F.A.Q.
What is Agroecology?
Agroecology is “an integrated approach that simultaneously applies ecological and social concepts and principles to the design and management of food and agricultural systems” that “aims to optimize the interactions between plants, animals, humans and the environment while taking into account the social aspects that must be addressed for a sustainable and equitable food system”.
Food and Agriculture Organisation
The current crisis in food systems
Current food systems are facing significant environmental, climate, and health challenges. They account for one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 80% of biodiversity loss. Often reliant on chemical-dependent monocultures, these systems are vulnerable to diseases and unforeseen shocks. Additionally, they contribute to deforestation, community displacement, social inequalities, water pollution, and soil degradation.
The precarious livelihoods and social inequities experienced by many farmers and food system workers—especially women, Indigenous Peoples, and youth—exacerbate the challenge of ensuring adequate nutrition for all. Industrial agriculture, as it stands today, is no longer sustainable.
The interconnected crises we face today present both an urgency and an opportunity to unite diverse forces and sectors to drive transformational change.
Why Agroecology?
- Agroecology aims to transform food systems by adhering to the 13 principles of the High-Level Panel of Experts (HLPE) of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) and the 10 elements of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), which have been agreed upon by governments, farmers, researchers, and civil society organizations.
- By focusing on diversity, resilience, and equity, agroecological food systems can simultaneously address climate change, biodiversity loss, and hunger.
- Agroecological food systems, with their cross-cutting principles, can contribute significantly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Agroecology offers a pathway to protect nature, conserve biodiversity, and restore degraded lands and ecosystems while producing healthy, diverse, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food.
- Diverse agroecological systems can enhance the resilience of family farmers and rural communities, boosting local economies and markets.
- Agroecology values traditional local practices and knowledge, while also embracing constant innovations based on specific local conditions, integrating traditional, experimental, and scientific knowledge.
- Agroecology can sustainably feed a growing population while conserving nature and strengthening communities.
- By promoting direct contact between producers and consumers, agroecology reduces intermediaries, making food more affordable for consumers and providing better remuneration for farmers.
- Agroecology can enhance urban agriculture by designing diversified, productive, and resilient urban farms.
- Agroecology promotes social justice and defends the rights of farmers, farm workers, Indigenous Peoples, and food producers, including women and youth, aiming to place them at the center of the food system.