Agroecological Principles Research Articles

Principles-focused evaluation for agroecology

This article offers a framework for evaluating agroecological principles, practices, and claims. Advocates of agroecology offer principles for sustainable, productive, and efficient agricultural systems. The evaluation question that immediately and inevitably arises in the face of such claims is: Does agroecology work? Thus do 2 fields of inquiry intersect: evaluation and agroecology. But there are many approaches to and models of evaluation. The challenge is to match the evaluation framework to the nature of agroecology. Because agroecology is based on principles, the appropriate evaluation approach is principles-focused evaluation. This article (1) elucidates principles-focused evaluation and demonstrates its relevance to evaluating agroecological practices and claims, (2) offers a principles-focused evaluation framework for monitoring agroecological transition and intensification within a particular context, and (3) concludes with lessons about principles-focused evaluation from agroecology.

Toward a Feminist Agroecology

Agroecology is gaining ground as a movement, science, and set of practices designed to advance a food systems transformation which subverts the patterns of farmer exploitation currently entrenched in dominant agricultural models. In order for agroecology to achieve its espoused twin aims of social and ecological wellbeing, women and other historically marginalized stakeholders must be empowered and centered as the movement’s protagonists. The importance of gender and social considerations is not limited to patently social aspects of the agroecological agenda, but bears relevance in every dimension of agroecology. Yet, issues related to gender have commanded relatively little attention in the agroeocological literature. In this paper, we review HLPE’s 13 defining principles of agroecology through a feminist lens to demonstrate the ways in which human dimensions and power dynamics are interwoven in every principle. Through this analysis, we demonstrate that a feminist approach is instrumental to establish a socially just and ecologically sustainable agroecological transition.

Restoring ecosystems and eating them too: guidance from agroecology for sustainability

Ecological restoration evaluation has historically focused on biophysical indicators, particularly in North America, with less attention for sociocultural and economic factors, undermining efforts' long‐term sustainability. Restoration projects should more regularly incorporate cultural and provisioning ecosystem services to offer local stakeholders tangible benefits (e.g. contributing to food security and sovereignty), thereby promoting participation in restoration efforts and long‐term environmental stewardship. While the principles of agroecology and ecological restoration have much in common, their differences can be instructional and inspirational to each other. Rather than be an apolitical tool for land management, restoration could, like agroecology, amplify its impact through collaboration with adjacent social movements that share common goals, such as addressing the root causes of environmental degradation and promoting socioeconomic justice. The manner in which ecosystems are restored is as important as the resulting systems; as agroecology guides, projects should minimize nonrenewable inputs and reliance on socioeconomic systems at the root of the environmental degradation. We articulate agroecological restoration (AER) in a novel set of formalized principles, which take a socioecological view of environmental degradation and social disruption as inextricably interrelated issues. We offer case studies illustrating how AER can help restore both the land and our relationship to the land, thereby promoting the health and cohesion of human and ecological communities. Finally, we identify opportunities for overcoming inevitable challenges for growing an agroecological restoration framework that could amplify project impacts in the current United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

Design and multicriteria assessment of low-input cropping systems based on plant diversification in southwestern France

Lengthening and diversifying crop rotations is an efficient strategy to reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides, thereby improving the sustainability of cropping systems. To test this assumption, six innovative cropping system prototypes were designed, each introducing one or more agroecological practices, as alternatives to the 2-year sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)–durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum) rotation widespread in southwestern France. Two 3-year rotations were implemented at INRAE, Toulouse, from 2011 to 2016. The six prototypes were composed of two low-input cropping systems (with/without cover crops) and four very low-input cropping systems (including cultivar or species mixtures, each with/without cover crops). As compared to the sunflower–wheat rotation, the prototypes aimed at reducing the use of N fertilizers by 25% (low-input) and 50% (very low-input) and pesticides by 50%. A set of agronomic, environmental, technical, and socio-economic indicators was calculated to assess the different components of sustainability. The introduction of agroecological principles resulted in a clear reduction of the use of synthetic inputs as compared to the sunflower–wheat rotation. The treatment frequency index was decreased by 56, 18 and 39% for the low-input cropping systems, very low-input cropping systems with cultivar mixtures, and very low-input cropping systems with species mixtures, respectively. However, the profitability decreased with the diversification of cropping systems as the semi-net margin decreased for the three previous cropping systems (745, 696, and 438 €·ha−1, respectively, vs. 963 €·ha−1 for the sunflower-wheat rotation). Despite the costs of inputs, the short rotation remained the most profitable. Agroecological practices succeeded in reducing the dependence of cropping systems on synthetic inputs, but their implementation needs to be improved to achieve better economic performance, using both scientific knowledge and know-how of innovative farmers.

