A quantitative framework for evaluating the sustainability of Irish potato cropping systems after the landmark agrarian reform in Zimbabwe

摘要

Frameworks to evaluate the sustainability of cropping systems indeveloping countries are scarce. This study proposes a framework to select easilyquantifiable indicators that can be used to assess and communicate the sustainabilityof cropping systems in developing countries. The widely accepted social,economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability were covered usingpredefined criteria from which the indicators were then drawn. An initial list ofindicators was established based on literature review and expert opinion, andthrough filtering reduced to 16 core indicators. Using the case of Irish potatobasedcropping systems, a grower survey was conducted to collect data onproduction practices in four different cropping systems. The survey data were thenused to calculate the sustainability indicators expressed as resource use efficienciesbased on actual potato yields. The survey data also served as input into the CoolFarm Tool – Potato model to estimate greenhouse gas emissions from farmoperations involved in potato production. With the help of local agriculturalextension officers, focus group discussions were held with farmers of eachproduction system to decide on sustainable and unsustainable indicator thresholdlevels. The participatory nature of the framework involving farmers and localextension officers secured buy-in from key stakeholders important foroperationalization, monitoring and evaluation.