METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORKS FOR THE EVALUATION OF AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY AT WATERSHED LEVEL: A REVIEW

Abstract

Background. The selection of indicators and their use for the evaluation of agricultural sustainability at the watershed level is addressed. Objective. To discuss the importance of their use and the options of existing methodological frameworks for this purpose. Main findings. the concept of indicator and its characteristics are defined; subsequently, the main methodological frameworks used in the selection of indicators are described, with emphasis on the assessment of agricultural sustainability in watersheds. Conclusions. In the evaluation of agricultural sustainability at the watershed level, it is highlighted the selection of indicators based on a methodological framework that integrates the three dimensions of sustainability (social, ecological and economic). It was considered the management and interactions of the agroecosystems with other external systems and internal subsystems within the watershed. It is emphasized the importance of selecting indicators in a participatory manner, with producers and the application of multivariate analysis that may contribute to the generation of sustainability indices