Agro-ecological Knowledge Hub
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Science and Innovation

Science and Innovation

Tools and results from UNISECO

Socio-ecological systems framework for agro-ecological transitions

Definition of agro-ecology and typology of agro-ecological farming systems

The UNISECO case studies

Strategies for agro-ecological transitions

Networks of actors in agro-ecological transitions

Market and policy incentives

Territorial sustainability impacts of agro-ecological transitions

Science-policy interaction

Transdisciplinary Multi-actor platforms

Tools from UNISECO

1) Methodological briefs

2) Practice briefs

3) Policy briefs

4) SESSIT: explore the sustainability of agro-ecological practices in maps

In this page we introduce the tools and results from the H2020 project UNISECO: Understanding and improving the sustainability of Agro-ecological Farming Systems in the European Union, which aimed at analysing socio-economic and policy drivers and barriers for the further development and adoption of agro-ecological approaches in farming systems.

In this project we carried out multi-actor transdisciplinary case study analyses in 15 European countries covering various farming systems where initiatives are either already in place, or are initiated by the project to foster the development of agro-ecological practices and improve the sustainability of farming systems.

We showcase the results of the UNISECO project, including the governance of agro-ecological transitions and sustainability implications at farm and territorial level in the EU. Learn about the methodologies and tools we used and adapted in UNISECO specifically for the analysis of agro-ecological farming systems, related governance systems, including the socio-ecological systems (SES) framework, building a typology for agro-ecological farming systems, using social network analysis, multi-criteria analysis, foresight exercise and scenario analysis, transdisciplinary approach, socio-ecological system interaction tool to study holistically the multi-facetted dimensions of farming systems transition towards agroecology, be they technical, environmental, social, economic or political.

The UNISECO project has provided:

  • improved methodological capacity to assess the sustainability of agro-ecological approaches;
  • enhanced integrated capacity and knowledge sharing to develop viable long-term strategies for traditional and small-scale agro-ecological farming systems;
  • co-constructed novel and effective market mechanisms and policy instruments for delivering public goods through economically viable agro-ecological farming systems;
  • improved knowledge base of agro-ecological farming in the EU for use by policy-makers with at EU, national and regional levels, advisors, farmers, value chain actors and consumers;
  • informed the reform process of the CAP after 2020, revisions to environmental policies and policy efforts to support rural job creation.
 

Socio-ecological systems framework for agro-ecological transitions

To analyse the transition of farming systems, in UNISECO we adapted the theoretical framework of socio-ecological systems (SES) developed by Ostrom. This framework provides a holistic approach to integrating both the natural and the social aspects when analysing a complex situation or problem. In the context of UNISECO, it allows the integration of the various dimensions of farming systems transition towards agroecology, be they technical, environmental, social, economic or political.

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Definition of agro-ecology and typology of agro-ecological farming systems

Agroecology is defined as a practice, a social movement as well as an action science based on holistic and transdisciplinary research approach. In the assessment of farming systems in UNISECO, we refer to agroecology as a set of agricultural practices, more or less, strongly based on ecological inputs and processes organized in a holistic way. In such farming systems farmers use their knowledge and decision priorities for sustainable use of local renewable resources and biodiversity to provide multiple benefits (environmental, economic, social) from local to global. This refers to different interacting scales, not only the level of agricultural practices but also farming system, local community and food system levels.

In UNISECO we developed a typology of agro-ecological farming systems and practices encompassing different implementation scales of such practices namely the field level, the farming system level and the landscape level. This allows the consideration of practices of farming systems respect to field, farming systems and landscape levels. To assess farming systems as a socio-ecological system we propose to develop a multi-dimensional approach including existing markets, level of cooperation, role of policies in supporting agro-ecological practices, policy tools and key actors.

In UNISECO we studied a broad pool of farming systems at different stages of agro-ecological transitions in Europe. The farming systems were selected to reflect 1) the diversity of farming systems across the EU; 2) the types of agri-food systems and policy context in which the farming systems are embedded; 3) the types of agro-ecological practices which have been implemented.

