This article explores the potential of agroecology as a strategy for sustainable and equitable agricultural production, particularly in Africa, where food insecurity is prevalent. It highlights the uncertainty around whether agroecological practices can achieve the yields necessary to meet global food demands. To address this, the article conducts a systematic review of 501 peer-reviewed studies, employing descriptive and meta-analytical methods to assess agroecology's impact on land and labor productivity.

Findings reveal a significant increase in agroecology-related research in Africa over the past decade, especially in East Africa, with Kenya being a focal point. However, many studies contributing to the field do not explicitly label their work as "agroecology," suggesting that relying on keyword searches may omit critical insights. The meta-analysis of 39 agronomic studies, encompassing 392 observations, shows that agroecological practices generally enhance land productivity compared to monocrop systems, particularly those without inputs. However, outcomes vary significantly depending on specific practices, crops, environmental conditions, and control measures.