The workshop focussed on the use of agri-environmental indicators for the assessment of network-related activities based on agroecological principles. Methods such as Social Network Analyses (SNA) and the Agroecological Assessment Framework (AAF) were discussed. The integration of the entire network to record soft indicators such as participation and cooperativeness were particularly emphasised. Suitable indicators will now be selected for the SIMONE project to strengthen the participatory character.
Today's workshop focussed on the use of agri-environmental indicators to effectively evaluate network-related activities. The discussion centred on the 13 agroecological principles of the High-Level Panel of Experts (HLPE) and their application in the context of networks such as the Frankfurt Food Council. These principles provide a solid basis for the evaluation of initiatives aimed at sustainable, equitable and participatory agriculture. The workshop highlighted the potential and challenges of this methodology, particularly about participatory and network-based approaches such as the SIMONE project.
Selection of the 13 principles and approach
The agroecological principles according to HLPE are central guidelines that integrate ecological, economic and social aspects. The workshop looked in detail at how these principles can be used as indicators for network evaluation. Quantitative and qualitative methods played a role here, including Social Network Analysis (SNA) to record network density, modularity and key actors, as well as the Agroecological Assessment Framework (AAF), which uses specific indicators for agroecological assessment.
The group paid particular attention to the principles of connectivity, knowledge co-creation, and participation, as these are of great importance for promoting networks with a participatory approach. Selecting appropriate indicators for SIMONE’s Living Labs requires careful consideration to ensure that both environmental and social factors are taken into account.
Tools and methods for network analysis
Various tools for carrying out network analysis were presented in the workshop. These include common programmes such as Gephi or UCINET, which can be used to visualise and analyse the network structure. Choosing the right software and methodology is crucial to answer the specific questions of the project. Close cooperation with the actors in the network is essential to achieve valid results. Moreover, it is important to survey and involve the entire network, not just individual actors. This is the only way to ensure a comprehensive and representative analysis of network cohesion and dynamics.
Challenges and considerations for the SIMONE project
A central issue of the discussion was the challenge of including soft indicators such as participation and social values in the network analysis. These aspects are difficult to measure but are extremely important for projects such as SIMONE when they not only focus on technical innovation but also on participation and fairness. The group agreed that close co-operation between science and practice needs to be ensured for the successful implementation of these indicators in order to develop concrete evaluation standards.
Different ways to visualise network analysis (image courtesy of Pauline Otto)
Conclusion and outlook
The workshop showed that agri-environmental indicators are valuable tools for evaluating network-related activities. The 13 principles provide a comprehensive basis that covers both ecological and social aspects. The SIMONE team now needs to select and elaborate suitable indicators and find methodological solutions to strengthen the participatory nature of the network. In future discussions, these approaches will be refined to make informed decisions that best support the network and its stakeholders.
More info
Contact Salome Ryll, BIONALES - Bürger für regionale Landwirtschaft und Ernährung e.V.
- s.ryll@bionales.de
- Holzhausenstr. 22, 60322 Frankfurt, Germany