Analysis of Trade-Offs in Agricultural Systems

NUANCES - Nutrient Use in ANimal and Cropping systems – Efficiency and Scales

A framework for analysis of trade-offs in African smallholder farming systems

NE-DEED research method

Giller et al. (2008)

Trade-offs – and synergies?

• Resource scarcity – and resource use efficiencies• Time scale – productivity vs. sustainability• Spatial scale and hierarchical level

– Field, farm, farming system, terroir, landscape, watershed, region, country, globe

– Physical/geographical vs. political levels

• Claims – from global to local• Win-win? – win-lose – or lose-lose scenarios• Power – whose voice, whose power

• Methods and approaches • Key questions and hypotheses

…increases in the efficiency with which a resource is used lead to

faster depletion of that resource…

Jevons, 1865

Jevon’s Paradox

Rules of engagement

• Simple, plain language• Short questions – short answers• Open and vigorous discussion – please frame

criticism and comment positively