Agroecological transition towards sustainability in agrosystems in Estelí, Nicaragua
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5377/wani.v1i83.21609Keywords:
agriculture, ecosystem, farming systems, food safety, rural economy, sustainable developmentAbstract
The study evaluated the current status and level of agroecological transition of ten agroecosystems located in the municipalities of Estelí and San Juan de Limay, Nicaragua, in order to assess their contribution to sustainability through agroecological performance indicators. A descriptive, cross-sectional approach was applied using structured surveys, checklists, field observations, and a focus group. Data collection instruments were adapted from FAO’s TAPE tool, which facilitated the analysis of key components such as diversity, efficiency, resilience, circular economy, plant health, and local governance. Results revealed three levels of progress toward agroecological transition. Four agroecosystems (40%) achieved a consolidated agroecological level, characterized by high productive diversification, organic soil management, efficient nutrient recycling, and low dependence on agrochemicals. Five agroecosystems (50%) were classified in an intermediate transition stage, showing partial integration of ecological practices and areas for improvement in resource management. One agroecosystem (10%) remained in an initial transition phase due to the predominance of conventional practices and lower functional diversity. Plant health showed a direct relationship with the degree of transition: highly diversified systems with greater nutrient cycling exhibited vigorous plants, lower pest incidence, and enhanced ecosystem self-regulation, whereas less diversified systems showed higher phytosanitary vulnerability. These findings demonstrate that agroecological transition strengthens resilience, phytosanitary stability, and productive sustainability, positioning plant health as a key indicator of ecological balance in family farming systems.
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