Qualitative meta-analysis of barriers and drivers of agroecological transition

The agri-food sector contributes to climate change but also has substantial mitigation potential. Agroecology is increasingly recognised as a viable pathway for transforming agri-food systems, but its success depends partly on understanding the factors influencing farmers' pro-environmental behaviour. This study aims to identify and classify these factors as barriers or drivers through a qualitative meta-analysis based on a structured systematic literature review of studies conducted in the European Union. The results indicated that personal knowledge and capabilities dominated the evidence. Particularly advanced age and income-related constraints were the clearest barriers, whereas larger farm size, higher schooling level and agricultural training were the most consistent drivers. Subsidies, off-farm income, technical advice, family labour, environmental attitude and innovativeness show positive but less consistent effects. The findings indicate that policies supporting the agroecological transition should strengthen farmers' financial stability, training and capacity to adopt agroecological land management practices, particularly among older and structurally constrained farmers.