Agroecology

The three fundamental facets of Agroecology are:

1. A scientific approach involving the holistic study and management of agro-ecosystems and aims to understand the whole ecology of the food system.

2. A dynamic and context specific set of principles and practices which enhances the resilience, productivity and ecological functioning of farming systems.

3. A socio-political movement which advocates for and improves food sovereignty. Working to enhance the dynamic relationship between food, ecology, society, governance and culture.

The environmental dimensions of agroecology:

• Seeks to enhance nature's underlying patterns and cycles to create positive interactions and synergies between soil, plants, animals, trees, water, etc. 

• Builds and conserves soil life to maximise plants, animal, human and ecological health

• Optimeses and closes resource loops like water and biomass to enhance nutrient cycling and soil health.

• Optimises and maintains biodiversity above and below ground. 

• Eliminates the need the dependency on external inputs by allowing farmers and growers a pathway and management strategies for integrating pest, disease and fertility management.

• Adapts to and mitigates climate change and ecological degradation through its ecological and biodiverse land management strategies and through the elimination of fossil fuel dependency.

Through the environmental and ecological dimensions of agroecology and by applying them in ways which mimic natural ecosystems, agroecology builds more diverse, complex, self-sufficient and resilient farming systems.