An Iterative Approach for Knowledge Production in the Agricultural Systems and Insights for IS Development

Introduction

Recent studies highlight an increasing number of interconnected challenges faced by agro-food systems (Foresight, 2011; McIntyre et al., 2009; Rockström et al., 2009; SCAR, 2011; Thompson et al., 2007; UNCTAD, 2013). The challenges include environmental issues such as raised greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture contributing significantly to climate change. The unsustainable exploitation of non-renewable resources (such as phosphorous) is also of increasing concern. Agricultural soils, known to be great reservoirs for carbon and other key resources, are showing signs that industrial agricultural practices are having a detrimental effect: compaction negatively impacts soil structure; depletion of nutrients and soil organic matter decreases fertility and erosion by wind and water degrade arable lands. Furthermore, excessive nutrient runoff and leaching from agriculture has a detrimental effect on the aquatic environment. The UNCCD (2016) recognise the importance of halting negative effects and promote the idea of land degradation neutrality, where the aims are to: maintain or improve ecosystem services; maintain or improve productivity, in order to enhance food security; increase resilience of the land and populations dependent on the land; seek synergies with other environmental objectives; and reinforce responsible governance of land tenure. Changes in policy decisions affecting the rural economy are likely to affect a diverse range of ecosystem services (Reed et al., 2013a), and in this context it is gradually becoming clearer how multiple ecosystem services can be evaluated and compared. Ferrarini et al. (2017) provide an example of networks of plant-based bioenergy buffers in a rural landscape that help to conserve resources such as soil, water and organic carbon. They cite measurements of biomass and energy in relation to transport costs etc. but similar calculations could be made with regard to agro-food production. Challenges in the agro-food system related to social aspects are also frequently highlighted in recent literature, with issues related to unequal access to food and exploitation of farm and food workers a particular cause for concern. Moreover, the negative economic effects caused by both hunger and obesity are increasingly coming to the attention of decision makers.