Social-ecological outcomes of agroecological transitions: A case study from natural farming systems in central India

In small-scale production systems, a transition to natural farming systems, characterized by minimal soil disturbance, reliance on bio-inputs, crop diversification, and elimination of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, may achieve higher social-ecological sustainability. While indicators of such positive outcomes have been shown when comparing conventional systems to agroecological systems, we know very little of the incremental changes in social-ecological sustainability during a transition. This study investigates a suite of indicators during such transitions among farms in central India. We operationalize a spectrum of farms –conventional farms (chemical input-dependent monocultures), transitional (bio-input adoption with partial synthetic fertilizer use), and agroecological (full bio-input usage, no synthetic inputs for at least two years, multiple agroecological practices). We collected qualitative data on social, economic, and ecological factors via farmer interviews [n = 60]. We analyzed our data using well-being indicators and the five capital assets framework. Our results showed that farms in-transition and established agroecological systems report positive social outcomes, including higher farmer well-being indicators related to community support. Importantly, even farmers in transition had stronger community networks than those using conventional practices. Dietary diversity improved as the transition progresses, with established agroecological farmers tending to have higher diversity of foods across all farmers compared to conventional farmers. Social, physical and natural capital assets were significantly higher for transitional and agroecological farmers, while financial capital assets were the same across all farmers. Our results indicate that farmers who transition from conventional practices to agroecological practices enhance many aspects of livelihood resiliency while maintaining financial assets. We contribute key dynamics in social-ecological outcomes during the process of refining conventional practices into agroecological practices, with implications for informing policy making.Author summary: In central India, farmers are adopting natural farming practices that rely less on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and more on homemade bio-inputs and promoting crop diversity. These practices are widely believed to benefit both the environment and farmers’ well-being. However, we still know relatively little about what happens during the transition step itself, when farmers gradually move away from chemical-based inputs toward natural and agroecological approaches. To better understand this process, we interviewed 60 farmers in central India who were at different stages of this transition. Some still relied heavily on chemical inputs, some were starting to shift to bio-inputs, and others had fully adopted agroecological farming. By interviewing farmers about their daily lives, diets, challenges, and community relationships, we found clear benefits even in the early stages of adoption of natural farming practices. These included stronger community support, improved well-being, and more diverse diets. Farmers who had fully adopted agroecological practices had greater social, physical, and natural assets, which are important for coping with shocks and building long-term resilience. Importantly, these gains did not reduce financial well-being. Our findings show that agroecological transitions strengthen the social and ecological foundations of farming households sustainably and help guide policymaking efforts to support sustainable farming.