Evaluating agroecological practices using the FAO TAPE (tool for agroecological performance evaluation): a case study of the Lake Bosomtwe Biosphere Reserve, Ghana

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Tool for Agroecological Performance Evaluation (TAPE) is a participatory framework for assessing the performance of agroecological systems. Using Lake Bosomtwe Biosphere Reserve (LBBR) in Ghana as a case study, the tool was applied in engagement with farmers to assess the agroecological status of agrosystems in the biosphere reserve and to explore drivers to foster agroecological transition. The findings indicate that the elements of efficiency, recycling and food traditions ( ρ > 0.77, p < 0.001) are key drivers of agroecological transition. It could be shown that the dependency on external inputs, the utilization of recycling practices and the presence of local food traditions strongly influence the transition of farms toward agroecological systems. Recommendations include the development of locally adapted strategies to enhance financial resilience, strengthen agroecological knowledge sharing among farmers, and providing access to credit, training and insurances.