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