Agroecological Transition Research Articles

Agroecological Pathways of Family Farmers in Northern Uruguay

In Uruguay, to address the socio-environmental problems generated by the production model resulting from the Green Revolution, several civil society organizations promoted the creation of a National Agroecology Plan (NAP) in 2015. The enactment of Law No.19.717, declaring a general interest and establishing a National Honorary Commission and a National Plan for the Promotion of Production with Agroecological Bases, along with recent calls from the “Senda Agroecológica” initiative, provide a favorable scenario to envision new production systems with agroecological foundations and pose a challenge for agronomic research. Despite this law defining family farmers as its main beneficiaries and the majority being livestock producers, there are few studies on the role of their technical and organizational practices in agroecological transition and the definition of agroecology. To contribute to filling this gap, the research aimed to identify the role of these practices, both individually and collectively, in defining agroecology and its trajectory. A theoretical framework and methodology were developed to analyze the practices and strategies of family livestock farmers and their relationships with technicians. Situations of change were identified, such as tick biological control and natural field management, through interviews and group work with farmers and technicians. Agroecological transition trajectories were analyzed, considering the role of territories in coordinating actions among diverse actors and establishing new identities and action devices, such as public policies and institutional projects. Results at both individual and collective levels indicate multiple transition paths, dependent on the specific situation of farms and projects. The analyzed cases reveal diversity in transitions without any prevailing. The challenge lies in turning these transformations into drivers of processes towards a strong agroecology, requiring support, assistance and guidance actions in the implementation of public policies.

Wildflower strips of 2.5-year-old promote earthworms and enchytraeids (Annelida, Oligochaeta) in arable fields

In the last 50 years, humans have increased crop yields due to intensive agricultural practices and by homogenizing cultivated lands (e.g., larger and more uniform fields). However, this land management practice has led to serious environmental issues, and now, the importance of heterogeneity and semi-natural landscape elements in production systems is acknowledged. Perennial habitats, such as flower strips, could play a key role in agroecosystem sustainability, but little is known about their effects on earthworm and enchytraeid (Annelida: Oligochaeta) communities. The aim of this study was to assess earthworms and enchytraeids in 2.5-year-old wildflower strips that were sown in the middle of arable fields in northern France. Samples (soil, earthworms and enchytraeids) were collected at ten locations, in flower strips and in adjacent cropped fields. The same number of earthworm species was found in both habitats, but more enchytraeid species were detected in the flower strips than in the adjacent cropped fields. Moreover, the total abundance of earthworms and enchytraeids significantly increased in the flower strips compared with the adjacent cropped fields, by 69 % and 61 %, respectively. Flower strips had a significant positive effect on anecic and endogeic earthworms but not on the abundance of epigeic earthworms, which was highly variable among the samples, although on average, it was seven times greater in the flower strips than in the cropped fields. Although the flower strips were sown only 2.5 years earlier, significant changes were observed in the soil Oligochaeta communities. These findings advocate for sowing flower strips within cultivated land as a source of soil biodiversity in the current changing environment. Considering the positive role of flower strips on biodiversity and particularly on the studied tiny soil engineers, these perennial landscape elements should be more widely considered to support the agroecological transition.

Australia’s new peasantry: towards a politics and practice of custodianship on agroecology-oriented farms

ABSTRACT Since settlement, colonial values of productivity and improvement have transformed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Country into a site of agricultural extraction. We examine the nascent peasantisation movement in Australia driven by small-scale farmers rejecting colonial capitalist agriculture within an agroecological transition. Our case studies explore how new peasants seek guidance from First Peoples and peasants in developing a politics and practice of custodianship, while fostering degrowth economies. Custodianship, we argue, offers a theoretical and practical framework for the agroecological transition in settler contexts through foregrounding social and ecological reparations across scales from the farm to global food sovereignty activism.

Food self-provisioning: Implications for sustainable agroecological transition in rural Nigeria

Agroecology is a sustainable farming method that has the potential to revolutionize the global agricultural sector by promoting cleaner and more environmentally friendly practices. However, the question of how to effectively transition to a sustainable agroecology system remains a topic of debate, particularly in developing economies. In many developing countries, subsistence farming plays a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of countless households. Therefore, it is essential to explore the connection between food self-provisioning and the shift towards agroecology. Using primary data from rural Nigeria and by applying an ordered logistic regression, the study demonstrates that when farmers are primarily dependent on their own produce for sustenance, there is a natural inclination towards methods ensuring long-term soil health and ecological balance. We observed that self-provisioning leads to a 10.9 % increase in agroecology transition, and this result was statistically significant (P-value 0.001). This paradigm not only promotes sustainable agricultural practices but also underscores a holistic approach where agriculture coexists harmoniously with nature. As the global challenges of climate change and increasing food demand loom large, understanding and supporting these farmer-driven solutions become paramount. The results beckon policymakers and stakeholders to frame strategies grounded in farmers' intrinsic motivations, ensuring a sustainable agricultural future that is ecologically viable, culturally resonant, and economically beneficial.

