Agroecological Techniques Research Articles

On the Performance of Traditional Agroecological Practices in Mitigating the Effects of Climate Variability on Ecosystems: A Case Study in Northern Burkina Faso

Climate projections for West Africa predict a temperature increase of 1.9°C to 4.2°C by 2080, leading to extreme temperature fluctuations and prolonged dry spells that could devastate rainfed agriculture. This study assesses the hydraulic and agronomic performance of traditional agroecological practices, specifically zaï and half‐moons, in northern Burkina Faso. Over two consecutive years (2021 and 2022), a monitoring of experimental designs implemented at Kiré and Guésséré villages is carried out. Each design comprised a zaï group and a half‐moon group, with three replicates arranged in randomized blocks. The zaï blocks featured plots of varying diameters (20, 30, and 40 cm) alongside a control plot utilizing direct sowing. Similarly, the half‐moon blocks included half‐moon plots with diameters of 1, 2, and 3 m, alongside a control plot. Key parameters measured included rainfall, soil saturated hydraulic conductivity, crop growth, and yields across all plots utilizing traditional “Songzaka” millet as the crop species. Results showed that the zaï plots with diameters of 30–40 cm and the 1‐m half‐moon plots effectively mitigated the impact of dry spells by retaining moisture for 2‐3 weeks. Crop yields increased by a factor of 4 to 16 under these agroecological techniques, relatively compared to direct seeding after just two years of implementation. This enhanced performance is attributed to the modifications in soil surface hydraulic properties and improvements in soil fertility. Socioeconomic analyses identified the 1‐m half‐moon as the most profitable and resilient practice, highlighting its potential for sustainable agricultural development in the Sahel under climate change.

The effectiveness of RIPAT approach in influencing smallholder farmers’ agroecological transition in Ruangwa District, Tanzania

Agroecology approach is viewed as an alternative paradigm that promotes sustainable production and environmental conservation. Extension services are crucial for diffusing agroecological knowledge, facilitating the adoption of agroecological techniques. The Rural Initiatives for Participatory Agricultural Transformation (RIPAT) is a participatory extension approach developed to bridge the agricultural technology gap by disseminating sustainable agricultural innovations. This study aimed to assess the extent of agroecological transition among smallholder farmers and explore the role of RIPAT approach, alongside other factors, in this transition in Ruangwa District. Data were collected from 252 randomly selected farmers using questionnaire surveys and focus group discussion, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicated that all non-RIPAT farmers (100%) were in level 1; non-agroecological. In contrast, nearly half (47.6%) of RIPAT farmers showed progress in the agroecological transition: 37.3% were at level 2 (incipient transition to agroecology), 9.5% at level 3 (system in transition to agroecology), and 0.8% at level 4 (advanced agroecological system). This progress is primarily due to the agroecology-related training they received, which enhanced their knowledge and improved their practices. RIPAT farmers achieved higher average scores (over 50%) in the agroecology elements of Recycling, Efficiency, Co-Creation and Sharing of Knowledge, and Human and Social Values. However, for elements like Synergies, Resilience, and Responsible Governance, farmers were still lagging. The study further indicated that exposure to the RIPAT approach, access to information, and farm size were statistically significant factors influencing farmers’ agroecological transition. Enhancing animal husbandry practices and promoting agroforestry techniques are recommended to foster farm synergy and resilience through integrated farming systems. Additionally, establishing producer associations could strengthen responsible governance by improving farmers' collective bargaining power. The study recommends adoption of participatory extension approaches, such as the RIPAT approach, for transferring agroecological knowledge to promote farmers’ agroecological transition.

Impact of Agroecological Practices on Crop Yield and Food Security in Southwestern Nigeria

This study examines the impact of agroecological practices on crop yield and food security in Southwestern Nigeria. Using data collected from a sample of smallholder farmers, descriptive statistics and regression analysis were employed to assess the relationship between agroecological techniques—such as organic farming, crop rotation, and integrated pest management (IPM)—and agricultural outcomes. The findings reveal that agroecological practices significantly improve crop yield, with organic farming having the strongest positive effect, followed by crop rotation and IPM. Additionally, these practices were associated with higher food security index (FSI) scores, indicating enhanced household food security compared to non-agroecological methods. While soil fertility management showed a positive relationship with yield, it was not statistically significant. The results underscore the potential of agroecological approaches to foster sustainable agricultural development, addressing the dual challenges of productivity and food insecurity in the region. The study recommends promoting these practices through policies and programs that support smallholder farmers, thereby enhancing agricultural resilience and economic well-being.

