There is substantial evidence illustrating that the dominant agricultural management practices are not sustainable for the future. Several alternative production systems, including agroecology and organic farming, are proposed for their environmental and social benefits.

Studies conducted under temperate environments (mostly in Europe) have established the benefits of organic farming practices over conventional practices. However, several questions remain open regarding the performance of organic systems under tropical conditions.

The project "Farming Systems Comparison in the Tropics (SysCom)'', implemented by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), aims to establish a scientific basis for discussions on the performance and potential of conventional and organic agricultural production systems in the tropics. It has been running since 2007. In three tropical countries – Bolivia, India, and Kenya – long-term farming systems comparison field trials have been established in concert with participatory on-farm research focussing on a different cropping system in each country.

This report provides a comprehensive synthesis of the scientific findings of SysCom presented in a form that is easy to understand for an 'educated non-expert' audience. The results address the differences between alternative (organic and agroforestry) and conventional production systems regarding productivity, profitability, soil fertility, quality, and agroecosystem resilience.