InfoPoint Conference: The effects of agroecology – why are metrics needed?

Agroecology applies ecological concepts and principles to manage interactions between plants, animals, humans and the environment. It is a complex concept and appropriate measures and metrics are key to demonstrating its numerous and wide benefits. That is why the European Commission Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) hosted an InfoPoint Conference on metrics for agroecology. FAO Livestock Development Officer Anne Mottet participated and presented the Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE).

TAPE is a comprehensive tool based on various existing assessment frameworks. It uses agroecology to measure the performance of any kind of agricultural system across the different dimensions of sustainability. “The tool was designed to remain simple and require minimum training and data collection,” Mottet explained. She also provided the audience with more information on the process that led to the creation of TAPE, together with its core criteria of performance and the 10 elements of agroecology.

DG INTPA Deputy Head of Unit for Sustainable Agri-food Systems and Fisheries Willem Olthof made a series of opening and closing remarks stressing the importance of agroecology for healthy and nutritious food for all. Fergus Sinclair, Chief Scientist for the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)-World Agroforestry (ICRAF) and Groupe de Recherches et d'Echanges Technologiques GRET Programme Manager Laurent Levrard provided additional perspectives on the importance of metrics in managing agroecology.

The presentations of all speakers are available here.