Learning module 3: Concrete examples

Guiding questions:

• What are examples of commonly observed synergies and trade-offs between sustainability goals in food, land and water systems?
• What are sustainability goals often underrepresented in anticipating synergies and trade-offs?

Here we provide an overview of the examples of synergies and tradeoffs in agricultural systems that we brought together for this module. The selected Case studies describe examples of commonly observed trade-offs between goals (e.g. productivity vs. environmental and social sustainability) but also between decision variables (e.g. crop used as feed or as green manure) and between spatial levels (e.g. farm versus landscape level). Next to trade-offs, the contributions also reveal that often synergies can be achieved, e.g. between environmental outcomes and livelihood opportunities for women as described in the Lessons learned. 

For more of an orientation about this module click here or dive directly into the learning materials below