Agroforestry is thought to be an approach that could support agriculture in the transition from a system with sustainability problems to one containing regenerative activities contributing to viable ecosystems and, therefore, sustainability solutions. A transdisciplinary and participatory action research (PAR) group that included farmers approached the development of temperate agroforestry systems in the modern agricultural setting of Sweden through practical experience on 12 farms for collective analysis. The objective was to research potential systems such as edible forest gardens, silvopasture and silvoarable systems to discuss their use and effects as well as scaling possibilities. Knowledge and experiences of challenges and solutions related to the development of agroforestry were identified at both niche and regime levels.

To meet the environmental challenges that are presently confronting society, the narrow focus on agricultural production needs to be altered to one that places equal value on the generation of crucial ecosystem services. Current research shows that perennial intercropping systems such as agroforestry may be a feasible alternative. Based on studies during the establishment of edible forest gardens in 12 participating farms in Sweden, this paper explores the potential of utilizing multi-strata designs for food production in temperate, high-income countries. Design and species composition of such gardens, types of food they provide, and how they would best fit into the present landscape are discussed. Factors for success and major problems related to the establishment are shared. Potential benefits were found to be closely related to a thorough analysis of the social and ecological contexts before establishment. Characteristics of the site and goals of the garden need to guide species and design choices. If forest garden approaches to food production should contribute to more than local self-sufficiency, the gardens need to increase in scale. Marginal lands and transitions areas between different land uses may be appropriate. Large knowledge gaps concerning potential production, social and economic benefits, and agronomic issues were identified.

The Swedish government accepts in principle that agriculture needs to move from being an activity that contributes to humankind's excess demand on the planet to become an activity that regenerates ecosystem services. The major tool for development of European agriculture is the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the EU implemented in the member rural development programs (RDP). Swedish farmers are dependent on the subsidies and payments of the RDP yet many are very critical of the program, especially those with animals and semi-natural pastures. A study based on semi-structured interviews with farmers in three districts in Sweden reveals the main reasons for their criticism to be: they feel trapped by regulations, powerless with respect to the controlling agency and lacking control of their finances. The study also identifies factors in the program that hinder the implementation of the sustainability goals of the CAP and RDP. The article recommends the adoption of guiding principles for facilitating transitions toward sustainable agriculture and emerging solutions to the challenges farmers experience.

Mangfunktionella, lokala odlingssystem : Etablering av modern agroforestry i Sverige 2012-2016

The focus of this paper is on how to assess ecosystem services in complex agroforestry systems using a case of edible forest gardens. Benefits of doing these assessments in a participatory learning ...

This publication not only presents a basic platform that, according to the authors, provides for R&D to contribute to sustainable development. It also gives an overview of agroecology as well as a peek into the work, ideas and activities of agroecologists ‘walking their talk’ of this broad subject. The reader is quickly facilitated to think about core issues for sustainable development through the presentation of accepted starting points for our knowledge development and possible alternatives. Practical consequences in the area of agroecology are given and shared in examples and the more personal chapters. The publication can also be used as a piece of literature to build any length of agroecology education and training on. Use only examples, the whole report, or go further with the help of the in depth suggestions and given literature. Any story needed can easily be added on. The material can be downloaded at www.slu.se/sv/bibliotek/publicera/sok-epsilon/ and is free to share. We hope you enjoy this presentation of Agroecology and that it will inspire and encourage you on the walk of your talk.

This article focuses on how a facilitated process of triple loop learning can enable transition toward more sustainable forms of farming. The article is a case-based study of Participatory Learning and Action Research with organic tomato growers inMa "lardalen, Sweden. The importance of negotiating learning and action, capacity building, and creating a systemic process is highlighted. Practical insights are developed into the process of facilitated learning, and the development of capacity for this. The article adds to existing knowledge of responsive approaches to the flux of system change and adds to the understanding of facilitation for scalecompatible decisions on transitions toward sustainable development.

In order to increase ecological horticulture in Sweden, it is necessary to increase productivity while reducing working hours. To improve the relevance of research results as a base for such transitions, a Participatory Learning and Action Research (PLAR) group was added to a conventional research project that aimed to find options for using green manure as a multifunctional tool in vegetable production. The project consisted of four work packages looking at different aspects of a system of interest defined by researchers. The PLAR group sought to evaluate the agronomic outcome of the conventional research outputs but came to add qualitative experience of using the different manuring methods tried. The article reports on the evaluation of the PLAR activities as well as on issues of cooperation and understanding The difficulties and constrains that arose revealed the limitations of conventional research as a means for supporting ecological horticulture transitions, but using PLAR as an 'add on method' is also shown to be inadequate for helping producers effect the transitions required. Discussion on the robustness of the data generated and the stability of the approach show the importance of using approaches that are fit for practice when extending research to develop ecological horticulture to include participation with practitioners. Moving from conventional research approaches to trans-disciplinary approaches is not easy and includes the need to relate the contextual knowledge of farmers to the abstract knowledge of scientists.

This article explores the potential of integrating Participatory Learning and Action Research (PLAR) and Systems Ecology (SE) for improving research capability in facilitating sustainable development transitions in agriculture. Goal conflicts that arose in a PLAR group working on sustainability issues in small-scale organic tomato production are analysed from the perspective of SE. The possibility to improve agency for sustainable development by the merger of PLAR and SE are discussed. It is concluded that the approaches together could provide a sounder base for systemic research and transitions in agriculture.

This paper is about learning among researchers, advisers and farmers within research projects on organic farming systems in Sweden and the United Kingdom. Both projects involved partnerships between several institutions, natural and social scientists, advisers and many farmers. Scientific data, farmer written case studies, field notes, learning experiences and evaluations have been collected in both countries. The UK research project and the Swedish initiative arose out of a wish to bring organic farmers into a research process which, in the past, had been driven by researcher-defined problem areas and designs. Both developed research in which farmers had an equal role in the definition of the "problem" to be researched and the design, implementation and monitoring of the process over time. Mutual learning among participants has occurred through their engagement with other stakeholders and a willingness to change behaviour within different areas of activity. Participants agreed that the approach can make a very positive contribution to the evolution and credibility of organic farming.

This paper seeks to trace some new developments in Swedish agricultural research: in the approach and methods of conducting research and within the growing organic farming research community. The basis of these developments has been the recognition that a change in form, substance and method was needed; from a rather narrow, researcher-driven, reductionist approach to problem solving, towards a farmer-participatory, systemic approach which seeks to improve farming systems and livelihoods of organic farmers. Farmers, extensionists and researchers are all partners in this process. This new approach is illustrated with an account of the experiences of a number of farmer-driven researcher groups. These have evolved over the past 4 years together with the facilitated changes in institutional research and donor support which have enabled this to happen. The key elements in the approach have been: the participation of many stakeholders in the research, a systemic learning and action process and the willingness of both an institution and research donors to support these initiatives.