REPROsheep: A model that integrates individual variability to optimise hormone-free reproduction management strategies for a dairy sheep flock

Managing reproduction of a dairy sheep flock without using hormones for oestrus induction and synchronisation is an alternative method that complies with agroecological principles, animal welfare and public health concerns. However, shifting from conventional reproductive management to a hormone-free philosophy means leaving more room for individual intraflock variability in oestrus occurrence. The success of establishing alternative hormone-free reproduction systems relies on managing the variability of ewes’ individual responses, which are themselves influenced by individual characteristics. Therefore, the so-called REPROsheep model was built to study the effects of individual ewes’ characteristics, such as age, body condition score (BCS) or milk yield, on individual responses, as well as the overall productive and reproductive performances of the flock. This dynamic agent-based model (ABM) represents individual reproduction and lactation processes in a hormone-free management context. Outputs at the flock level were simulated using this model. Two dynamic outputs (weekly number of ewes lambing and weekly milk yield) and two punctual outputs (total number of ewes lambing and total milk yield) were simulated. Sensitivity analysis showed that the studied outputs were affected by ewe age, pre-mating BCS and milk-yield distributions in the flock. Increasing average age or pre-mating BCS by 0.5 from a starting point of 2.5 and average milk-yield by 50 L from a starting point of 195 L appeared to increase, for one breeding season, the number of ewes lambing, the concentration of those lambing events over one period, as well as total milk yield, whereas decreasing the average value of these factors by the same amount appeared to produce the opposite effect. Management strategies favouring an optimum age and pre-mating BCS, as well as good milk yield for the individuals of the flock, may thus be a lever for optimising performance, especially lambing distribution over time. Therefore, the REPROsheep model seems relevant to determine how a management strategy (affecting flock structure in terms of age, body condition or production potential) can impact the performance of a dairy sheep flock in the context of hormone-free reproduction.

Evaluación de un sistema agroecológico minifundista familiar alternativo a las formas de producción de café predominante en Huatusco, Veracruz

La integración de sistemas de producción bajo principios agroecológicos permite generar nuevos conocimientos para lograr la sustentabilidad, y en un escenario de crecimiento demográfico, cambio climático y degradación de los ecosistemas naturales, la agroecología constituye una alternativa que permite generar más alimentos y hacerlo de manera sustentable. En el contexto de la producción de café en México, la cafeticultura es importante por el número de productores que se dedican a ella, en año 2017 se registró la participación de 500 mil cafeticultores en todo el país, y es aquí donde radica desde el punto de vista social, la importancia del café. En la zona central de las altas montañas del estado de Veracruz, al sureste de México, se produce principalmente café arábigo y este es un cultivo prioritario ya que sostiene económicamente a la gran mayoría de su población; esta dependencia económica hacia un solo cultivo, produce un efecto nocivo en el activo circulante de la región, período con altos ingresos durante la cosecha (noviembre a marzo) y detrimento en sus condiciones financieras en el periodo restante. Se plantea el presente estudio de caso descriptivo cuyo objetivo es enfatizar la importancia de los sistemas agroecológicos minifundistas como una alternativa para el manejo actual de los sistemas de producción de café en la región central de las altas montañas del estado de Veracruz.
 Palabras clave: Minifundios. Sustentabilidad. Café. Agroecología

Amplifying Agroecological Farmer Lighthouses in Contested Territories: Navigating Historical Conditions and Forming New Clusters in Japan

Individual agroecological farms can act as lighthouses to amplify the uptake of agroecological principles and practices by other farmers. Amplification is critical for the upscaling of agroecological production and socio-political projects emphasizing farmer sovereignty and solidarity. However, territories are contested spaces with historical, social, cultural, and economic contexts that can present challenges to the effectiveness of farmer lighthouses in catalyzing localized agrarian change. We explore these amplification dynamics through fieldwork in a particular region of Japan employing interviews and data derived from an assessment of nine farms using ten amplification indicators. The indicators include social organization, participation in networks, community leadership, and degrees of dependency on policies or markets among others, as well as degree of adoption of on-farm agroecological practices, all of which capture farmer lighthouses' potential to amplify territorial upscaling. At the same time, we trace the historical development of a previous generation of Japanese farmer lighthouses practicing organic agriculture in alignment with agroecological principles that experienced, to varying degrees, push-back, co-option, and successful territorialization in rural communities. We find that many of the same social and cultural territorial dynamics are still influential today and affecting the amplifying effect of agroecological farmer lighthouses, but also find examples of new clustering around lighthouses that take advantage of both the historical vestiges of the previous generation's efforts as well as contemporary shifts in practice and agrarian orientation. This research calls for a detailed dissection of the dynamic and contrasting processes of agroecological territorialization and the ways in which diverse contexts shape agroecological upscaling.