Self-Management of Biosecurity in The Agroecological Transition Towards Sustainable Food

Biosafety is addressed from different socioeconomic sectors. The agroecological transition towards sustainable food requires holistic self-management of biosecurity, considering primary and post-production of food, complementary services and the population's attitude towards food. Agroecological self-regulation and participatory self-management of biosecurity are recommended.

Multilevel governance in farmers’ markets: a stakeholder analysis in Tuscany

Farmers’ Markets (FMs) have gained relevance in recent years as increasingly acknowledged to be critical to turn to more equitable food systems, easing agroecological transition, and preserving biocultural heritage. However, the issue of the forms of social and institutional coordination needed to create, organize, manage and promote FMs is a recent topic in the literature, and their governance is still poorly considered. Based on a set of case studies in Tuscany, Italy, this paper intends to contribute to filling this gap by analysing the forms of governance and the role of different stakeholders. The hypothesis is that FMs are social constructions that respond to processes of social and institutional innovation through direct exchanges between producers, consumers and other stakeholders, articulated at both local and non-local level. The aim of the paper is to explore the interactions between stakeholders and the corresponding forms of multi-level governance that emerge. The method for testing the hypotheses is qualitative, through semi-structured interviews to FMs managers and conversations with producers and other stakeholders, conducted between May and August 2022 in Tuscany. The research was complemented by consultation of indirect sources, such as FMs websites and social networks. The results are summarized in the elaboration of a three-dimensional and territorially embedded governance model. The first dimension refers to the management of internal relations between stakeholders within the FM. The second corresponds to the activation of dialogue, negotiation, and agreement with the municipality and other local authorities, and with local farmers’ unions. The third type corresponds to vertical flows between the FMs and extraterritorial bodies, i.e., regional government, regional and national farmers’ unions and other stakeholder associations. It is important to note that at FMs level, processes of hybridization between the different types of governance are established. The article contributes to the analysis of FMs as economic and social constructions and may be useful for establishing comparative frameworks around institutional and collective action dimensions, multi-actor and multilevel studies of governance.

Effect of Flowering Strips in Associated Broccoli and Lettuce Crops on Increasing Land Use Efficiency

Diversifying agroecosystems enhance the sustainability of agricultural production and reduce input dependency during agroecological transitions. To achieve this objective, a study was conducted to assess the impact of intercropping and the introduction of flowering plant strips on land use efficiency and crop damage in a lettuce and broccoli association. The results indicated that the introduction of flowering plant strips alone led to a significant increase in land use efficiency, while intercropping alone did not have any such effect. The efficiency was measured using the land use equivalent ratio (LER), which consistently showed values greater than 1, suggesting a significant increase in efficiency. It should be noted that the presence of flower strips in the crop fields were found to increase the incidence of molluscs and Plutella xyllostella. Additionally, the competitive ratio analysis revealed that broccoli was more competitive than lettuce in the intercropping system. Therefore, farmers can increase the efficiency of land use and profitability by incorporating flower strips in the intercropping systems of broccoli and lettuce.

Educate to liberate: agroecological transitions with participatory methodologies in popular and community education

The response to the environmental crisis is a revolution that, in addition to insisting on the transformations of the economic and political structure, must address the social and cultural relations that sustain it. One of the alternatives to face the crisis in conventional agriculture is agroecology. However, this agroecology must be thought of under a pedagogical and educational support that transcends technological and substitution practices; This must be done from a transformation of perceptions and social relationships with nature. In that sense, this article aims to determine the need for agroecological transitions with educational methodologies, taking into account the research carried out in peasant organizations in the states of Morelos and Guerrero, through participatory methodological approaches. Discovering that micro practices in the ecosystem can lead to resolving social conflicts.

