Agroecology Knowledge Hub

COVID-19 and Agroecology


18/05/2020 - 

The current COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the political, economic, social, environmental and food sectors. This multidimensional threat requires an adequate response to protect the most vulnerable and marginalized groups not only in cities but also in rural areas. In line with the 2030 Agenda, this situation pushes for urgent transition towards sustainable food systems. With profound concerns for a possible food crisis on  top of the health and climate crisis, a structural reaction is needed to respond to a humanitarian catastrophe.  Agroecological approaches provide an immediate solution to the current challenges both by protecting the environment and producers and by enabling the local production of healthy and sustainable food for all. Agroecology offers local solutions and empowers local economies and markets by keeping farmers in the field with improved livelihoods and a better quality of life.

Agroecology-sensitive policies and measures need to be adopted urgently to achieve emergency food relief through local and diversified food systems, which are environmentally friendly, protecting biodiversity, territorial and community food self-sufficiency and promoting seasonal products and local varieties. To address the food, health, social and economic crisis, an inclusive and responsible governance must be applied.

As the world faces an unprecedented global crisis, experts are linking the emergency of COVID-19 to global habitat and biodiversity loss. Researchers at University College London have found that species in degraded habitats are likely to carry more viruses which can infect humans. An essentially different paradigm for how we think about farming is urgently needed.  And agroecological approaches are an important part of this response.

Click here to find relevant articles addressing the relationship between the COVID-19 crisis and the need to transition towards sustainable food systems. 

We invite you to share with us ([email protected]) any articles, publications and reports that showcase ways to overcome the current crisis through local agroecological experiences.

Photo credits: Olaf Hajek