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of alternative winter salad value chains supplying the United Kingdom

Lettuce is an established food commodity in the UK increasingly facing supply challenges in winter due to adverse weather events and rising energy costs. We investigate whether an agroecologically grown salad mix of lettuce and underutilised leafy greens produced in the Azores, Portugal, could be part of a sustainable solution. We performed a Life Cycle Assessment to compare the environmental impacts of this salad mix with four other value chains for winter salad supply to the UK: conventional open-field lettuce production chains in Spain using (1) current irrigation practices; (2) 100 % desalinated irrigation water; or hydroponic controlled environment agriculture within the UK powered by (3) the national electricity mix; (4) 100 % wind-generated electricity. Results indicated that the leafy-greens agroecological value chain incurred the smallest environmental burdens across 7 to 11 of 16 impact categories studied. Substituting Spanish winter salad supply with agroecological leafy green production in the Azores, if well managed, could reduce many environmental burdens whilst diversifying leafy greens intake. Nevertheless, all winter value chains were associated with larger environmental burdens than conventional open-field production of lettuce in the UK summer, pointing to the importance of seasonal consumption and wider adoption of agroecological techniques to effectively reduce environmental impact.

Optimizing Food Security and Environmental Sustainability via Agroecology and Sustainable Intensification Strategies

The science of ecology is incorporated into farm development and operation through agroecological techniques. A paradigm shift in agriculture is essential to combat hunger, adapt to climate trade, and mitigate environmental degradation. By doing this, researchers may further acknowledge the interdependence of farmed and nonfarmed landscapes and the variety of products and services that robust ecosystems offer, including resilience, nutrient cycling, and pest control, all of which can help sustain yields. Agro-ecology relies heavily on the knowledge and experience of farmers since it fosters independence and decreases reliance on costly outside resources. The concepts of sustainable intensification and agroecology are examined in this paper as additional strategies to address the global issue of increasing food production while lowering environmental impacts. Also, this study evaluates how effectively these approaches boost crop yields, lower environmental costs, and build resilience to climate unpredictability by closely examining existing programs, integrated management strategies, and field experiments. Supporting the findings is a comparative table that shows several techniques of sustainable intensification and how they have an effect on yields and environmental costs. In order to expand resilient, sustainable, and equitable food systems, a discussion of the necessity of a paradigm shift towards agroecological strategies is addressed in the paper's conclusion.

Characterization and agroecological management of school gardens in the Serra Gaúcha region, Brazil

School gardens are an important space for, not only social interaction among students, but also for learning about environmental issues, the sustainability of productive systems, the appreciation of traditional knowledge in agricultural management, food security, healthy eating habits, and quality of life. In this sense, the agroecological management of gardens can contribute to the production of safe, healthy food without the presence of chemical residues. The present study aimed to characterize school gardens in the public education networks of the state and municipal levels in the Serra Gaúcha region of Brazil, as well as to evaluate aspects related to the management of these gardens, aiming to establish strategies for their conservation and the sustainable management of pests and diseases. The methodology consisted of a qualitative-quantitative research with descriptive purposes conducted through a data survey. For this reason, a semi-structured digital questionnaire was developed and sent to public schools in twenty-four municipalities located in the Serra Gaúcha region, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. After receiving the questionnaires, data analysis and tabulation were performed, and finally, educational materials on agroecological techniques for managing pest insects and diseases were developed based on the identified needs. The obtained data revealed that the majority of schools were located in urban areas, predominantly serving elementary school students during the daytime and being part of the state education network. Furthermore, most schools lacked guidance from qualified professionals and had limitations regarding agroecological management of school gardens. Therefore, four educational brochures were developed and made available to elementary school students with the aim of sparking interest in sustainability and agroecology topics, while simultaneously promoting a greater appreciation of school gardens.

