Gamisol

Background

Soils are essential for feeding humanity and underpin many other ecosystem services, including carbon storage and the recycling of water and nutrients. To provide these services, soil must remain in a functional state over the long term. As a metaphor—and to highlight the biological dynamics within soils—we speak of “soil health.” However, this concept generally remains difficult for consumers to grasp, as they have little understanding of the link between agricultural practices, soil health, and food choices.

GamiSol seeks to understand how to raise awareness of soil issues in order to promote more responsible consumer behavior. To this end, the project is studying the views and perceptions of citizens and experts regarding these issues in France and Quebec.

Objective

• To understand how citizens view themselves and perceive the connection between their knowledge of soil and their consumption of soil-derived products, particularly food.
• To understand how experts conceptualize and perceive the connection between citizens’ knowledge of soils, certification, sustainable practices, and the consumption of these products.
• To test a serious game designed to raise awareness about soil health among a Quebec audience, as a means of changing individual behaviors.

Steps

1. Mapping of consumer choices and their impacts on soil health—December 2025 through February 2027.

   A unique study that addresses a need for knowledge in the social sciences regarding soil health issues!

   • Conducting focus groups (December 2025 through March 2026). 

     Eleven focus groups brought together 40 experts and practitioners in the fields of sustainable agriculture and sustainable consumption: 27 researchers from various disciplines (soil health and biology, ecology, economics, and marketing), 10 representatives from field-based and government organizations, and 3 agricultural advisors.

   • [IN PROGRESS] Sorting and evaluating action statements (October and November 2026).

     The discussions during the focus groups led to the identification of 68 action statements.

     Participants are invited to sort and evaluate the action statements that fall within the scope of topics related to soil health (for example, soil health monitoring indicators, economic models, consumer behavior, and consumer and citizen education).

     Participate in the study

   • [COMING SOON] Evaluation of results (December 2026 – February 2027).

     Focus groups in the form of debriefing sessions will be organized to interpret the results with the study participants and to share the findings as a group.

2. Serious games pilot program in Quebec, starting in November 2026. 

   The game is being tested with partners and their networks to assess its impact on understanding of soils and on individual responses.