THE 10 ELEMENTS OF AGROECOLOGY
Today’s food and agricultural systems have achieved the impressive feat of supplying large volumes of food to global markets. However, this success has come at a significant environmental cost. High-external input, resource-intensive agricultural practices have led to severe deforestation, water scarcities, biodiversity loss, soil depletion, and high levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, despite considerable advancements, hunger and extreme poverty remain pressing global challenges. Even in regions where poverty has declined, widespread inequalities continue to obstruct efforts to eradicate it.
Agroecology is central to the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Common Vision for Sustainable Food and Agriculture. This approach is a crucial part of the global response to the current climate of instability. Agroecology offers a distinctive method to significantly increase future food production while ensuring inclusivity and sustainability.
Agroecology is an integrated approach that combines ecological and social concepts and principles in the design and management of food and agricultural systems. It aims to optimize the interactions between plants, animals, humans, and the environment. Additionally, it addresses the social dimensions necessary for a sustainable and equitable food system.
Agroecology is not a recent innovation. It has been present in scientific literature since the 1920s and is evident in the practices of family farmers, grassroots social movements for sustainability, and public policies in various countries worldwide. In recent years, agroecology has gained prominence in the discourse of international and UN institutions.
By embracing agroecology, we can work towards a sustainable future that balances the need for increased food production with environmental preservation and social equity. This approach ensures that no one is left behind in the quest for a fair and sustainable global food system.
source :
https://openknowledge.fao.org/items/74156cdc-0000-4150-8b60-e06162a095c8