Sustainability Indicators for Dairy Cattle Farms in European Union Countries: A Systematic Literature Review

The European cattle milk sector has rapidly intensified in recent decades. This trend has received widespread disapproval from the public, which highlights the many problems linked to intensification. To address these concerns, agricultural policies commonly impose an agroecological transition. In order to evaluate and monitor the degree of sustainability of dairy cattle farms over time, many sets of indicators have been proposed in recent years. However, these indicators have often referred only to specific aspects of sustainability or have been generically proposed for the entire agricultural sector, and therefore, they are not capable of capturing the peculiarities and the complexity of the dairy cattle sector. A systematic review of the scientific literature was carried out to obtain a complete picture of the indicators proposed for the European context. A total of 325 out of over 6700 papers were selected, and three pillars—environmental, economic, and social pillars—were explored. A total of 70 indicators were identified, which could help build a complete and less sectoral picture of sustainability than that proposed so far. A total of 22 indicators were associated with the environmental pillar, 18 indicators were associated with the economic pillar, and 17 indicators were associated with the social pillar, while 12 indicators were associated with two different pillars. With reference to the measurement methods, considerable variability was highlighted, which did not allow us to identify or propose unique methods for measuring each indicator.

The role of farmer collectives developing territorialized supply chains on the agroecological transition trajectories of farms: analysis using the quantified narratives method

The role of farmer collectives developing territorialized supply chains on the agroecological transition trajectories of farms: analysis using the quantified narratives method

Linking farmers' perceptions and management decision toward sustainable agroecological transition: evidence from rural Tunisia.

Global food systems face sustainability challenges like undernourishment, inequity, resource degradation, and pollution. Food production and consumption drive environmental change with greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and land-system shifts. The climate change crisis has intensified concerns about the ecological impact of these systems. Sustainable food networks, such as community-supported agriculture, are promoting sustainable production and consumption through short supply chains. International bodies like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) are also spearheading initiatives for more equitable and sustainable food systems. In Tunisia, where dryland areas predominate, the ongoing implementation of the Agroecology Initiative provides the context for this study, which explores the drivers and barriers of agroecological transformation in this challenging environment. The research focuses on stakeholder engagement, with a gender perspective to explore farmer perceptions. The study, conducted in the northwest of Tunisia in 2022-2023, involved focus groups, workshops, surveys, and questionnaires with various stakeholders. Findings highlight farmer organizations' potential in promoting sustainable farming, with clear goals, diversified systems, and collaborations. However, challenges such as input scarcity, water shortage, low income, and marketing must be addressed. Results also indicate that over 90% of farmers who received assistance with agroecological practices reported a change in their ideas and practices. Fifty seven percent of the workshops participants identified the olive oil value chain as having the greatest potential for agroecological transformation, but it faces constraints such as climate, lack of policy incentives, training, funding, and difficulty in adopting technical innovations. Women's inclusion in agriculture, environmental, social, and economic challenges were also highlighted. Despite these obstacles, key drivers for agroecological transition were identified. These include the compatibility of many agroecological practices with existing farmer capabilities, their cultural and economic benefits, and the positive outcomes for environmental sustainability and health. The study advocates for a socio-technical systems analysis to address the root causes hindering Tunisia's agroecological transformation. A participatory approach is crucial to understanding priorities and developing a sustainable and resilient food system. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of considering diverse farmer perspectives and tailoring strategies to support this critical transition effectively.

A Methodological Framework for Assessing the Agroecological Performance of Farms in Portugal: Integrating TAPE and ACT Approaches

Agroecology integrates science, social movements, and agricultural practices, playing a central role in the sustainability of food systems. It addresses agroecosystems and food systems holistically; however, defining whether a farm is agroecological remains a challenge. This article proposes a methodology to measure farms’ agroecological performance, adapted to the family farming context in Portugal. The aim of the developed methodology is to compare the agroecological performance of family farms (conventional and non-conventional), providing information about anchors for agroecological transition and supporting public policies. A literature review identified existing farm evaluation methodologies, with Tool for Agroecological Performance Evaluation (TAPE) and Agroecology Criteria Tool (ACT) scoring highest in an assessment process. Questions from both were integrated into a questionnaire for family farmers. This field work provided critical insights towards the methodologies: (1) territorial adaptability; (2) transition constraints’ origin; and (3) use of non-academic language. The results were incorporated into the developed methodology, which combines the TAPE indicator matrix and Gliessman’s five levels of food system change, the latter of which provides the framework for the ACT. This study made it possible to identify the most relevant aspects for characterizing family farmers/farms and the importance of how the evaluation criteria/indicators are ordered by element/theme, as it alters the values of each farm’s agroecological performance.

