In the heart of agricultural landscapes, a delicate balancing act is underway. Farmers strive to maximize production to meet social and economic demands, while also preserving the ecological functions that sustain these very systems. However, the intensification of agricultural practices has led to a decline in biodiversity, landscape heterogeneity, and ecosystem services, raising concerns about the resilience of agroecosystems. A recent study published in the journal *Ecology and Society* (translated from German as “Ecology and Society”) sheds light on this complex issue, offering insights into how we might better assess and enhance the resilience of our agricultural landscapes.
Led by Paula Schatte from the National and International Nature Conservation department at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, the study conducted a comprehensive review of recent assessments of agroecological resilience. The concept of agroecological resilience considers the capacity of the entire agroecosystem—including practical, social, and economic aspects—to respond to disturbances like drought and landscape-related management changes.
The research team systematically reviewed 42 studies, classifying them into two main clusters. The first cluster encompassed quantitative modeling approaches combined with case studies and spatial analysis using GIS or remote sensing. The second cluster included qualitative approaches, such as questionnaires and interviews, paired with case-study methods.
Schatte emphasized the importance of integrating both quantitative and qualitative methods. “Quantitative studies often focus on modeling agricultural landscapes and could benefit from a greater representation of social aspects, such as stakeholder opinions on management decisions,” she noted. On the other hand, qualitative studies assessed agroecological resilience more holistically, particularly by including social resilience.
The study found that while robustness—an agroecosystem’s ability to withstand disturbances—was frequently studied, other crucial aspects like transformability and adaptability received less attention. Transformability refers to the system’s capacity to shift into fundamentally new structures, while adaptability involves adjusting to changing conditions without altering the system’s basic structure.
The findings suggest that a combined approach—merging quantitative modeling with qualitative assessments of local stakeholders’ needs—could provide a more holistic view of agroecological resilience. This integrated method would take into account locally driven social factors, potentially initiating a research-led transformation process toward more resilient agroecosystems.
For the energy sector, the implications are significant. As agricultural landscapes are increasingly integrated with renewable energy projects—such as solar farms and wind turbines—the resilience of these agroecosystems becomes even more critical. Understanding and enhancing agroecological resilience can help ensure that these landscapes continue to support both agricultural production and renewable energy development, fostering a more sustainable and stable future.
Schatte’s research calls for a shift in how we assess and manage agroecosystems, emphasizing the need for collaboration between scientists, farmers, and policymakers. By embracing a holistic approach, we can better navigate the challenges posed by climate change, land use changes, and other disturbances, ultimately fostering more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscapes.
As the world grapples with the pressing need to balance production with sustainability, Schatte’s work offers a timely and valuable contribution to the field. By bridging the gap between quantitative and qualitative assessments, we can pave the way for more resilient agroecosystems that support both human communities and the environment.