This issue of Farming Matters explores how to demonstrate the critical role agroecology can play in responding to the challenges of our time. Agroecology is ever more present in our food and farming system. In recent years, this approach to farming and food has gained visibility and recognition among food producers, scientists, citizens and policy … Read more

How to attribute important social change to agroecology? Elizabeth Mpofu argues that agroecology builds social cohesion, providing the foundation for gender equality. There are no recipes in agroecology. Instead, its manual is in the heart and minds of those who practice it, which is evident in their interactions with the environment and other people. Harmony … Read more

A set of indicators derived from integrated agroecology and food sovereignty principles can be used to support policy making for agroecology and to assess progress along the agroecological transition. This article is based on the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy’s (IATP) work to develop such indicators. Agro-chemical and fossil fuel intensive agricultural food systems … Read more

Farmers from around the world explain how they assess the impacts of agroecology. “Agroecology produces food for all life forms” Ablacé Campaoré, peasant and activist in Burkina Faso “I was born a peasant. I grew up in the countryside and I have never stopped farming. Now I am also part of a peasant organisation. When … Read more

In Bolivia, an assessment of short supply chains, facilitated and certified through Participatory Guarantee Systems, helps to show how agroecology impacts both consumers and producers. Happiness is an important dimension to this story. Achocalla is a highland valley situated a few kilometres away from La Paz, Bolivia. There, small scale farmers produce about 20 % … Read more

There is no recipe for practicing agroecology, and neither is there for estimating its impacts. From taste to yield – from counting species to feeling empowered – farmers, researchers and consumers each have unique ways of tracking changes brought about by agroecology. Indonesia Taste keeps the spirit of food sovereignty alive Back in 2012, Rumah … Read more

A meta-analysis of 50 case studies from 22 African countries shows the contribution of agroecology to the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The trends revealed here make clear the potential of agroecology to sustainably increase food sovereignty while conserving biodiversity and respecting indigenous farmers’ knowledge and innovations. Measuring the benefit of industrial … Read more

Martin Drago provides some ideas on how to move beyond conviction to actions that achieve food sovereignty, suggesting various ways of tracking change. It is undeniable that the current agro-industrial food system plays a major role in creating and deepening the socioeconomic and environmental crisis facing our planet and its people. It is also clear that … Read more

From uniformity to diversity Emile A. Frison (Lead coordinating author). 2016. IPES-Food. 96 pages. The current industrial agricultural system can provide great amounts of food, but at what price? This report, published by the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food), argues for a diversification of agricultural practices, as opposed to the industrialised … Read more

In 2016, ILEIA conducted a workshop in Amman, Jordan, with the support of the European Union, Oxfam and IUCN-ROWA. This article describes some of the lessons from the workshop, where all participants, ranging from project staff to herders and Bedouins, engaged in a documentation and systematisation process and produced an article that will soon be … Read more