AE Definition & Understanding
To fully embrace agroecology, it is important to first understand what it means — across science, practice, and society. Agroecology is not a single farming technique; it is a comprehensive approach to reimagining how we grow food, manage land, and organize our food systems.
What is agroecology?
Agroecology is defined as the application of ecological concepts and principles to the design, management, and evaluation of agricultural systems. It integrates scientific knowledge with farmers’ traditional and local knowledge to create food systems that are productive, ecologically sound, socially equitable, and economically viable (Wezel et al., 2009; FAO, 2018).
The term “agroecology” encompasses three deeply interconnected dimensions:
- As a science: Agroecology studies the interactions between plants, animals, humans, and the environment within agricultural systems. It draws from ecology, agronomy, sociology, and economics to understand how farming systems function and how they can be improved sustainably (Gliessman, 2007).
- As a practice: On the ground, agroecology translates into concrete farming methods — intercropping, composting, agroforestry, integrated pest management, water harvesting, and conservation of local seed varieties — all designed to mimic and work with natural ecosystems (Altieri & Nicholls, 2005).
- As a social movement: Beyond the farm, agroecology is a movement for food sovereignty, environmental justice, and the rights of farmers and indigenous peoples to define their own food and agricultural systems (La Via Campesina, 2015; Nyéléni, 2015).
Source: https://agroecology-coalition.org/what-is-agroecology/
Conventional Agriculture vs. Agroecology
Input approach
Biodiversity
Knowledge base
Goal
Relationship with nature
Conventional Agriculture
High external inputs (fertilizers, pesticides)
Monocultures
Standardized, industrial
Maximum yield
Controlling nature
Agroecology
Low external inputs, uses natural processes
Diversified systems
Local, traditional, and scientific
Resilience, sustainability, and equity
Working with nature
Why understanding agroecology matters
Understanding agroecology is the first step toward transforming our food systems. It challenges the assumption that productivity and sustainability are in conflict — and demonstrates, through decades of research and farmer practice, that it is possible to feed the world while restoring ecosystems, empowering communities, and addressing climate change (De Schutter, 2010; IPES-Food, 2016).