Environmental Evaluation of Agri-Environment Schemes Using Participatory Approaches: Experiences of Testing the Agri-Environmental Footprint Index.

Mauchline, A.L., Mortimer, S.R., Park, J.R., Finn, J.A., Haysom, K., Westbury, Duncan B, Purvis, G., Louwagie, G., Northey, G., Primdahl, J., Vejre, H., Kristensen, L.S., Teilmann, K.V., Vesterager, J.P., Knickel, K., Kasperczyk, N., Katalin, B., Podmaniczky, L., Vlahos, G., Christopoulos, S., Kroger, L., Aakkula, J. and Yil-Viikari, A. (2011) Environmental Evaluation of Agri-Environment Schemes Using Participatory Approaches: Experiences of Testing the Agri-Environmental Footprint Index. Land Use Policy, 29 (2). pp. 317-328.

Full text not available from this repository. (Request a copy)

Abstract

The Agri-Environment Footprint Index (AFI) has been developed as a generic methodology to assess changes in the overall environmental impacts from agriculture at the farm level and to assist in the evaluation of European agri-environmental schemes (AES). The methodology is based on multi-criteria analysis (MCA) and involves stakeholder participation to provide a locally customised evaluation based on weighted environmental indicators. The methodology was subjected to a feasibility assessment in a series of case studies across the EU. The AFI approach was able to measure significant differences in environmental status between farms that participated in an AES and non-participants. Wider environmental concerns, beyond the scheme objectives, were also considered in some case studies and the benefits for identification of unintentional (and often beneficial) impacts of AESs are presented. The participatory approach to AES evaluation proved efficient in different environments and administrative contexts. The approach proved to be appropriate for environmental evaluation of complex agri-environment systems and can complement any evaluation conducted under the Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. The applicability of the AFI in routine monitoring of AES impacts and in providing feedback to improve policy design is discussed.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	evaluation, participatory approach, agriculture, multi-criteria analysis, agri-environment scheme, policy assessment
Divisions:	Land and Property Management
Depositing User:	Professor Duncan Westbury
Date Deposited:	22 Apr 2024 09:17
Last Modified:	22 Apr 2024 09:17
URI:	https://rau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/16621

Actions (login required)

Edit Item