Kenya country report on Measuring Agroecology and its Performance (MAP). TAPE application in the context of the GIZ global project Soil Protection and Rehabilitation for Food Security (ProSoil)

As agroecology gains recognition for its role in advancing sustainable agricultural and food systems, evidence of its contributions to societal goals is essential for its advancement. This report evaluates the level of agroecological integration in three Kenyan counties involved in the GIZ ProSoil project, which focuses on building capacity to rehabilitate degraded lands through agroecological farm practices. It examines how varying degrees of agroecological integration correlate with multidimensional performance, considering the multifunctionality of agricultural systems. Utilizing the FAO’s Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE) integrated with a robust soil analysis, the study compares 101 farms from the ProSoil group with 100 comparison farms. Key findings indicate that ProSoil participants achieved significantly higher agroecological integration (CAET = 67%) than the comparison group (CAET = 38%). Increased agroecological integration correlates positively with economic benefits, improved agrobiodiversity, biophysical soil health, dietary diversity and food security. However, higher input expenditures were also noted as the level of agroecological integration advanced. While agroecology empowered women in decision making and resource governance, youth engagement in agriculture declined as integration advanced. The report concludes that programmes supporting sustainable farming practices like ProSoil can enhance agroecological integration, contributing to improved economic, environmental and social outcomes. Recommendations emphasize the need for sustainable business models that reduce organic input costs and balance long-term ecological gains with short-term financial needs, particularly throug youth-focused initiatives to re-engage them in agroecological transitions.

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17528/cifor-icraf/009350

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