Comparative analysis of the main research approaches of agricultural systems

Abstract

Objective: To conduct a comparative analysis of the different theoretical and methodological approaches used to study agroecosystems.

Design/methodology/approach: A documentary research was carried out in scientific and academic databases and each of the methodologies developed to analyse agroecosystems was reviewed. Key words were used: farming systems approach, agroecosystems analysis, agroecosystems methodology and agroecosystem health.

Results: It was found out that the study and analysis of agroecosystems and its context has great importance to determine their characteristics, properties and functioning according to the hierarchical level. There are currently countless methods for the analysis and asessment of agroecosystems, considering qualitative and quantitative data in static, evolutionary and co-evolutionary approach.

Limitations of the study/implications: Although several methodologies have been developed to obtain relevant results through the analysis of agroecosystems, these attempts are still lax and multidisciplinary.

Findings/Conclusions: Four main methodologies have been developed to study agriculture and agroecosystems. The approaches have often been systemic, pluridisciplinary and including various dimensions and paradigms (quantitative and qualitative). However, it is necessary to consider an inclusive perspective, a participatory and pluridisciplinary approach, allowing the analysis of agroecosystems in a holistic and complexity manner.