Agroecology

Agroecology is a holistic approach to agriculture that applies ecological concepts and principles to the design, management, and development of agricultural systems. It emphasizes the interrelationships among crops, livestock, trees, soils, water, and biodiversity, with the aim of creating productive, resilient, and socially just farming landscapes. Agroecology integrates scientific understanding with local knowledge and participatory decision making.

Key principles commonly associated with agroecology include maintaining and rebuilding soil health, conserving and efficiently using water resources, promoting biodiversity at multiple scales, integrating crops and livestock, reducing dependence on external inputs, recycling nutrients and energy, and aligning agricultural practices with social equity, cultural context, and farmer livelihoods. These principles guide practices that seek to enhance ecosystem services such as pollination, pest regulation, and nutrient cycling.

Practices often associated with agroecology include diversified cropping systems (polycultures and intercropping), agroforestry, cover crops, reduced tillage, composting and compost teas, efficient water management, biological pest control, and farmer-led experimentation and knowledge exchange. The approach is frequently used in smallholder agriculture and is promoted as a strategy to increase resilience to climate change, improve food security, and support rural development.

History and scope: agroecology emerged from both scientific research and social movements in the late 20th century, with strong influence in Latin America and increasingly global adoption. It is viewed as both a scientific discipline and a framework for policy, education, and practice, often intersecting with concepts such as sustainable intensification, organic farming, and permaculture.

Critiques note debates over yield comparisons, scalability, measurement of success, and the need for supportive policies and markets. Supporters emphasize its potential for resilient, low-external-input farming and sustainable rural livelihoods.