Soil and Pest Management in French Polynesian Farming Systems and Drivers and Barriers for Implementation of Practices Based on Agroecological Principles

In the context of climate change, French Polynesia is committed to increasing qualitatively and quantitatively local food production. In this regard, agroecology is perceived as a sustainable pathway to improve farming practices. This article proposes first a theoretical framework to analyze the proximity of farmers' management to agroecological principles. Second, it describes the current use of agroecological pest and soil management practices by French Polynesian farmers. And third, it explains which agronomic and socio-economic factors drive the implementation of agroecological practices. For this, qualitative interviews were conducted with 32 farmers on three islands, and statistical analyses were carried for correlation between the use of practices and socio-economic variables. Results show that French Polynesian farmers implement different soil and pest management practices that are in line with agroecological principles. Farmers scored better in terms of pest management with high plant diversity, implementation of crop rotations, and mechanical weed management. There is a significant influence of the “cropping system” and the “production system” (organic, integrated, and conventional) on the use of practices as well as proximity to agroecological principles. Identified pathways for an agroecological transition are implementing farmer to farmer knowledge exchange, farmer networks, and farm demonstrations as well as training of extension services staff.

Rationale for the creation of the National natural park «Central Podillya»

Based on comprehensive environmental monitoring, geobotanical, zoogeographical, landscape-ecological, hydro-ecological, forest-typological, agroecological principles and approaches and own field research it is proposed to create a national nature park (NNP) «Central Podillya» within Vinnytsia region. A promising NNP is planned to be created on the territory of Vinnytsia and Khmilnytsky administrative districts of Vinnytsia region as a habitat and migration routes of bison (Bison bonasus) and preservation of unique biotic and landscape diversity. The projected area of NPP «Central Podillya» is 53 820 hectares. The need to create a park due to the presence of natural (forest, wetland, peat-swamp, floodplain, meadow, forest-steppe, meadow-steppe, steppe, weed-field) complexes with associations of plant groups, where more than 40 species of plants and lives more than 50 species of animals listed in the RBU, as well as the presence of a significant number of objects that have historical, cultural, recreational, health (medical) value. The general ecological and geographical characteristics of the park from the standpoint of physical-geographical and geobotanical zoning are given. There are 34 objects of the nature reserve fund (NRF), which will be a part of the perspective park. Functional zoning of the territory of the projected NNP «Central Podillya» was carried out taking into account representative and rare ecosystems, where its 4 zones (protected, regulated recreation, stationary recreation, economic) were allocated. The structural elements of the ecological network of the perspective park are singled out. The necessity of protection, preservation and reproduction of biotic and landscape diversity and historical and cultural heritage of the studied territory through the greening of economic activity, education and culture of the local population is substantiated. It was found that the creation of NPP «Central Podillya» through the Presidential Decree and the optimization of protected areas, which account for 2.27% of the total area of Vinnytsia region, the implementation of regional ecological and Emerald networks is an extremely important, important and absolutely necessary for effective adjustment of the strategy of balanced development of territorial communities. Creation of NPP «Central Podillya» will increase the percentage of protected areas to 4.5% of the total area of Vinnytsia region. According to this indicator Vinnytsia region is in one of the last places in Ukraine. According to the Institute of World Resources (Washington), for the effective functioning of the territory, the area of its reserves should be at least 10–12%. Preparation of scientific substantiation and project of creation of NPP «Central Podillya» within Vinnytsia region is a pilot project that requires official detailing, delimitation, land management, coordination with land users on which the park will be located, creation of park directorate, introduction of technologies aimed at preservation and restoration of biogeocenotic cover, reproduction of broken types of connections, preservation of settlements, optimization of land use, balanced development of territorial communities that will be a part of the NNP.

Beyond CO2: Multiple Ecosystem Services From Ecologically Intensive Grazing Landscapes of South America

Sustainability assessments to inform the design of multifunctional grazing landscapes need to look beyond greenhouse gas emissions to simultaneously embrace other social and environmental criteria. Here I briefly examine trade-offs and synergies between the productivity of graze-based livestock systems and the environment, and share a few generic guidelines to design pathways for the ecological intensification of livestock systems following agroecological principles. I draw from experience on livestock farming in the Rio de la Plata Grassland Biome of South America (Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil). Livestock systems based on native grasslands in this region may have greater carbon footprints (13–29 kg CO2 eq. kg LW−1) than intensive grass-feedlot systems in the region (9–14 kg CO2 eq. kg LW−1) or the average range reported for OECD countries (c. 10–20 kg CO2 eq. kg LW−1) when calculated per unit product, but only 20% greater when expressed on an area basis. Yet they use less external energy (10x) or nitrogen inputs (5x) per kg live weight (LW) produced, provide ecosystem services of local and global importance, such as carbon storage, habitat protection for biodiversity, watershed regulation, clean water, food and textiles, livelihoods and local cultures, and provide better living conditions for grazing animals. Traditional graze-based systems are less economically attractive than intensive livestock or grain production and they are being replaced by such activities, with negative social and environmental consequences. An ecological intensification (EI) of graze-based livestock systems is urgently needed to ensure economic profits while minimising social-ecological trade-offs on multifunctional landscapes. Examples of such EI systems exist in the region that exhibit synergies between economic and environmental goals, but a broad and lasting transition towards sustainable multifunctional landscapes based on agroecological principles requires (co-)innovation at both technical and institutional levels.

