Initiatives to restore soil fertility and mitigate global warming rely on rebuilding soil organic carbon (SOC). Nitrogen (N) fertilization is crucial for crop yields but affects SOC unpredictably due to varying responses of particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) pools to initial SOC levels. To clarify these...

African smallholder farming systems are complex, diverse and locally adapted, but guidance is lacking on how farmers can make informed choices of the type of organic inputs to suit their farm conditions. In this review we aimed to provide a synthesis of actionable information on ex-situ and in-situ organic resources...

The prevalence of crop insect pests, which damage crops and reduce their yield, is increasing globally owing to changes in climate and land use, posing a threat to food security. In this Review, we synthesize evidence on how tropical, temperate, migratory and soil crop pests respond to changes in climate,...

This article outlines ten compelling reasons to support agroecology, emphasizing its role in transforming food systems to be more sustainable, equitable, and resilient: 1. Agroecology strives for the transformation of food systems to sustainably feed a growing population while conserving nature and strengthening communities, following 13 core principles that governments, farmers, researchers...

Around the world, enough food is produced daily to feed everyone, yet millions go hungry. A third of all food ends up in landfills and diet-related diseases are on the rise. Current food systems contribute significantly to deforestation, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, soil depletion, greenhouse gas emissions and global health...

This document offers guidance to governments on how to support family farmers by promoting and implementing agroecology and organic agriculture approaches. It highlights a selection of relevant measures and provides real-world examples of successful implementation. The document will contribute to the implementation of the UNDFF Global Action Plan’s Pillars 1...