Traffic Light System Methodology (TLSM): a versatile methodology for the diagnosis, monitoring, and auditing of the agroecological transition of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) agroecosystems in Mexico

Objective: To describe and identify the relationships of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and verify the versatility of the Traffic Light System Methodology (TLSM) for the diagnosis, monitoring, and auditing of 13 agroecological objectives, as well as its scales of application at different levels for the agroecological transition. Design/methodology/approach: The process included the results of various field practices carried out during the First International Diploma in Agroecological Oil Palm Production. Document analysis and group discussions were conducted to identify the transition of agricultural and food systems and the development of agricultural resilience at three scales of application and four out of the five levels for the transition to sustainable food systems. Results: The versatility of the TLSM in oil palm agroecosystems was confirmed for the diagnosis, monitoring, and auditing of the implementation of agroecological principles, across its three scales of application and at least four of the five levels of the agroecological transition. Limitations of the study/implications: The application of the methodology in another agroecological palm system. Findings/conclusions: The 13 pillars of GAP analyzed through the TLSM address 12 of the 13 agroecological principles necessary for the transition of agricultural and food systems to achieve global food and nutrition security and to develop agricultural resilience through climate change adaptation, along with their corresponding application scales and four of the five levels for the transition to sustainable food systems. The TLSM proves to be suitable for diagnosing, monitoring, and auditing the implementation of agroecological principles in oil palm agroecosystems.