A synthesis of agroecology indicator frameworks and application for East Africa

Abstract Background: Agroecology has the potential to address food security and sustainability challenges in East Africa, but regional complexities require customized indicator frameworks that stakeholders, including smallholder farmers, extension services, local communities, policymakers, and agri-businesses, can easily adopt. However, many existing agroecological frameworks fail to integrate key aspects such as aquaculture and circular-water-energy systems. Specifically, seven of the nine reviewed frameworks do not include Integrated Aqua-Agriculture (IAA) metrics, creating a significant gap in agroecological assessments. Main Body: This review evaluates nine agroecological indicator frameworks for East Africa, focusing on their ability to monitor and support sustainable transitions in farming. These frameworks assess sustainability across economic, environmental, and social dimensions, considering resource efficiency, biodiversity, soil health, and profitability. Frameworks such as the Sustainable Intensification Assessment Framework, Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE), and Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture Systems (SAFA) are recognized for their multiscale approach and alignment with regional priorities. Conclusion: While existing frameworks support agroecological transitions, challenges such as complexity, data availability, and resource demands may limit their accessibility. Among the reviewed frameworks, TAPE and SAFA are most suited for East Africa. TAPE’s participatory approach and focus on biodiversity and soil management are ideal for smallholder contexts, while SAFA’s comprehensive approach can guide national policy development. Policymakers should consider integrating frameworks like TAPE and SAFA to ensure community participation and holistic sustainability assessment. Simplifying data collection and embracing evolving sustainability concepts will be essential for advancing more inclusive and resilient agroecological systems in East Africa.