Food and agricultural (agrifood) systems feed the world and form the basis of our economic, political and cultural systems. At the same time, they are also drivers of environmental change at local and global levels. Given how central agrifood systems are to lives and livelihoods and the environment, it is not surprising that we try to measure, monitor and assess how they are performing.
Considering the diversity of agrifood systems globally, as well as the diversity in objectives of those who wish to collect data on the performance of those systems, there can be no single assessment framework which can meet every objective in all possible contexts. Any group that finds a need for holistic system assessment data has the challenge then, of selecting from available frameworks, adapting them to their needs, or innovating when there is nothing that meets those needs.
Hence, we need a guide through the maze of frameworks to help choose an approach, metrics and process that meet specific objectives. We therefore propose the development of a meta-framework, a scheme to guide or support those groups planning or promoting holistic agrifood systems measurement.
In this document, we put forward general steps for developing a holistic agrifood system assessment, as well as principles to guide decision making at each step of the design process, intended to support metrics-users in navigating the jungle of available approaches and selecting something that meets their needs. By developing a guiding framework for the design of holistic assessment and metrics, we aim to support their wider use, levelling the playing field for sustainable agrifood systems.
Considering the diversity of agrifood systems globally, as well as the diversity in objectives of those who wish to collect data on the performance of those systems, there can be no single assessment framework which can meet every objective in all possible contexts. Any group that finds a need for holistic system assessment data has the challenge then, of selecting from available frameworks, adapting them to their needs, or innovating when there is nothing that meets those needs.
Hence, we need a guide through the maze of frameworks to help choose an approach, metrics and process that meet specific objectives. We therefore propose the development of a meta-framework, a scheme to guide or support those groups planning or promoting holistic agrifood systems measurement.
In this document, we put forward general steps for developing a holistic agrifood system assessment, as well as principles to guide decision making at each step of the design process, intended to support metrics-users in navigating the jungle of available approaches and selecting something that meets their needs. By developing a guiding framework for the design of holistic assessment and metrics, we aim to support their wider use, levelling the playing field for sustainable agrifood systems.
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17528/cifor-icraf/009081Altmetric score:
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Publication year
2024
Authors
Lamanna, C.; Coe, R.; Crossland, M.; Fuchs, L.E.; Barahona, C.; Chiputwa, B.; Orero, L.; Adoyo, B.; Geck, M.
Language
English
Keywords
agrifood, food systems, livelihoods, assessment, meta analysis
