Agroecology
Agroecology embodies an agricultural revolution based on sustainability, equity and social justice. It offers a viable alternative to industrial food systems, responding to the environmental, climatic and social challenges of our time. However, it requires systemic change, involving not only farmers but also consumers, policy makers and civil society.
Agroecology is more than a production method; it is an integrative vision of a sustainable future for agriculture and humanity.
1. Scientific dimension: The ecological foundations of agroecology
Agroecology is based on scientific principles derived from ecology and biology:
- Biological interactions: It analyses how plants, animals, microbes and soils interact in an agricultural ecosystem.
- Biogeochemical cycles: It focuses on the recycling of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon) to minimise losses and enrich the soil.
- Resilience: Agricultural ecosystems are designed to be resilient to climatic hazards and biotic pressures (diseases, pests).
Agroecology researchers also incorporate knowledge from the social sciences to understand how agricultural practices interact with economic, cultural and political structures.
2. Agroecological practices in detail
Agroecological practices are varied and adapted to local contexts. They include:
- Permanent plant cover: Keeping the soil covered with plants or residues to prevent erosion and conserve moisture.
- Biofertilisers and biopesticides: Using natural solutions based on microorganisms or plant substances to enrich the soil and protect crops.
- Integrated systems: Combining crops, livestock and agroforestry to optimise synergies between the different elements of the agricultural system.
- The agricultural circular economy: Reusing agricultural waste such as manure or crop residues to create fertile inputs.
3. Social and ethical dimension
Agroecology is not limited to agricultural production: it also encompasses human relationships and social systems. It seeks to:
- Promote equity: Encourage the equitable distribution of resources and benefits among the various actors in food systems.
- Support local knowledge: Value the traditional knowledge of rural communities while integrating modern innovations.
- Strengthen social ties: Encourage collaboration between farmers, consumers, researchers and decision-makers to co-construct sustainable food systems.
- Food sovereignty: Empower local communities to define their own food and agricultural policies.
4. Policy and governance: Agroecology as a lever for transformation
Agroecology is part of a political and economic framework that seeks to transform dominant food systems. It often opposes industrial agricultural models for several reasons:
- Reducing dependence on industrial inputs: Limiting the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and patented seeds.
- Democratisation of resources: Defending equitable access to land, seeds and water.
- Favourable public policies: Encouraging governments to support farmers practising agroecology through subsidies, research programmes and appropriate infrastructure.
The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations) has identified 10 key elements of agroecology, which include:
- Diversity,
- Synergy,
- Efficiency,
- Resilience,
- Participatory governance.
5. Overall impacts of agroecology
On the environment:
- Reduction in CO₂ emissions through low-carbon practices (e.g. no-till farming).
- Preservation of biodiversity through polyculture and the planting of native species.
- Improved soil health, which stores more carbon and becomes a carbon sink.
On the local economy:
- Increased income for smallholder farmers through reduced dependence on costly inputs.
- Development of local markets and short supply chains, reducing transport costs and intermediaries.
On human health:
- Improved nutritional quality of food produced without pesticides.
- Reduced exposure to toxic chemicals for farmers and consumers.
On society:
- Stronger links between farmers and consumers through initiatives such as farmers’ markets and community-supported agriculture (CSA).
- Contribution to food security by increasing productivity in a sustainable way, without degrading natural resources.
6. Agroecology and resilience to climate change
Agroecology is particularly well suited to responding to climate challenges:
- Adaptation: Agroecological systems are more resilient to climate extremes thanks to their diversity and their ability to retain water in the soil.