Agro-forestry is a collective name for land-use systems and technologies where woody perennials (trees, shrubs, palms, bamboos, etc.) are deliberately used on the same land-management units as agricultural crops and/or animals, in some form of spatial arrangement or temporal sequence. Agro-forestry is a dynamic, ecologically-based, natural resource management practice that,…
Conservation Agriculture (CA) is an agro-ecosystems management approach aimed at improving and sustaining agricultural productivity, increasing profits and food security while preserving and enhancing the resource base and the environment. CA is characterised by three interrelated principles.
Integrated agriculture provides high quality food and other products by using natural resources and regulating mechanisms rather than polluting chemical inputs to secure sustainable farming. The agronomic techniques and biological / physical / chemical methods are carefully selected and balanced taking into account the health of people (i.e. farmers and…
This section addresses integrated farming approaches that have been promoted as alternatives to Green Revolution agriculture since the 1990s for self-sufficient farming. The New Theory farming system in Thailand and the VAC system in Vietnam (VAC in Vietnamese is Vuon, Ao, Chuong which means “garden/pond/ livestock pen”) consist in highly…
Organic agriculture aims at sustaining the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and natural cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of chemical inputs with potentially adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote…
The System of Rice Intensification, known as SRI is an agro-ecological approach for increasing rice productivity (and more recently other crops) by changing the management of plants, soil, water and nutrients.
ALiSEA Online Library contains a wide range of agro-ecology’s documents: backgrounds, case Studies and initiatives fact sheets, presentations, policy documents, toolkits and IEC Materials. All documents are searchable via their Agro-ecological School(s), country, or type. Access now.
By Sok Chanraksmey – DPA ALiSEA Network in Cambodia conducted the “Information and Proposal Writing Sessions for ALiSEA’s Small Grant Facility 2024” to provide detailed information about ALiSEA’s small grant and ease the application process for ALiSEA members in Cambodia. This event was organized on 30th August 2024 at the Poulo Wai Hotel and Apartment, Phnom Penh, under the co-organization of DPA, Uni4Coop, and GRET. There were 29 attendees, 9 females, from 22 different organizations in the ALiSEA, including civil society organizations, private sector organizations, non-governmental organizations, farmer organizations, academic institutes, research institutions, and international organizations. In this session happened with oral presentations which facilitated by Mr. PAT Sovann, ALiSEA National coordinator of GRET. First, Ms, SOK Chanraksmey, ALiSEA National Secretariat in Cambodia, provided the overview of the ALiSEA network and ALiSEA’s small grant to know about the vision, missions, and implementation activities of ALiSEA on promoting Agroecology and linkage to small grant topics. Afterward, ECOLAND, one of ALiSEA’s grantees in 2023, shared their experiences on the successful application and implementation of the small grant project research. This was shared by Ms. MAO Theara, Research Assistant of ECOLAND. Two special factors of ECOLAND succeeded in application in 2023 are (1) […]
From September 9 to 13, 2024, a group of nine journalists and representatives from the ALiSEA network and the ASSET project team embarked on a field visit to Xiengkhouang Province, Laos. The visit aimed to showcase successful agroecology practices, generate media coverage, and foster collaboration between the agriculture sector and media. The field visit successfully broadened the journalists’ understanding of agroecology. Many were initially unfamiliar with the concept, but through hands-on experiences and interactions with local farmers, they gained insights into the ecological and economic benefits of agroecology, including improved production diversity and climate resilience. Journalists were particularly impressed by the mixed coffee-banana plantations and the integration of ducks into rice fields, recognizing these techniques as sustainable and innovative solutions for local farming challenges. Coverage of these initiatives has been shared across various media platforms, including Vientiane Mai Newspaper, Lao National Television, and provincial departments. Participants appreciated the opportunity to explore agroecological practices and emphasized the importance of incorporating local resources to enhance ecosystems. This visit represents a crucial step in building greater media support for agroecology in Laos, paving the way for further collaboration and public awareness of sustainable farming practices. “It was my first time seeing these techniques, […]
Did you know that weaver ants are not just fascinating creatures, but also invaluable allies for farmers? These industrious insects are increasingly recognized for their role in pest control, particularly in the cultivation of crops like cashews. By employing weaver ants, farmers can protect their crops naturally, minimizing reliance on chemical pesticides. Weaver ants are considered “farmers’ friends” due to their ability to ward off pests that threaten crops. Their predatory nature helps keep harmful insects at bay, allowing crops to thrive. This approach is a key component of Agroecological Crop Protection (ACP), which integrates various sustainable farming practices, including agroecology, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), organic agriculture, and regenerative agriculture. The introduction of weaver ants brings a host of advantages: Reduced Crop Damage: By controlling pest populations, weaver ants help minimize damage to crops. Improved Yields and Quality: Healthier crops lead to higher yields and better quality produce, benefiting farmers economically. Cost-Effectiveness: Relying on natural pest control reduces the need for expensive chemical pesticides, lowering production costs. Environmental and Health Benefits: This natural solution supports the health of both farmers and the environment, fostering a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem. Enhanced Resilience: Utilizing weaver ants contributes to the overall resilience of […]
