The resilience of KwaZulu-Natal farmers during the Covid-19 pandemic and intersecting crises is highlighted in “Stories of Resilience Built Through Agroecology”, a new book launched by Biowatch.

The book includes the experiences of 24 farmers who have adopted agroecology methods. These farmers have improved household food security and nutrition and built resilience to the intersecting climate, biodiversity, water, and food crises that have affected their communities.

Vanessa Black, Biowatch advocacy, research and policy coordinator, emphasised the need for resilience in the food system as stresses continue to mount.

“These experiences, arriving one on top of the other, provide a window into the stark potential future we face should we not respond creatively and urgently to the need for systemic change,” said Black.

“With the unfolding climate and biodiversity crises, economic and political turbulence, and strengthening corporate power, the stress in our food and social systems will continue. The need for resilience within farming communities and the food system is even greater.”