A Week at the Evidence Synthesis for Agri-food Systems Transformation Spring School

In late March, Raf Jansen, Honghong Li, and Daniel Avila Ortega attended a transformative week-long workshop on Evidence Synthesis for Agri-food Systems Transformation. Held from 20th to 24th March 2023, the Spring School was hosted by the University of Almería, with Neal Haddaway and José Luis Vicente Vicente as instructors. It focused on providing rigorous methodological training in evidence synthesis, specifically tailored for those engaged in transformational food, farming, and agricultural research.

Our colleagues, Raf, Honghong, and Daniel, spent the week delving deep into the methodology of systematic reviews, maps and meta-analyses. They learned to understand the intricate steps involved - from question formulation to building a search string and finally, writing the synthesis. An integral part of the workshop was the exploration of tools aimed at helping make more inclusive and rigorous systematic reviews, from methodological guidance documents to search string databases.

The workshop was also a great networking opportunity. Raf, Honghong, and Daniel brainstormed ideas with other researchers around our themes and how to apply evidence synthesis ideas better. Post workshop, all participants are now collaborating on a joint review of existing syntheses, championing a commitment towards more rigorous practice.

From agroecology to farming policy and beyond, the Spring School broadened our colleagues' perspectives on food system research. Breakout groups, networking activities, and guest presentations stimulated engaging discussions on various aspects of farming and agricultural research. The week ended with an excursion to the “El mar de plástico”, the world’s largest concentration of greenhouses. Lecturers from the university gave some interesting talks on the unique problems that Almería faces going forward and how to balance this economic output with water management and nature conservation.

In summary, Raf Jansen, Honghong Li, and Daniel Avila Ortega had an enriching experience at the Evidence Synthesis for Agri-food Systems Transformation Spring School. They gained knowledge, skills, connections, and insights that they hope to use for future evidence syntheses they conduct. They received a formal certificate of attendance from the University of Almería, demonstrating they earned the equivalent of 7.1 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits.

Image credit: Neal Haddaway