Crop management strategies shape the shared temporal dynamics of soil food web structure and functioning

In recent decades, there has been growing interest in exploring the soil biota, highlighting the significance of soil organisms' networks in soil functioning. Here, we use a modeling approach to investigate how changes in cropping practices influence the soil food web dynamics and it relates to that of soil functioning. In an experimental trial, we tested for change in topsoil food webs after shift from conventional to alternative practices (changes in tillage intensity, amount of residues returned and N fertilization rate). Samplings were made in 16 plots of a randomized complete block design during spring of year 0, 2 and 4 after the onset of the trial. Microorganisms, microfauna, mesofauna and macrofauna were sampled, identified and grouped into trophic groups. We built a general soil food web describing plausible carbon flows between these trophic groups and computed several network indices. At the same dates, soil functions linked to C and N dynamics were measured from soil samples. We used a COSTATIS analysis to investigate relationships between temporal sequences of soil functions and soil food web indices. Significant interactive effects of the date and of agricultural systems were found on the mean and the maximum trophic level, the bacterial-to-fungal path ratio, the total biomass and the way biomass accumulates across trophic levels, the number of trophic groups and the functional redundancy in trophic groups. Similarly, organic matter transformations and enzymatic activities showed differences across date and agricultural systems. Results show that temporal changes in soil food web structure and in soil processes related to N and C cycling co-vary following changes in agricultural management practices. Management practices related to tillage exerted stronger effects on soil food web functioning than those related to the export of crop residues or reduction in mineral N fertiliser. For instance, reduced tillage lead to more complex food webs, with increased C and N mineralization in the upper soil layer (0–5 cm), in which most of the residues accumulate. Our results provide insights on soil food webs temporal dynamics, even within a restricted panel of agricultural practices. Our results suggest that changes in agricultural practices influence feedbacks between organisms and the functions they perform, so that a temporal co-structure can be observed in the studied site. Such work could help better understand the mechanisms of resistance or ecological debt during agroecological transition, which could limit or delay expected Nature-based solutions.

Farm digital tools: A systematic review of investments and environmental implications

Farm-level investment in digital tools is often viewed as a necessary part of the agroecological transition. However, its actual relevance remains unclear due to currently ambiguous definitions of farm investments in general and equipment investments in particular. We conducted a systematic review of the farm investment literature to characterize the different categories of digital tools investments seen and to determine how often the environment is considered in this field of research. A total of 131 articles met our eligibility criteria and were subject to further analysis. First, we found that research on farm investments has looked at general farm investments, investments in combined factors of production, and investments in specific factors of production. Second, we discovered that there are four main investment categories for farm equipment (including digital tools). Third, we noted that few studies have addressed the environmental implications of investing in digital tools. Our findings emphasize that, to facilitate the agroecological transition, it will be important to promote broader strategies that encourage farmers to invest in digital tools.

A comparative analysis of Senegalese farm schools: unveiling effective practices for agroecology training

ABSTRACT This paper assesses the value of agroecological farm schools by analyzing 4 Senegalese cases. Pedagogical quality is measured by: (1) feedback from former learners, (2) acquisition of fundamental knowledge, and (3) professionalization. Beyond globally positive opinions about training, our results show that farm schools display distinct performances. Developing a systemic perspective is not an easy task, but having trainers with more advanced agroecological expertise is an asset. Effective training builds on active pedagogy. Post-training business establishment is facilitated when farm schools create networks in agroecology and/or offer a consequent starter kit. Farm schools could thus contribute to agroecological transitions.

Understanding the Ivorian market vegetables production: Is the agroecological transition the right strategy?

CONTEXTAfrican agriculture, and especially market vegetables production, which is dominated by smallholder systems, generally faces many challenges. There is growing interest in agroecology as a means to move towards more sustainable food and farming systems. The West African region is considered by FAO to feature the conditions to become “a global frontrunner in agroecology”, and ongoing efforts in Côte d'Ivoire attempts to understand and promote agroecology in vegetable production. OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study is to present a functional analysis of the Ivorian suburban market vegetables value chain, and discuss the suitability of and agroecological transition of the agricultural production link, towards more sustainable vegetables production in the country. METHODSA thorough functional analysis of the Ivorian market vegetables value chain was conducted, including the construction of typologies to identify the links between agroecological practices and overall technical and socio-economic efficiencies. RESULT AND CONCLUSIONThe available data (primary, secondary) allows but only a superficial understanding of the Ivorian market vegetables value chain. The analysis of economic returns as a function of their adoption of agroecological practices suggests that “formal” agroecological farms struggle economically, more so than the rest of producers. Observed relations between yields and certain agroecological practices practiced by most Ivorian producers, in combination with the functional analysis of the value chain, suggest that an intensification of these practices, coupled with improvements of the enabling environment (necessary to palliate the inputs cost and product price variability, as well as improve and secure access to land), may overall contribute to improved yields and higher gross margins. More and more detailed studies are necessary to determine the agroecological practices and their level of adoption that would minimise negative environmental and maximise positive socio-economic impacts. In Côte d'Ivoire, agroecology must prove its worth, through action-research initiatives, in order to further develop in terms of breadth and depth of application. SIGNIFICANCEthis article includes a national functional analysis of vegetable production systems. This is useful for understanding value chains and facilitating agroecological transition.

