The 10 elements of agroecology
Conventional agricultural production is both the cause and the victim of climate change, soil erosion and environmental pollution, even though the world’s growing population depends on agriculture for food. Thus, a change of attitude covering the entire food system is necessary if we want to protect natural resources and adapt to the challenges of climate change with social justice in mind. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has identified agroecology as a key tool in the fight against hunger, poverty and climate change. Agroecology makes it possible to create food systems that are sustainable in the long term and healthy for both the environment and people.
Many small-scale and national agroecological initiatives have already been launched worldwide, which seek local solutions to global problems. The FAO formulated the 10 basic elements that can facilitate the initiation and maintenance of an agroecological transition.
These 10 elements are as follows
diversity
Agroecology strives for diversified farming and the support of the genetic diversity of species and varieties. Agricultural production can be adapted to local conditions with different methods, species and varieties.
Co-creation and sharing of knowledge
Agroecological agriculture relies to a lesser extent on external resources and to a much greater extent on locally developed knowledge. The formation and sharing of common knowledge plays a central role in the dissemination of agroecological practices and knowledge, and in the development of innovative solutions.
synergies
Ecological and social systems can also function more efficiently if the components work in harmony and support each other in their functions. The interactions between the components make the entire system more resistant and flexible to external influences, and at the same time increase the efficiency of the system.
Efficiency
Agroecological agricultural production tries to make cultivation more efficient by cooperating with natural processes and incorporating good patterns taken from nature; not only at the level of the production chain, but of the entire ecological system.
Recycling
Relying on natural processes, agroecology supports the biological processes responsible for the cycle of nutrients, biomass and water. In this way, the efficiency of the use of resources can be increased, the amount of waste and the level of environmental pollution are reduced.
resilience
Resilience – or flexible resistance – is the ability of a system to maintain its basic functions against single, repeated or continuous impacts and to be able to adapt to a new situation. Diverse agricultural systems are more likely to recover from extreme environmental impacts such as drought or flooding.
human and social values
As a social endeavour, agroecology works for the rights of small-scale producers and consumers, and aims, among other things, to promote fair access to natural resources: for example, farmland, water and seeds; creating food security and food self-determination; in order to prioritize the interests of local communities and preserve and improve the quality of life in the countryside.
culture and food traditions
Food plays a central role in the traditions of communities, it has fixed, historical roots, while eating habits and eating cultures are constantly changing. By supporting healthy, diverse and culturally appropriate eating habits, agroecology contributes to maintaining food safety, traditions, the health of people and ecological systems.
responsible governence
Policy and socio-economic changes are necessary for the widespread dissemination of agroecological food systems; for collaborations that build alliances between farmers, government institutions, civil organizations, consumers and researchers.
Circular and solidarity economy
Agroecology seeks to connect producers and consumers directly, through the creation of a solidary and circular economic system that prioritizes local markets and supports local economic development. Agroecological initiatives support fair solutions based on local needs, environmental and social possibilities. Shortening food supply chains can increase the income of producers, while allowing an accessible price for consumers.
You can find more interesting resources in English on the website of the FAO’S Agroecology Knowledge HUB