Field management practices and altitudes drive the abundance of ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in cultivated cucurbit crops in Morogoro, Tanzania

Ladybird beetles are helpful insects in agricultural ecosystems affected by locally accepted agroecological techniques. Conventional farming practices are known to harm these insects, which led to the exploration of agroecology as an alternative. From May to November 2021, yellow pan traps, hand picking, and hand netting were utilised in cultivated cucurbits such as Cucumis sativus, Citrullus lanatus, and Cucurbita moschata. The study found 222 ladybird beetles from nine genera and twelve species. The plateau had 64.9% ladybirds, 46.4% in conventional fields, and 18.47% in agroecological fields. Mountain fields supplied 35.1%, conventional fields 24.77%, and agroecological fields 10.36%. Conventional plateau fields favoured Cheilomenes sulphurea, while agroecological fields selected Hippodamia variegata. Cheilomenes lunata dominated traditional fields in mountainous areas and agroecological fields. Ladybird beetles were more abundant in conventional fields across all seasons and agroecological zones, which were influenced by seasons, management strategies, and elevations. The present study found negative associations between ladybird abundance and maximum temperature, minimum temperature, mean temperature, number of flowers, and relative humidity. Mountainous precipitation increased ladybird abundance. This study shows how management practises, agroecological zones, and seasons affect ladybird populations, which can inform pest management strategies in agricultural systems and help conserve beneficial ladybird beetles.

The main agroecological structure, a methodology for the collective analysis of the Mediterranean agroecological landscape of San Clemente, Region del Maule, Chile

The simplification of the landscape as a consequence of the decrease in biodiversity and the adoption of monoculture production systems has led to a significant decrease in the provision of ecosystem services in the territory. The conversion of agroecosystems requires the adoption of agroecological techniques, which aim to design the agroecosystem as an integrated part of a vegetation matrix of the landscape, interconnecting the different production systems with the agricultural landscape. In order to measure the degree of connectivity of agroecosystems with the landscape, we used the Main Agroecological Structure (MAS) method, which was applied to 36 small agroecosystems of vegetable, livestock and fruit producers, which generally presented a low degree of connectivity. This allows us to evaluate the potential of these systems for agroecological transition, since being present in a moderately complex agricultural landscape gives important advantages over a more simplified system, allowing these producers to dispense with the use of many energy subsidies. This evaluation allows a first approximation to the quantification of the landscape matrix and will allow a comparison between agroecosystems or an evaluation of the evolution of the MAS over time. It is necessary to complement the MAS by quantifying the ecosystem services that may be associated with it.

A method to design coupled innovations for the agroecological transition. Implementation for soil health management in Provencal sheltered vegetable systems

CONTEXTTransition to sustainable agriculture is in many cases hindered by a web of interconnected barriers across agricultural system levels (cropping, farming and agrifood systems), involving a diverse range of stakeholders (e.g., farmers, marketing companies, input providers, R&D). This calls for the coordinated design of innovations across levels to bring about major changes towards agroecological practices. OBJECTIVEIn this study, we devised and tested a method for the design of coupled innovations on soil health management in sheltered vegetable cropping systems, in south-eastern France. METHODSWe developed a workshop-based approach grounded on 4 principles: (1) innovation design relying on generativity, combination of independent knowledge sources, and creation of open social spaces; (2) participatory design with researchers-facilitators and stakeholder-experts; (3) progressive exploration of the problem complexity; and (4) use of intermediary objects to facilitate linkages across levels and stakeholders, and the evaluation of the innovations. Following a 3-steps approach, we explored innovations at increasing levels of complexity and diversity in participants, with each step's outcomes feeding the next one. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSWith the participation of 34 stakeholders, we progressively designed three final coupled innovation prototypes targeting three key areas for innovation in our case study: (1) crop diversification; (2) application of biologically active amendments; and (3) integration of agroecological techniques and its optimization. We asked the participants to evaluate these three prototypes based on stakeholder criteria that we had previously characterized. We also produced complementary resources to move from the refined innovation concepts to their implementation: (a) 16 ‘simple’ innovations and 37 complementary ‘coupled’ innovations, both original and adapted to the context of our case studyand (b) knowledge gaps to be filled. Examples of designed coupled innovations are: (i) organic mulching cropping system combined with on-farm organic mulch production (farm coupled innovation); (ii) crop diversification combined with plot exchange with neighboring farmer (farmer-farmer coupled innovation); and (iii) making soil health status explicitly transparent in field transactions combined with agroecological soil health management (agrifood system coupled innovations). SIGNIFICANCEThis workshop-based method is the last component of an original approach to support the agroecological transition of agrifood systems, initiated by a sociotechnical analysis and a tracking for coupled innovation. It enables the coordination of the innovation design across system levels and the agrifood system's stakeholders.

