then used as the analytical framework for farm diversity. Results showed that overall farms had low agroecological performance. Out of the ten dimensions of the agroecological transition that were used to perform the analysis, only three have scores above or equal to the threshold of 50%. Furthermore, the agroecological performance of farms did not significantly vary from one region to another. Regarding the farm diversity, three main classes have been identified. The first two clusters (C.1 and C.2) correspond to farms that are primarily cereal-based in Atacora and Houet. The last class (C.3) is a more complex one, corresponding to a class where cereal, cotton and fruit production were combined in various proportions. The outcomes provide opportunities for agroecological transition for each of the identified clusters.

The article presents some research results, which takes as a background the MST's experience of “agroecological transition” and its implications for the debate on rural development and rural education. Thus, we aim to analyze the role and impact that this experience of agroecological transition of the MST has been producing in its proposal for rural development and rural education within the scope of rural settlements in the Amazon. The research took as a theoretical reference the studies of the Epistemologies of the South of Boaventura de Sousa Santos and was guided by a qualitative approach. The fieldwork took place in two rural settlements, one on the Mosqueiro Island in the city of Belém, and the other in the city of Castanhal, both in the State of Pará. As a result, it was possible to identify that the MST's agroecological transition experience occurs in a contradictory and conflicting way, presenting advances and problems of an internal and external order to the Movement to materialize in its proposal for rural development and rural education and to reproduce socially in Amazonian settlements.

The transitions towards agroecological production present changes in the different aspects of the production process: sowing, nutrition, care, links between producers, consumers and workers, relation with the nature, transportation and marketing. This research focuses on social networks and how these productions intervene in the transition from conventional models to agroecological models. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with people or groups that make up 9 productive projects. An analysis of the content of the information was carried out, which allowed knowing the components of the social networks, their links, the places of belonging and the meanings that these networks hold in the possibility of carrying out and maintaining the processes of productive transition. Knowing the place that social networks occupy in these transitions helps interdisciplinary teams to accompany the change processes from the logics that are being implemented by the producers themselves to solve problematic situations, uncertainty and affective containment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, Mexico has launched policies of agroecological transition that seek to foster healthier agri-food systems. One of these policies is the reduction and eventual elimination of glyphosate by 2024. Despite being the most used herbicide in Mexico and the world, little information exists about what factors determine a greater or reduced use of glyphosate in different socio-ecological contexts. This study aimed to explore different agricultural management, biophysical and social variables and their effects on glyphosate use in maize crops by smallholders (

Landraces and the knowledge that family farmers have developed about how to cultivate them are important factors in developing sustainable agricultural production, in multidimensional terms. In this work, the objective was to diagnose the production of landraces in the rural settlements in the Territory of Prof. Cory/Andradina-SP and analyze its possible relation to the agroecological transition process. To this end, a semi-open questionnaire was applied in the form of an interview, with 55 guardians identified by the "snowball" method, in 24 settlements. It was found that the landraces cultivated by the guardians of the Territory can be considered a gateway to the agroecological transition because they allow the fulfillment of the principles of Agroecology, in terms of food security, productive autonomy, biodiversity conservation, and commercialization in short circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objetivo: evidenciar el vacío teórico y epistemológico sobre la resistencia a la transición agroecológica y proponer un modelo para analizarla. Metodología: se realizó una amplia revisión en bases de datos de revistas indizadas, utilizando las siguientes palabras de búsqueda, tanto en español como en inglés: “resistencia” + “agroecología” + (“iniciativa”, “intervención”, “dificultad”). Resultados: se constató el nulo tratamiento del tema en la literatura científica y se propone un modelo de análisis multidimensional y multiescalar. Valor: incorporar el tema de la resistencia a la transición agroecológica al análisis y a las propuestas de esta y mostrar, en términos epistemológicos, la disputa en torno a dos diferentes paradigmas agroalimentarios. Limitaciones: el modelo de análisis propuesto requiere retroalimentación empírica mediante investigaciones de campo. Conclusión: reconocer la resistencia a la transición agroecológica abre paso al desarrollo y a la implementación de estrategias contrahegemónicas de efecto socioambiental positivo.

• We built a socio-ecological modeling framework of a territorial socioecosystem. • The agent-based model simulates both farmers' decision and disease dynamics. • The model aims to study the impact of combinations of levers on trajectories of change. • The trajectories of practices respond differently to economic and ecological factors. • Increasing the pesticide cost reduces the pesticides use with a threshold cost effect. Despite the growing societal demands to reduce pesticide use, public policies struggle to reverse the current upward trend. Agroecology emerges as a promising solution, as it promotes ecological regulation and sustainable practices. The systemic nature of the agro-ecological transition requires the development of an interdisciplinary approach. In this respect, models integrating ecological, economic, and social aspects are valuable for understanding the dynamics of agroecosystems. The objective of this article is to investigate the trajectories of change in the pesticide practices of agricultural territories taking into account ecological and economic dynamics. We built a socio-ecological modeling framework of a socio-ecosystem at the territorial scale. This generic agent-based model is developed to simulate both farmers' decision-making (based on its own profit and that of others, and its willingness to change) and disease dynamics (based on the inoculum, the probability of infection, the probability of disease escape, and the previous disease). We first used the model to simulate the impact of different economic or ecological territorial characteristics on the trajectories of agricultural practices in the territory. Second, we aimed to analyze the final states of the territories (at equilibrium) based on scenarios of variations in the economic (the cost of pesticides), ecological (the dispersal capacity of the disease), and agronomic (the ability to escape the disease of no-input farming) parameters. The final states of the territories were analyzed using four categories of indicators (farming practices, the profits, the number of infected fields and the use of fungicides). The study revealed strong threshold effects, non-linear effects and linear effects, on the number of farmers performing the different practices in the territory. These effects are highlighted respectively for the scenarios of increased cost of pesticides, increased disease escape of no-input farming and increased the disease dispersal. Our results highlighted the need to take into account combinations of levers and to study trajectories of change in order to promote sustainable agriculture. Finally, we discussed the possibility of using such models to guide public policies in favor of agroecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]