Agricultural extension and advisory services play a crucial role in fostering innovation and improving food security. While traditional services often rely on top-down technical recommendations, agroecology embraces farmer-to-farmer knowledge exchange as a key driver of sustainable change. A recent FAO-led discussion explored how extension services can better support agroecological transitions, highlighting the importance of participatory approaches where farmers are not just recipients of knowledge but active co-creators of solutions tailored to their local environments.

One of the most compelling examples comes from Cuba, where a severe food crisis in the 1990s prompted a shift towards agroecological farming. With conventional agricultural inputs no longer available, small farmers, supported by the Cuban National Small Farmers Association (ANAP), revived traditional knowledge through a Peasant-to-Peasant (PtP) methodology. This approach encouraged farmers to learn from each other by sharing best practices, ultimately leading to the widespread adoption of sustainable techniques such as intercropping, agroforestry, and organic urban farming. Over time, agroecology not only restored food production but also generated employment and strengthened local food systems.

Cuba’s experience underscores the power of local knowledge in achieving food security and resilience. By prioritizing farmer-led innovation over externally driven solutions, the PtP model has demonstrated its effectiveness in strengthening agricultural communities. Today, similar approaches are being implemented in various regions, proving that agroecology is not just a farming practice but a pathway to food sovereignty and economic stability.