The nineth Conversation on Agroecology on March 26^th, 2025, focused on building knowledge for agroecology by understanding evidence and conceptualizing monitoring approaches.

Ileana Iocola (CREA, Italy) and Alejandra Jimenez (INRAE, France) presented on the “Conceptual framework for agroecology (AE) monitoring.” Both scientists are part of work package 5 of the AE partnership, which aims to establish a conceptual framework to define a common and systemic vision for AE transition monitoring and its sustainability performances across Europe. This framework includes five components of change: production practices, economic relationships, societal engagement, political conditions and knowledge, research, and education. The partnership explores three types of monitoring schemes. First, Ileana discussed monitoring dynamic processes, focusing on entry points, levers of change, accelerators, new configurations, and component interactions. Second, AE transition monitoring involves characterizing AE integration, with several methods already available. Lastly, for the monitoring of sustainability performance and impacts, several methods e.g., the TAPE tool, have been analysed for common topics. The next steps involve stakeholder engagement and mapping key elements, leading to the operationalization of the framework.

Nicola Randall (Harper Adams University, UK) gave a presentation on “Evidence synthesis for advancing AE decision-making”. Evidence synthesis is a tool which can assist decision making based on existing, primary research data. It combines and analyzes data from multiple studies, using rigorous and transparent methods, to provide a comprehensive overview about a research question. Evidence synthesis can be superior to traditional reviews, as it gives a more holistic perspective on complex issues, for instance, when several studies find different results on a matter. An overall combined effect can be calculated, shedding light on how a practice is impacting a factor of interest. In systematic reviews, biases in data collection are minimized and transparency is of highest importance. By informing policy makers, these reviews can have great impact on decision-making processes. Interested people can join the Cost funded “Network for Evidence Synthesis in the Agri-food Sector” (Action CA23107 - COST).