The case studies follow the developed adapted Socio-Ecological System (SES) framework (Guisepelli et al., 2018) to undertake in-depth analysis of underlying processes (using interviews, focus group discussion and workshops with key actors) and quantitative assessments of the sustainability implications of innovative approaches, market incentives and policy instruments for AEFS (using the decision support tools SMART, Cool Farm Tool and COMPAS). The case studies will answer the following questions:
- How can barriers and dilemma of AEFS be addressed in a specific case study context?
- What are the socio-economic and environmental implications of the transition to agro-ecological farming?
- Why were innovative strategies and incentives successful (or unsuccessful) in enhancing the joint provision of private and public goods of AEFS in a specific case study context?
- What lessons can be learnt for other cases and future policies?
The case studies cover a wide range of farming systems at different stages of agro-ecological transitions and tailored to the relative importance in each of the partner countries and in an EU-wide context. Case study selection criteria were developed with the Multi-Actor Platforms (MAPs), and covered: economic and social importance of farming systems, ecological importance and range of public goods provided, range of agro-ecological farming approaches, levels of experience of implementation, existing market incentives and policy instruments, institutional settings, characteristics of the value chain, demographic characteristics, gender issues, data availability and access (Prazan and Aalders, 2019).