University-embedded diagnostics and a research-to-practice cycle for agroecological transition

Programmes that promote agroecological transition usually depend on external consultants for the diagnostic that measures whether the transition is happening. When the programme ends, that capacity leaves, and knowledge of what works, crop by crop, stays tacit in producers’ hands. ProResiliente’s research component places the diagnostic in four national public universities through framework agreements. They adapt and apply the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE) across eight value chains, so different crops are measured on one scale. A research-to-practice cycle tests the practices that work for each crop and writes them up as practical guides, and 100 trained local trainers (multipliers) take them to producers. As rainfall and temperatures keep changing, the ability to measure again is what builds resilience, and universities in the drought-exposed Valles keep it close to the territories they serve. Per-chain results and the practice guides are in production.

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