Agroecology Knowledge Hub

Agroecology as the Answer to Global Food and Climate Crises

The coronavirus pandemic has exposed the fragility of today’s global food systems, and the risk of a food crisis is higher than ever. Yet the failures of industrial food production have long been clear; manifest in persistent global hunger and malnutrition as well as environmental destruction that is driving the climate and biodiversity crises. Faced with this, agroecology is an alternative on the rise. In the following article, the author traces agroecology’s evolution and argues that the moment is now to redefine the current food systems around principles of sustainability and justice.

Through agroecology, societies benefit from local circular economies that increase producers’ income and reduce the negative environmental impacts of agriculture. By creating synergetic natural ecosystems, agroecology unlocks positive interactions, thereby reducing the need for harmful and expensive chemicals. As the need for a sustainable food system becomes more critical, agroecology is intensifying the global agenda through international institutions and in farming practice.

The 2021 Food Systems Summit will be a crucial occasion to redefine the current food systems and to call for innovative agroecology programs, taking into consideration the priorities of family farmers including peasants, indigenous peoples, pastoralists, and fisher-folks. As the world responds to the imminent food crises induced by the pandemic, it is increasingly clear that long-term agroecology-related transition of food systems can overcome current fragilities and create a resilient society composed of healthy ecosystems and conscious individuals.

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Year: 2020
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Geographical coverage: European Union (European Union)
Content language: English
Author: Doina Popusoi ,
Type: Article
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