The Measuring Agroecology and its Performance (MAP) project is a collaboration to generate evidence of how agroecology can contribute to societal goals. The project assessed the performance of agroecology in three districts (Hula, Sodo-Zuria and Walmara) in Ethiopia, which have been part of the GIZ global project, Soil Protection and Rehabilitation for Food Security (ProSoil), since 2015. Analysts applied Tools for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE), as well as the Characterization of Agroecological Transition (CAET) on 99 farms that participated in the global project, and on 99 non-participating farms as a control group.
Various economic performance indicators show that agroecology is effective at improving agricultural productivity, household income and livelihoods in the study locations. In addition, results show that practising agroecology might reduce costs of production input. They also showcase how agroecology can support healthy and resilient ecosystems.
Similarly, improved food security was significantly associated with the integration of agroecology, particularly with the elements of diversity, synergies and efficiency. Participating farms also showed significantly improved dietary diversity at advanced stages of agroecological transitions. Further, the percentage of children and family members in households working in agriculture correlated well with agroecology. However, no significant relationship was detected between agroecology and women and youth empowerment.
The outcomes offer valuable lessons on how technologies advanced by the GIZ project have a significant impact on the CAET elements. Additionally, results shed light on the policy and financial support needed from governments and other key players to broaden agroecological practices.DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17528/cifor-icraf/009352Altmetric score:
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Publication year
2025
Authors
Wolde-meskel, E.; Thomson, A.; Barahona, C.; Doldt, J.; Mills, D.; Halefom, T.; Alpuerto, J.; Winowiecki, L.A.; Sörensen, L.; Cluset, R.; Chacha, R.; Karari, V.; Geck, M.S.
Language
English
Keywords
agroecology, soil analysis, soil management, application, measurement, evaluation, food security, soil quality
Geographic
Ethiopia