A comprehensive approach is needed

Scientific studies and reports (cf. IAASTD+10 – Herren et al. 20201 ; HLPE 20192 ; STALLOR 20203 ; IPCC 20194 ; IPBES 20195 ; WBGU 20216 ) confirm that a holistic transformation of agriculture and food systems is necessary for sustainable development and to overcome current crises. This transformation should therefore:

• Counteract climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and hunger
• Consider ecological, socio-cultural, technologial, economic and political dimensions from production to consumption
• Empower and invovle smallholder farmers

Agroecology as a promising lever for a socio-ecological transformation

Agroecology is a dynamic, transdisciplinary, and intersectoral approach. It encompasses agricultural production as well as consumption and in consequence ecological, sociocultural, technological, economic, and political dimensions. In 2019 the international High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE) described agroecology by defining 13agroecological principles. These are in line with the 10 elements consolidated by the 197 member states of FAO in 2018