Systematic evaluation of indicator sets for farming system diagnosis and design.

Indicators of farming system performance are pertinent for the diagnosis of the sustainability of farming systems and to evaluate alternative options in a systems design context. However, methodologies to define, to prioritize and to select indicators in a systematic way are scarce. The objectives of this paper are to present a conceptual approach to systematically evaluate indicator sets for assessment of the sustainability of farming systems (FSs) and discuss its possible application by analysing two indicator frameworks used for FS design (MESMIS and AESIS). The formulation and functioning of the indicator frameworks was related to their use in case‐studies in Uruguay and Italy. Main features of the approach are (a) separation of entities in agroecosystems from their associated economic and cultural values; (b) categorization of entities into four dimensions (physical, ecological, productive and social); and (c) a distinction between indicators representing functional properties (for diagnosis) and structural properties (for causal relations and design of adjustments). The points of emphasis of the indicators sets could be readily found for the case studies in Italy (environmental assessment) and Uruguay (productivity and livelihood of small family farmers). The overview of the sets of indicators and their apparent omissions should feed into the stakeholder discussions to determine whether the differences in emphasis were as intended or should lead to adjustments in the indicator sets.