Farming Systems - Study Materials

Agroecology is a system of agriculture and land management that looks to natural ecosystems and ecological principles to inform its agricultural practice and feeds the soil to feed the plant. It is a practice, a science and a social movement. It is not just a science as it includes the local knowledge and experience of food producers, especially women, as well as the struggle of social movements for a more just and sustainable world.

Like food sovereignty, agroecology is a concept that that integrates the ecological, financial and political issues faced by small-scale food growers. It values traditional peasant farming systems, as well as new ecological management practices.

Features

It recycles soil fertility and optimises available soil nutrients. It improves soil conditions for plant growth by managing organic matter, improving soil structure, cultivating ground cover, and enriching soil organisms.
It uses renewable and on-farm resources, such as nitrogen fixation and renewable energy.
It produces minimal pollutants such as greenhouse gases and nitrates.
It minimises the loss of resources by managing the soil, water and microclimate. It conserves soil, water, energy and genetic resources.
It diversifies local landscapes, habitats and economies.
It empowers local people.
It adapts to local environments and ecosystems.
It promotes biodiversity and productive biological systems. It values the health of ecosystems, people and living organisms.

Networks

Nyeleni Newsletter www.nyeleni.org

Agroecology Alliance www.campaignforrealfarming.org/agroecologybill/behind

Campaign for Real Farming www.campaignforrealfarming.org

Publications

The Nyeleni Declaration -International Forum for Agroecology

http://nyeleni.org/IMG/pdf/DeclNyeleni-en.pdf

Videos

Agroecology – Vision, Practice, Movement: Voices From Social Movements