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The UNISECO case studies

All the 15 UNISECO Case Studies contain a key dilemma associated with the transition to agro-ecological farming systems. The dilemmas identified are mainly related to the trade-off between the different dimensions of sustainability that are challenging the agro-ecological farming systems. Two different types of case studies have been included in the analysis of the different SES:

  1. network-based case: that refer to large area at regional or national levels, and
  2. place-based case: local case studies with specific geographical boundaries.

Amongst the 15 case studies carried out in the context of UNISECO, there are 11 network-based Case Studies and 4 place-based Case Studies. The Case Studies cover different scopes:

  • 4 Case Studies have a country scope which look at the soil conservation farming (HU), at the dairy supply chain (LV and LT) and at the sustainability performance of the national livestock sector (SE);
  • 6 Case Studies have a subnational or regional focus, where several agro-ecological issues have been analysed related to dairy sector (CZ), permanent crops (FR and GR) and mixed farming systems (RO, ES and UK);
  • 5 Case Studies have a local scope: on arable and livestock farming (AT), on dairy (FI), arable (DE), permanent crops (IT) and livestock farming systems (CH).

EXPLORE THE DETAILS OF OUR CASE STUDIES BY CLICKING ON THE RESPECTIVE PARTS OF THE OVERVIEW MAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.

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View the video recordings of presentations of case studies at the final conference (in English): 

Read our open access article:

Read our related reports:

View the Methodological briefs:

These briefs offer actors from science, practice and policy guidelines for applying different methodologies (e.g. a multi-criteria analysis of policy incentives promoting agro-ecological transitions) when developing strategies for agro-ecological transitions in co-constructive settings.

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Strategies for agro-ecological transitions

The assessments of the social-ecological systems in the case studies Identified a wide range of barriers that hinder the implementation of agro-ecological practices. The focus of the UNISECO project was on socio-economic and policy factors and three broader main themes of barriers and drivers which were identified:

  • a lack of knowledge and social capital;
  • the lack of added value, processing and market access;
  • ineffective policy design.

Specific attention was paid to the complexity of the relationships between different factors which could impact on the success or failure to initiate or enhance transitions, and inform the types of key actions and changes in governance required in future transition strategies.

Key aspects for successful agro-ecological transitions are improved knowledge on the benefits of agro-ecological practices and economic opportunities, the importance of education, training and life-long learning, and mature social capital and strengthened collaborative action and collective institutions in agro-ecological value chains. This would enable higher prices to be charged for agro-ecological products and utilise the potential of agro-ecological farming to be economically viable. Such processes need to be supported by policy and the public sector, to address issues of economic exploitation and power relations as well as problems of over-consumption and food waste in food chains, with implications for public health, social justice and food security.

We provide all the details of the analysis of barriers and drivers that hinder or facilitate the implementation of agro-ecological practices, and the strategies identified that address the barriers and drivers of agro-ecological transitions in the context of the 15 UNISECO case studies.

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Networks of actors in agro-ecological transitions

One of the key aspects developed in the socio-ecological systems framework is the analysis of the social system. It is composed of two sub-systems: the network of actors involved and the governance systems that influence the actions undertaken by the actors.

Learn more about how we used the Social Network Analysis to have an overview of the actors and of their links and for analysing the governance structures of the transition patterns towards agroecology. In each Case Study governance structures are analysed by mapping and analysing networks involved in a specific key agro-ecological dilemma.

Governance is defined as “the structures and processes by which people in societies make decisions and share power, creating the conditions for ordered rule and collective action, or institutions of social coordination” (Schultz et al., 2015).

The FAO (2018) highlight the need, in particular, for transparent, accountable and inclusive governance mechanisms to create an enabling environment that supports producers to transform their systems following agro-ecological concepts and practices.

In the 15 UNISECO case studies we explored the key institutional settings beyond the agro-ecological dilemmas, with particular attention paid towards actors, actions, rules and collective organisations that could enable agro-ecological transitions. The main evidence collected through this task shows that each agro-ecological dilemma involves a complex mix of different, and often conflicting, views and interests. Mapping the key ‘nodes’ and ’flows’ of each network can provide important insights on how to improve the communication and other types of exchanges between actors and on how to develop common strategies and to solve key conflicts.

