Agroecology is a vital tool to preserve natural resources while providing present and future agricultural needs.

23 November 2017, Tunisia – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has hosted a Regional Consultation Workshop on Agroecology with attendance of over 70 participants from 19 different countries, representing different stakeholders including ministries and UN, private and farmer organizations.

The three-day workshop focused on the main goals of agroecology – applying ecological concepts and principles to optimize interactions between plants, animals, humans and the environment while taking into consideration the social aspects that need to be addressed for a sustainable and fair food system.

“Agriculture and food systems are under increasing pressure from climate change and multiple ecological, environmental and social challenges in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region. Therefore, a new technological and development approach is necessary to address the agricultural needs of present and future generations without depleting the natural resource base,” said Daniel Dale, FAO Land Management and Tenure Officer.

The workshop, which comes under the framework of the NENA agroecology initiatives, aimed at encouraging actions and creating awareness on agroecology as a viable option for sustainable agriculture and food systems. It also worked to initiate and encourage dialogue to i) facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences among countries; ii) take stock of successful agroecological practices iii) catalyze regional collaboration for strengthening agroecological practices and programs; and iv) develop a set of recommendations for scaling up and mainstreaming agroecology.