Towards a systemic and pragmatic approach of ecological transitions within agrifood systems
Starting with a discussion of three theoretical frameworks which can be applied in order to analyse agrifood systems transformation processes, i.e., the sustainability transitions theory, the French pragmatic sociology, and the food regimes theory, this article suggests a systemic, historicized and pragmatic approach to ecologization processes which borrows from these different frameworks. This approach adopts a systemic and historical standpoint as it aims to study how these transition processes result from the transformation of the interdependences between the different components and actors of the agrifood systems over time. It is also a pragmatic approach because it focusses on the actual changes in actors’ practices as well as on the controversies between diverse actors who have different visions of what an ecological transition should be. In order to assess its relevance, this approach is then applied to three case studies: the institutionalization process of agroecology in France and in Brazil, and the ecological transition of a territorial agrifood system in southern France.