Systems thinking: an approach for understanding ?eco-agri-food systems

ZHANG W.; GOWDY J.; BASSI AM; SANTAMARÍA M; DECLERCK F; ADEGBOYEGA A; ANDERSSON GK; GALETTO L; CALVO HERNÁNDEZ C

The TEEBAgriFood ?Scientific and Economic Foundations? report

United Nations Environment

Lugar: Geneva; Año: 2018; p. 17 - 54

Chapter 2 makes the case for using systems thinking as a guiding perspective for TEEBAgriFood?s development ofa comprehensive Evaluation Framework for the eco-agri-food system. Many dimensions of the eco-agri-food systemcreate complex analytical and policy challenges. Systems thinking allows better understanding and forecasting of theoutcomes of policy decisions by illuminating how the components of a system are interconnected with one anotherand how the drivers of change are determined and impacted by feedback loops, delays and non-linear relationships. Toestablish the building blocks of a theory of change, systems thinking empowers us to move beyond technical analysis anddecision-tool toward more integrated approaches that can aid in the forming of a common ground for cultural changes.