There is an urgent need to reconnect society with the sustainable use of agroecosystems by fostering resilient social-ecological systems, emphasizing the links between the functioning of natural systems and human well-being, and stressing the benefits that people derive from them. This Special Issue of ‘’Agriculture’’ belonging to the section "Agricultural Systems and...

A profound transformation of agricultural production methods has become unavoidable due to the increase in the world’s population, and environmental and climatic challenges. Agroecology is now recognized as a challenging model for agricultural systems, promoting their diversification and adaptation to environmental and socio-economic contexts, with consequences for the entire agri-food...

Agroecology is not new. It is based on traditional ecological knowledge and can be found in family farmers’ practices, in grassroots social movements for sustainability and the public policies of various countries around the world. However, the education on agroecology has been largely in an informal manner. Given the challenges...

With the negative impacts of climate change becoming more frequent and severe, including devastating droughts and floods affecting the poorest rural communities in the Horn of Africa, Pakistan, and most recently Nigeria, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is calling for urgent and increased financing to support hundreds of...

The two most significant signatures of the Anthropocene—agriculture and urbanisation—have yet to be studied synoptically. The term periurban is used to describe territory where the urbanising trend of the planet extends into multiscapes. A periurban praxis is required that spatially reconciles urbanisation and agriculture, simultaneously permitting urban growth and the...

Many passionate farmers are giving back to the society by sharing their knowledge and experience on growing food in an eco-friendly manner. This is how knowledge got passed from generation to generation, traditionally. But, present day farmers are moving a step ahead by integrating the modern technology and social media,...

Agroecology is an approach that seeks to improve the integration of food systems through environmentally sustainable production systems. This paper explores the key practices considered to define agroecological farming in Bikita District of Masvingo in Zimbabwe. It reviewed the literature on agroecology and presented a criterion that informed analysis to...

Building on its rich gastronomic traditions, cultural heritage and striking scenery, Georgia’s ambition is to become a top sustainable agritourism destination in the region in the next decade.  To help make that happen, FAO and the EBRD are partnering with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, the Georgian National...

The project "The City Needs Agroecology" has been conducted since 2021 in Brasilandia, northwest of Sao Paulo. The objective of the project is to improve the agroecological transition in order to foster local initiatives in public and community areas toward a circular food system. This video of the project entitled ''Ecocidade''...

Dans les campagnes de l’Andhra Pradesh, cet Etat agricole du sud-est qui a lancé depuis 2018 le plus grand programme d’agroécologie au monde. Près d’un million de paysans y sont déjà passés au "natural farming", délaissant OGM, pesticides, fongicides, et engrais chimiques.   

The international action day is back! On 14 September, organic and agroecological farmers around the world will take to social media to share their work, the challenges they face, and how we can support them. While #IGrowYourFood is a moment for farmers, everyone’s invited to the conversation⁠—and to help amplify their voices!

This webinar shared the findings of joint work by FAO, CIRAD (Centre International de Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement) and the NGO AVSF (Agronomes et Vétérinaires Sans Frontières), illustrated with three examples of field school programmes from Togo, Mali and India.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a technology that allows waste management. For this process to be carried out correctly, an appropriate inoculum is required to degrade organic matter to produce biogas and digestate. However, in rural areas of developing countries, an inoculum from an anaerobic treatment plant is not available. In...

Peri-urban areas are not ‘waiting rooms’ for entry into urban areas. A fundamental change in mindsets is needed, to prevent further land-use changes and unregulated construction activities. The situation can be better managed by promoting and maintaining multifunctional green spaces and also peri-urban agriculture. The initiative of co creation of...

At the BIOFACH Congress, farmers, retailers, scientists, entrepreneurs and processors will come together with economists, activists and policymakers to delve deep into the future of the organic sector. We’ll take part both as speakers and organisers, representing the voices of our members. IFOAM Organics Europe will also contribute to the programme with several...

« Horticulture for a world in transition ». Taking benefits from this new context, the organizing committee is preparing an unprecedented IHC in a hybrid version, which will focus on three priorities:1) to host an outstanding scientific event,2) to reinforce the links between research, education and industry, and3) to enhance the links between Southern and...

Methodological recommendations to better evaluate the effects of farmer field schools mobilized to support agroecological transitionsThe Farmer Field School (FFS) approach, based on group experimentation of innovative practices and/or farming systems, is in line with participatory farm advisory efforts. This approach has an ambitious goal: strengthening farmers’ skills so that...

Recommandations pour les facilitateur.rice.s des champs-écoles, concepteur.rice.s et responsables de projet de développement agricole Le champ-école est une démarche participative de formation et de conseil, basée sur l’expérimentation collective de systèmes de culture innovants. La mise en œuvre des champs-écoles permet aux agriculteur·rice·s de mener des activités (formation au champ par...

On 31 August and 1 September 2022, IFOAM Organics Europe, FiBL and Bio Suisse hosted the 1st edition of the Organics Europe Youth Event (OEYE). The event aimed to create a platform for young agents interested and active in the organic sector to network, discuss and develop knowledge and awareness on organic amongst youth. Young farmers, entrepreneurs, start-ups,...

Nikki Yoxall farms with her husband James, using Holistic Management and Regenerative Principles to run a profitable but highly biodiverse business. Year-round grazing is key to their system so managing for winter stockpile and wildlife habitat and plant species richness feature heavily. All animals are 100% pasture-fed, and their system...