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Market and policy incentives

In the context of UNISECO, particular attention is paid to the transition of EU agriculture towards agro-ecological practices, where such transition takes place on a continuum of ecological modernisation between two extremes of efficiency/substitution-based agriculture and biodiversity-based agriculture (Duru et al., 2015). Since UNISECO focuses on the transition processes affecting the whole continuum, from conventional to agro-ecological (food) systems, a broad range of policy and market incentives were considered, implemented at international level (EU & non-EU), national level, and at regional & local levels.

We compiled an up-to-date inventory of innovative market and policy incentives that aim to increase the productivity, delivery of public goods and job creation, and which are relevant for agro-ecological farming. The overall objective of the inventory was to identify and classify key examples of market and policy tools that have the greater potential to support the transition processes towards agro-ecological farming systems.

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We also reviewed and analysed the market and policy incentives that are supporting Agroecological Farming Systems, to identify and understand policy factors that enhance or limit agroecological transition in the UNISECO case studies. Market and policy incentives refer to any initiative, mechanism, measure or incentive of the government (policy instrument), private sector (market instrument), or both (mixed instrument), with the aim of supporting, to some extent, the agro-ecological transition.

Research findings highlighted that the existing MPIs such as agri-environmental schemes and support for advisory services have positive effects on the decisions of farmers to adopt more ecological practices and motivate farmers to initiate or continue the transition. Key positive factors identified were: the provision of economic stability and technical and financial support to farmers willing to experiment with new sustainable practices; promotion of collective actions and understanding amongst local actors; production and spread of new knowledge; design od tools and activities that highlight the roles of agriculture in the environment.

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Territorial sustainability impacts of agro-ecological transitions

The UNISECO project’s recommendations on how the sustainability of agro-ecological farming systems in Europe can be promoted, also build upon model-based assessments of agro-ecological transition scenarios at territorial level. The scenarios analyse the large-scale implementation of selected innovative agro-ecological practices from the case studies within different future food system contexts in the EU.

Read our related reports:

Read the UNISECO related open access article:

Watch the video of the presentation recorded at the final conference on territorial impact of agro-ecological farming practices and food systems transformation in the EU in 2050:

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Science-policy interaction

If the overall objective of agro-ecological farming systems is achieving a system re-design based on agro-ecological principles, it is clear that the technical improvement of farming practices is not sufficient. Such a re-design requires collective thinking, the involvement of new actors and different forms of coordination between stakeholders.

Science and innovation are at the heart of not only advancing knowledge, know-how and technology development of agro-ecological transitions. We learnt from the UNISECO Case Studies that research, innovation and advisory actors also have a central role as mediators in the science-policy-practice interface.

The UNISECO project results are intended to contribute to the implementation of the EU Farm to Fork Strategy, Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the preparations of the European R&I partnership on agroecology living labs and research infrastructures, and the national CAP Strategic Plans.

View the video on how UNISECO contributes to the Farm to Fork Strategy of the European Union.

We involved many policy stakeholders in our transdisciplinary Multi-actor Platforms {LINK TO TRANDISCIPLINARY MAPS} during the exchanges in workshops and focus group discussions at EU, national and local levels.

View the series of short clips “We asked policy stakeholders…. “

  • What are the expectations of the European Commission towards the UNISECO H2020 project?

  • What are the opportunities for UNISECO with respect to needs for implementing aspects of the Common Agricultural Policy?

Read the UNISECO related open access articles:

Read our policy briefs:

UNISECO has also produced a series of recommendations for policy makers to identify issues and promote good practices.

Austria

Czech Republic

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Romania

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

United Kingdom

Project level briefs

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Transdisciplinary Multi-actor platforms

The Multi-Actor Approach is a mechanism adopted by the European Commission to “boost demand-driven innovation and the implementation of research, creating synergies between EU policies”, and increase impacts through process of genuine co-creation of knowledge. The Multi-Actor Approach requires projects to focus on real problems or opportunities for end users: farmers and other actors in the value chain who need a solution. The Multi-Actor Platforms (MAPs) enable ongoing involvement and two-way exchange of ideas for co-learning and co-creation of knowledge with actors at European and local levels.

