Methods and Tools Used to Support Farmers’ Agroecological Transition in Irrigated Systems: a Systematic Literature Review
Méthodes et outils utilisés pour accompagner les agriculteurs à la transition agroécologique en systèmes irrigués : Revue Systématique de la Littérature
Résumé
Irrigated agricultural systems are threatened by climate change, necessitating their agroecological transition with adequate farmer support. While existing reviews explore methods and tools to support farmers in agroecological transition, none address the specific challenges of irrigated systems. Our study pursued two goals: (i) describe the diversity of ways used to support farmers in irrigated systems, and (ii) assess the outcomes of these supports in terms of learnings, practices changes, and contributions to agroecology. Guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, we analysed 41 peer-reviewed articles by constructing a support typology based on their objectives. For each type, we described methods and tools mobilised and analysed outcomes. We identified four types of support. Sustained support over several years is crucial for practice change. Top-down approaches reach more farmers through simpler methods and tools but often promote isolated plot-level changes. In contrast, bottom-up approaches employ more complex methods and tools, enabling systemic changes at both plot and farm scales. Within farm-level transitions, irrigation is treated as a context, with methods and tools similar to those in rainfed systems. At the territorial scale, scenario-based approaches involving stakeholders from food and water sectors are specific to irrigated systems. However, there is no evidence of these approaches driving concrete practice changes. This review confirmed the complexity of supporting farmers in agroecological transition. By focusing on irrigated systems, and by proposing a new typology of support and linking methods and tools with outcomes, this review is taking the debate on support a step further. Finally, it highlights a scientific gap in assessing the real impact of support.
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