Making decisions about agroecological innovations: perspectives from members of farmers’ organizations in Burkina Faso

ABSTRACTThere is a growing promotion of agroecological techniques in many Sub-Saharan African countries as a response to the current climatic variability challenges. In the case of Burkina Faso, a number of studies have mentioned the role of Farmers’ Organizations (FOs) in the promotion of agroecological techniques. Although previous studies have highlighted the role of FOs in agroecology, more detailed studies on the effectiveness of their intermediation activities and especially those focusing on the way the FOs influence farmers’ agroecological innovations decisions are still scarce. This study addresses this gap by providing the answer to the question of what drives farmers’ decisions to implement agroecological innovations and how their FOs influence these decisions. The results show that the implementation of agroecological innovations varies, with some farmers using many and others few of the innovations promoted by their respective FOs. Farmers’ implementation of these innovations is largely influenced by the actions of their FOs on at least one of the three drivers of individual motivation or innovation behavior (Vroom 1964): instrumentality, valence, and expectancy. Finally, the study calls for policy actors to increase funding support to FOs for widening their continuous provision of agroecology development activities.

Agroecological techniques: adoption of safe and sustainable agricultural practices among the smallholder farmers in Africa

Attaining sufficiency in food supply to support a growing population without compromising ecosystem functioning remains a top agenda of researchers and agricultural stakeholders. Agroecological farming approaches are effective techniques that ensure sustainable food production even in adverse situations. Population growth has been forecasted to reach over 9.1 billion by 2050 outpacing food production. However, cereals and grain legumes are strategic to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of zero hunger by 2030 (SDG 2), ending extreme poverty (SDG 1), and mitigating the climate change effect (SDG 13). There remains an urgent need to embrace more sustainable measures to increase food production for the growing population. This review explores the role of agroecology which employs a transdisciplinary approach to sustainable agricultural practices to improve the resilience of farming systems by increasing diversification through poly-cropping, agroforestry, use of local varieties, and integrated crop and livestock systems. Furthermore, the agroecological farming approach minimizes water use, lowers pollution levels on the farm, and ensures economic profitability for the farmers. Thus, application of agroecology techniques among the smallholder farmers is strategic to ensuring food security.

Agroecological Approaches in the Context of Innovation Hubs

Agroecology is a sustainable alternative to agricultural science, aiming at balancing the environment-plant-animal-man complex in an equitable way. Different players in the food system across the world are engaging in the practice and promotion of agroecology. Their experience serves as input for agroecology innovation hubs, thus assisting and accelerating the adoption of agroecological practices. Based on existing experience in implementation of innovation ecosystems and living labs in Romania, the study discusses critical factors required for a successful transformation of agriculture, with the aim to fill existing research gaps on agroecological techniques. The authors are also emphasizing the role of new business models in this area. The study used an anonymous survey with Likert scale ratings, and structural equation modeling, PLS. The study results were indicative of a certain degree of enthusiasm for agroecological practice adoption, particularly among organic farmers and business owners. The chances that these practices are adopted by farmers can be enhanced provided there is a systematic exchange of knowledge among the farmers. Clusters of farmers based on community of practice could create innovation ecosystems providing this accelerates its adoption. Correlation with the economic and political processes of the country is necessary, as emphasized by the farmers interviewed during the study. Through innovation hubs, agroecology must move from the currently smaller scale to larger scale practices such as agroecosystems and agri-food systems. These forms of organization should also take due account of relevant socio-economic, cultural, and political factors.