Exploration of Fragmentation Mechanisms of Yellow Split Peas during Grinding Using a Multimodal Approach

In the context of food and agro-ecological transitions, the development of food applications based on legume flours and plant proteins requires a mastery of grain milling. While wheat grain milling has been extensively studied and is well-mastered, legume grinding and its underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. The aim of this work is to contribute to the study of the fragmentation mechanisms of pea grains during grinding. Experiments were carried out on hulled yellow pea grains (Kameleon variety) ground under different conditions using a ball mill (MM400, Retsch®, Haan, Germany) or a micro-cylinder mill. The results showed that the grinding of pea grains, regardless of the type of mill, produced powders characterized by particle size distribution curves with a multimodal shape. The curve analysis was performed according to a simplified deconvolution approach, taking into account different particle populations without diameter overlap. Four particle populations of different sizes were identified and correlated with specific mechanisms governing the grinding of yellow split peas. The physical and biochemical properties of the resulting powders were determined. Taking into account the proportions of the four populations within the powders, the results showed a positive correlation between the volume proportions of very fine (0–10 µm) and fine (10–55 µm) particles within the powders and the starch damage rate and the specific surface area developed, irrespective of the type of mill.

Insights into the agroecological transition: the case of two Italian bio-districts

Insights into the agroecological transition: the case of two Italian bio-districts

Hunting for sources of durable resistance in crop cultivar evaluation data: The case of wheat yellow rust in France

AbstractCultivar resistance is a major asset for the management of crop diseases and can play an important role in agroecological transition. However, the wide deployment of a reduced number of resistance genes can lead to a rapid adaptation of pathogen populations and to a loss of resistance efficiency. The objective of this study was to characterize and discuss different trajectories of adult plant ratings for resistance to yellow rust in French wheat cultivars between 1963 and 2018. Among 719 cultivars assessed for at least 2 years, 590 cultivars showed no variation in their resistance scores, despite a mean of 4.3 years and up to 33 years of assessment. A set of descriptive variables was computed in order to compare the evolution of resistance score of 129 cultivars that experienced resistance variation. We applied a principal component analysis and a hierarchical clustering on principal components to this subdataset to constitute clusters corresponding to different cultivar profiles. Clusters C1 and C2 had small resistance variations (1–2 points on a 1–9 scale); Cluster C3 had long assessment durations and several small drops in resistance score and could be associated with quantitative resistance erosion; Cluster C4 included major drops in resistance score (4–5 points), often associated with known breakdowns of major resistance genes. Cases of limited drops in resistance score as a known resistance gene was broken down suggest the presence of efficient adult plant resistance. We discuss the use of information extracted from this dataset and methods to further explore sources of resistance to yellow rust present in French cultivars.

Green treasures: Investigating the biodiversity potential of equine yards through the presence and quality of landscape features in the Netherlands.

At a time of mounting ecological crises and biodiversity loss, there is an urgent need for nature-based solutions. Equestrian properties cover a considerable proportion of the European rural and peri-urban landscape and provide much potential for integrating ecosystem services, such as the inclusion of small landscape features. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and quality of landscape features (LF) to help determine how the equine sector can contribute to the agro-ecological transition. Using a citizen science approach, 87 commercial and 420 private yard owners reported the type, frequency and geometric dimension of LFs and additional biodiversity enhancing features. A hierarchical multivariate regression was used to determine how equine property characteristics explain variation in the Percentage Property Coverage (PPC) of LFs. The model explained 47% of the variation of PPC. The variables that explained significant variation in PPC included Yard size, Number of LFs, Tree rows, Fruit orchard, Wild hedges, Flowering strips, Buffer strips, Embankments and Cluttered corners. Commercial yards are significantly larger with significantly more horses and on average only 9% (±13.87%) of the property was covered by LFs whilst private yards had significantly more coverage of LFs with on average 12% (±14.77%). These findings highlight the substantial yet untapped potential of equine yards in fostering biodiversity, suggesting that the equine sector could play an important role in the agro-ecological transition. To encourage more biodiverse-inclusive yard designs, tailored strategies should consider the diverse factors influencing equine yard design, including existing knowledge, client demands, financial considerations, and equine health and welfare.