Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE)
There is an increasing amount of evidence showing the positive impacts of agroecology on the environment, increased biodiversity, improved livelihoods, and greater resilience to climate change. However, these results often remain fragmented in case studies, isolated experiences or field observations, usually based on heterogeneous methods and data as well as differing scales and timeframes.
The need for harmonized evidence on agroecology was a systematic recommendation from the various global and regional consultations on agroecology organized by FAO between 2014 and 2018, and specifically requested by FAO governing bodies in 2018. To respond to these mandates, FAO in consultation with many partners have developed the Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE).
TAPE is a comprehensive tool that aims to measure the multidimensional performance of agroecological systems across the different dimensions of sustainability. It applies a stepwise approach at the household/farm level, and it collects information and provides results at a community scale. The tool was designed to remain simple and to require minimum training and data collection.
The TAPE+ project, funded by the European Commission, aims to refine existing metrics and incorporate advanced digital features, making the tool more user-friendly. TAPE+ builds on the success of the original TAPE tool which has been implemented in 58 countries and aims to advance agroecological transitions at the national level. The project, operating from 2024 to 2026, will pilot national assessments in four countries in Africa. By providing more advanced tools and data for agroecological practices, TAPE+ will strengthen evidence-based policymaking, promote sustainable agriculture and support the broader adoption of agroecology.
Benefits and uses of TAPE
Enhances Agroecology Knowledge and Empowerment of Key Stakeholders: TAPE can contribute to empowering producers through a self-diagnosis and assessment of their system’s level of transition and performances. It can improve agroecological knowledge of TAPE users, including producers, organizations and policymakers, which contributes to future informed decisions.
Creates Global Harmonized Evidence for Policy Recommendations: TAPE serves as a crucial tool to inform policy makers and development institutions by creating harmonized evidence on the multidimensional performance of agroecology and its potential to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2.4.1 (sustainable agriculture), 1.4.2 (land rights) and 8.6.1 (biodiversity). By providing data and analysis on different development objectives, TAPE can also enable intersectorial and interministerial cooperation.
Supports the Design, Monitoring and Evaluation of Projects and Programmes: TAPE can be used to establish a baseline of agricultural sustainability for project design, monitoring and evaluation, and to diagnose and compare the performance of different agricultural systems over time. Therefore, it can support the re-orientation of public investment towards more sustainable agriculture and food systems. It can provide a framework for governments and public actors for the adaptation and re-design of research and development programmes, as well as rural advisory services and extension programmes to properly address sustainable agriculture in the context of the SDGs.