Why and how do farmers’ organizations get involved in the promotion of agroecological techniques? Insights from Burkina Faso

ABSTRACT Agroecological techniques (AET) have been recognized by many farmers, NGOs, and farmers’ organizations (FOs) as a promising solution for slowing down the persistent soil fertility degradation in West African drylands. In the context of Burkina, the promotion of AET is the result of the interactions between NGOs and farmers’ knowledge through the intermediation of FOs. Although numerous studies have highlighted the instrumental role of FOs in the dissemination of AET in Burkina, there are limited studies focusing on the historical dynamic of FOs’ involvement in the promotion of agroecology. To address this gap, this study aims to answer the following questions: why and how do FOs get involved in the promotion of agroecological techniques, and how do they define the term agroecology or agroecological techniques? A multiple case study approach was used to provide the answer to these questions. The results from the case studies reveal that the FOs’ promotion of AET is largely connected to their aim of fulfilling one of the following three goals: enhancing the productivity of commercial crops; improving the resilience of subsistence farmers; enhancing both the productivity of commercial crops and the resilience of subsistence farmers. The quest to achieve these goals explained their constant interaction with external partners to get the necessary assistance for the provision of agroecological support services to their farmers. Furthermore, the results of the study also reveal that the Farmers’ Organizations’ definitions of agroecology or agroecological terms are mostly associated with the interpretation of agroecology as a collective practice encompassing both economic and ecological aspects of Burkinabè agriculture. A broader insight is that while FOs can fulfill important roles in agroecology transitions this comes with diverse interpretations of agroecology, in which FOs facilitate the hybridization of existing farmers ’practices with those proposed by external actors. The study hence shows the complexity related to the local actors’ definitions of agroecological terms and the broader implication is that in the debate on agroecology transitions, these blended or hybrid forms of agroecology should receive more attention. Areas for future research include drivers of FOs choice making processes in how they approach agroecology, and subsequently the influence of FOs on the drivers of farmers’ decisions toward AET.

Late to the Party—Transferred Mulch from Green Manures Delays Colorado Potato Beetle Infestation in Regenerative Potato Cropping Systems

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is an exceptionally challenging potato pest. Some regenerative farmers have reported that the use of transferred green manure mulch can considerably reduce CBP damage. Previous studies confirm this observation, but mainly with straw mulch, which is rarely used in Central Europe, and not embedded in the new regenerative cropping approach. For this, six trials conducted between 2014 and 2019 were evaluated, comparing CPB infestation in potatoes with and without transferred mulch as well as under a plough as a minimum till regime. In three out of six experiments, compost application was an additional factor. (I) Over all experiments, mulch significantly reduced initial infestation (−24%), egg masses (−27%) and larvae (−75%). Compost and reduced tillage added to these effects; (II) Mulch mainly resulted in delayed CPB infestation; (III) In a particularly warm season, when a second generation of CPB managed to emerge, regulatory effects of the mulch were not sufficient; (IV) Combination of transferred nutrient rich green manure mulch with reduced tillage, compost and other regenerative or agro-ecological techniques is recommended to achieve maximum regulation of CPB.

Agroecological characterization of Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis Linneo) crop production system in Arauquita, Colombia

The Sacha Inchi or Inca peanut (Plukenetia volubilis Linneo) is an oily plant native to the Amazon, consumed by indigenous people since ancient times and recognized for its great contribution of essential fatty acids, antioxidants and proteins, being potentially attractive as a legal agricultural alternative for the reincorporation of insurgent groups. The objective of the research was to characterize the productive system of Sacha Inchi in the municipality of Arauquita, Colombia. Fifty farmers were selected (40 peasants and 10 ex-combatants of the FARC-EP), using an intentional non-probabilistic sampling. The information was collected through a questionnaire and two participatory workshops aimed at identifying limitations and potentialities of the agroecological and productive system. Data were analyzed using descriptive and multivariate statistics. The classification analysis allowed partitioning the set of farmers, based on socioeconomic and environmental characteristics necessary to guide extension plans. The results showed that the most used agroecological practices are: soil conservation, application of lime, use of compost as fertilizer, use of certified seed and direct sowing. Low crop rotation and limited use of phytosanitary products were evidenced. The participatory workshops made it possible to identify crop limitations such as low productivity, few marketing channels and lack of knowledge of some agroecological techniques necessary to improve its productivity. Agroecological practices must be reinforced and expanded through extension programs to achieve recognition as agroecological producers, since this crop is a highly viable alternative for the municipality of Arauquita, within the framework of the peace agreement.