MAPs have been a core part of the transdisciplinary approach in UNISECO. The MAPs and research consortium, across disciplinary boundaries and non-academic organisations, form an integrative transdisciplinary framework.

Read our related reports:

Read our related briefs:

How representatives of the research and innovation stakeholder group have been involved in UNISECO?

We involved many representatives of the research and innovation stakeholder group in the co-creation process in our transdisciplinary Multi-actor Platforms during the exchanges in workshops and focus group discussions at EU, national and local levels.

View the photograph album of UNISECO multi-actor platforms, Stakeholder Reference Group and Project Advisory Group:

The Project Advisory Group of UNISECO comprised of internationally recognized scientists with outstanding expertise. The Project Advisory Group (PAG) advised the project on the central scientific scope and direction of UNISECO, and on research design issues, taking account of new scientific developments and insights.

View the series of short clips “We asked our PAG members…. “

  • What is the most significant social science challenge for the uptake of agro-ecology approaches?

  • Are there farming systems in Europe for which you see particularly good opportunities for agro-ecological approaches? 

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Tools from UNISECO

1) Methodological briefs

These briefs offer actors from science, practice and policy guidelines for applying different methodologies (e.g. a multi-criteria analysis of policy incentives promoting agro-ecological transitions) when developing strategies for agro-ecological transitions in co-constructive settings.

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2) Practice briefs

UNISECO has also produced a series of recommendations for practitioners to identify issues and promote good practices.

Austria

Czech Republic

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Romania

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

2) Policy briefs

UNISECO has also produced a series of recommendations policy makers to identify issues and promote good practices.

Austria

Czech Republic

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Romania

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

United Kingdom

Project level briefs

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4) SESSIT: explore the sustainability of agro-ecological practices in maps

The tool focuses on the dilemma of sustainable food production and communicates agro-ecological solutions between farmers and with other people interested in food production.

SESSIT is built on interactive maps. The content of SESSIT is available through three thematic tabs within a map that allows the user to explore sustainable agriculture in different ways around the globe.

The three thematic tabs are:

  • Agro-ecological farming tab. This tab deploys a map with agro-ecological farms and case study areas of agro-ecology. Interested users can browse through farms that have been part of some agro-ecological initiatives or projects. Besides the farms, the map illustrates case study areas of agro-ecological research projects. The farms and areas are clickable and lead to more in depth stories of dealing with agro-ecological farming. This part of SESSIT is intended for farmers and for the general public, for sharing and learning from new and successful adaptations of agro-ecological practices.
  • Policies and strategies tab. This tab looks at the agro-ecological systems from the perspective of national and EU policies/governance. These stories are accessed through the countries shown on the map by clicking on them and the opening links in the attribute boxes. This part of SESSIT is mainly targeted at policy makers and everyone eager to learn how innovative market and policy incentives can pave a path to building sustainable farming systems;
  • Sustainability tool tab. This part of the SESSIT brings a different level of perspective for investigating the sustainability of farming in Europe. Created in a dashboard environment it provides advanced functionality and level of information. The tool connects changes in farming practices, value chains and consumption to accepted sustainable development metrics (e.g. Sustainable Development Goals). This part of SESSIT is intended for advanced specialists and experts who are familiar in working with GIS systems.

ENTER SESSIT

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References:

FAO (2018). The 10 elements of agroecology. Guiding the transition to sustainable food and agricultural systems. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome. http://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/I9037EN/

Schultz, L., Folke, C., Österblom, H. and Olsson, P. (2015). Adaptive governance, ecosystem management, and natural capital. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 112(24): 7369-7374. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1406493112

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EXPLORE THE DETAILS OF OUR CASE STUDIES BY CLICKING ON THE RESPECTIVE PARTS OF THE OVERVIEW MAP

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