7: Out-scaling agroecology : the contribution of comprehensive approaches and transformative sciences

This symposium is divided into two complementary sessions : 
   S7.A Challenges and opportunities for transformative sciences to out-scale agroecology
   S7.B  Challenges and opportunities for comprehensive approached to out-scale agroecology

Part 7A - Challenges and opportunities for transformative sciences to out-scale agroecology

Scope : In a context of multiple crises, public research is called upon by civil society and political decision-makers to help transform agricultural and food production systems with a view to       moving towards sustainability. It is thus expected that the activities and results obtained through research have a positive impact on society, changing altogether individual practices, collective organizations and policies. This is the aim of transformative science, which both studies  the nature of the changes targeted and how to trigger these changes, considering that the way research is conducted is part of these changes (Schneidewind et al., 2016).

This symposium aims to build a dialog between different actors, researchers or not, aiming to implement transformative research in a reflexive way. It will focus in particular on the changes in research practices and organizations that are expected and desirable in the context of agroecological diversification/transition. Contributions may:

• take a reflexive look at experiments that aim to be transformative in order to assess their real impact and identify areas for vigilance
• question the scale of implementation of these transformative approaches and interactions between the micro, meso, and macro levels
• address the issue of collaboration between researchers and both civil society and political actors, drawing lessons for transdisciplinary approaches.

Part 7B - Challenges and opportunities for comprehensive approaches to out-scale agroecology

Scope: Mixing varieties or species is an agricultural practice that is particularly promoted in the context of the agroecological transition. While these practices have almost disappeared and are beginning to reemerge in industrialized regions, they remain widespread in family farming systems within non-industrialized agricultural societies. 

By emphasizing comprehensive approaches drawn from ethnology, ethnobotany, and rural sociology, contribution may:

• describe the diversity of mixing practices found around the world
• highlight the factors that promote or limit farmers’ use of mixtures