Everything Stays the Same while Everything Changes

Everything Stays the Same while Everything Changes

Understanding the constraints and reasons to adopt natural farming - a study on rice growing farmers of Andhra Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT The study analyzed the reasons and constraints for adopting natural farming (NF) by ricegrowing farmers in Andhra Pradesh, India, using participatory qualitative and quantitative analyses. A sample of 500 conventional ricegrowing and 500 natural rice-growing farmers are selected. The basis for qualitative research was developed during interviews, field visits, surveys to understand farmers' perceptions and knowledge on NF. Quantitative analysis was done by taking multiple responses to ascertain the constraints and reasons to adopt NF by using a pre-tested interview schedule. Garrett Ranking technique prioritized the reasons and constraints for adopting NF concerning ranks and Garrett mean score. The critical constraints found to adopt NF are higher labor costs, lack of experience in any of the agroecological techniques, low fertile soils, and higher incidence of pests and diseases. Awareness of the advantage of diversification of crops and staggered planting to arrive at different harvesting schedules are helpful. Detailed NF crop cultivation techniques, availability of NF input shops at the local level, soil testing, and soil treatment will boost farmer confidence to take up NF. Some of the significant reasons stated for adopting NF in the study are the lower production costs, lower farm size, debt reduction, and the farmers' health.

Исследование агроэкологических подходов в рамках перехода к устойчивым и безопасным агроэкосистемам

The article presents an overview of agroecological approaches that deserve attention when discussing the phenomenon of sustainable development, since they link issues of environmental safety, production and consumption, social innovation and the mobilization of local knowledge. The turning points that arise in the development of the world agroecosystem require a change in the paradigm of food production and consumption. Understanding and adequate assessment of the problems underlying the discussion of the issues put forward in the article is the key to the formation of sustainable agroecosystems at different levels. Agroecology is presented as a dynamically developing concept, increasingly visible in agricultural and scientific discourse, capable of making a significant contribution to the transformation of agroecosystems based on ecological principles in order to form socially equitable systems. Agroecological techniques are considered as allowing to master, maintain and strengthen biological and ecological processes in agroecosystems, to form more diverse, resistant to external factors and productive agroecosystems.

Agroecology and Sustainable Development in Africa

The term agroecology is not new, since it first appeared in scientific literature in the 1930s. In recent years, it seems to have enjoyed increasing success. It constitutes a new sustainable path for rural development and adaptation to climate change. This study will allow us to assess the impacts of this mode of production and agroecological production techniques.

Beneficios de las técnicas agroecológicas, una experiencia con mujeres de una comunidad rural en México

La agroecología es la integración de la investigación, educación, acción y cambio que trae como resultado la sustentabilidad a todas las partes del sistema alimentario: ecológico, económico y social. Técnicas agroecológicas como el uso de fertilizantes orgánicos tales como la composta, vermicomposta y digestato (efluente de los biodigestores después de la digestión anaerobia), contribuyen a reducir problemas ambientales y sociales, a través de métodos y procesos de un modelo de agricultura sustentable. Este proyecto se realizó entre 2015 y 2017 con mujeres de la comunidad rural de San Simón Coatepec, Puebla, México. Se inició con un estudio de generación de residuos, posteriormente se ofrecieron talleres para la apropiación de técnicas agroecológicas, consistentes en la preparación de digestato, composta y vermicomposta, utilizando sus residuos domésticos y de la comunidad. Posteriormente cada participante construyó un huerto de traspatio para cultivar diferentes vegetales mediante camas biointensivas. Al finalizar el proyecto las mujeres reconocieron que la aplicación de técnicas agroecológicas les permitió cosechar sus productos vegetales libres de agroquímicos y vender los excedentes. Además de sentirse más independientes y con más autoestima. La apropiación de técnicas agroecológicas es una manera en la cual las mujeres de comunidades rurales pueden obtener beneficios económicos, sociales y ambientales.