Participatory modelling for agroecological transitions: Engaging stakeholders in transformative pathways

CONTEXT The worldwide use of synthetic pesticides has been rising for decades. Agroecology offers a promising alternative, but its adoption requires support from public policy and multi-scale institutional and social levers. Recent policy approaches integrate levers promoting collective and territorial collaboration, recognizing the local scale as crucial for agroecological transitions. These levers involve mobilizing territorial stakeholders and implementing context-specific levers. OBJECTIVE Our objective is to better understand territorial levers that support agroecological transformation and associated practice change dynamics. We engaged with stakeholders using a generic territorial socio-ecological model to identify local levers and potential agroecological transition pathways. METHODS In the Barrois region (Eastern France), a participatory modelling initiative involved stakeholders from a farming territory aiming to reduce pesticide use. Three participatory workshops were organized to: (1) identify context-relevant levers; (2) calibrate the model based on the territory's current state; and (3) explore agricultural trajectories and supporting levers. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The use of the model highlights the dynamic and multi-factor nature of transitions. The workshops fostered rich dialogue and proposals, playing a central role in co-construction. Participants collectively identified levers such as awareness-raising, training initiatives, new stakeholder networks, and evolving advisory services. However, these levers vary depending on farmers' sensitivities and production types. Discussions emphasized the importance of involving not only farmers but also consumers and supply chains to drive change. SIGNIFICANCE This participatory approach produced a more realistic model and created learning opportunities for all participants (researchers and agricultural stakeholders), despite challenges like communicating complex theoretical concepts and vocabulary.