Page - February 8, 2010
Agroecology is the science of integrating agricultural production in its global, regional and local ecological, cultural and social context. It is also an emerging and spreading concept of marrying local, traditional and indigenous knowledge with formal science.
How it Works
Based upon the ingenuity and traditional local knowledge of
generations of farmers, agroecological systems usually use complex
systems of synergy between plants, microbes and animals. They
entail adapted concepts of crop-rotation and interdependencies of
plants for pest control, as well as recycling and integrated use of
different organic materials for shelter, clothing, energy and other
purposes.
Key Advantages of Agroecology:
- Higher quantitative and qualitative yields in small-scale
farming systems, resulting in improved health, wellbeing and
income
- Addressed advantages and disadvantages of a given
ecosystem
- Reduced emission of greenhouse gases and fossil fuel
dependency
- Reduced use of toxic substances
- Improved soil fertility
- Improved and integrated natural resource management and
biodiversity
- Improved resilience to extreme weather conditions and overall
climate adaptation potential
- Increased competence, innovation and cooperation of small and
poor farmers
- Improved livelihood opportunities for rural poor, including
landless labor
- Improved understanding and innovation of the scientific
community of complex agro-ecological interactions and agricultural
multi-functionality
- Conservation and use of traditional, indigenous and local
knowledge and value systems and respect for regional and community
based social, cultural and spiritual identity
Moving Forward
Agroecological farming methods are as productive as conventional
as industrial farming methods. However, since most agroecological
solutions are highly site specific, little investment has been made
so far in systematically taking stock of this knowledge and making
it available to other farmers. Greenpeace is calling for increased
funding, education and promotion of agroecological farming methods
worldwide.