Key insights of urban agriculture for sustainable urban development

ABSTRACT Humanity must face the challenge of making viable a world of environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable cities, as it is recognized by the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in its Goal 11. This problem is so wide and complex that it does not admit a short-term solution; rather, it must be addressed through measures in a process with long-term results. One of these measures may come from the urban agriculture, applied under the principles of agroecology. Urban agriculture is a complex activity that is currently associated with the idea of multifunctionality, placing emphasis on the various ecosystem services that it generates. However, urban agriculture continues to lack sufficient consideration in urban planning and management. This paper includes a thorough review of the literature on urban agriculture to reveal its benefits, and potential, moving toward the implementation of urban agriculture, under an agroecological approach, in the city.

Political Agroecology in Senegal: Historicity and Repertoires of Collective Actions of an Emerging Social Movement

Agroecology has become an ideological foundation for social and environmental transformation in sub-Saharan Africa. In Senegal, agroecological advocacy coalitions, made up of farmers’ organizations, scientists, NGOs, and IOs, are using agroecology as an umbrella concept for proposing policy changes at multiple scales. We describe the history of the agroecological movement in Senegal in the context of the constitution of a national advocacy coalition. We then examine the “repertoires of collective action” mobilized by the coalition. Four repertoires are identified: technical support and knowledge co-production, territorial governance, alternative food networks, and national policy dialogue. Our analysis highlights the potential that these multi-level approaches have to sustainably transform the current food systems in sub-Saharan Africa. However, our research also reveals the limited agency of farmer organizations and the limitations of a movement that is strongly dependent on NGOs and international donors, leading to a “projectorate” situation in which contradictory policy actions can overlap. We further argue that, although the central government has formally welcomed some of the principles of agroecology into their policy discourse, financial and political interests in pursuing a Green Revolution and co-opting agroecology are pending. This leads to a lack of political and financial autonomy for grassroots farmers’ organizations, limiting the development of counter-hegemonic agroecology. We discuss the conditions under which territorial approaches, and the three other repertoires of collective action, can have significant potential to transform Sub-Saharan Africa in the coming years.

Bioeconomy Opportunities for a Green Recovery and Enhanced System Resilience

Bioeconomy Opportunities for a Green Recovery and Enhanced System Resilience

Organic Agroforestry Long-Term Field Experiment Designing Trough Actors’ Knowledge towards Food System Sustainability

The implementation of agroecology principles within organic farming research is a crux to redesign sustainable agri-food systems. To govern this transition, the local research demand should be addressed by direct engagement of all stakeholders in the research process. The first step is the involvement of farmers and technicians, with the aim of restoring their decision-making role, switching governance to local scale. The co-design/co-management of Long-Term Experiments (LTEs) can be crucial to govern the above-described transition through networking and participatory activities. In this study, we report the experience of co-designing a new LTE in Southern Italy by local actors and scientists. Through a participatory action research methodology, an LTE was considered as a biophysical component of an agroecological living lab, a public–private environment aimed to design a local food system. The setup of parallel field trials in satellite farms stands for the other biophysical component, whereas the stakeholder platform represents the social one. Through definition of common objectives, a step-by-step process is presented, which highlights the interest of local organic actors to share ideas and perspectives for the territory, pointing out the inclusion of end-users (the consumers) in the process to complete the transition to sustainable food systems.

Challenging agroecology through the characterization of farming practices’ diversity in Mediterranean irrigated areas

Identifying locally adapted and adopted efficient practices can be a step towards the agroecological transition of irrigated plains of the Southern Mediterranean region. However, these types of practices - often little known - are drowned within a wide range of practices. The objective of this study was, first, to elaborate a method to describe this diversity in a semi-arid irrigated landscape, at both the plot and farm scales; second, to show the main characteristics of these types of crop management; and third, to question their sustainability according to agroecological principles. To do so, this paper focused on Southern Mediterranean irrigated cropping systems as i) studies on management routes are scarce with regard to this region; ii) irrigated landscapes are known for their high level of natural, technical and financial constraints, often favoring more intensive farming practices regarding chemical inputs. A series of semi-directive interviews were conducted in order to assess farmers’ management of chili-pepper-based (Capsicum annuum) cropping systems, a widespread crop in the Merguellil plain, Central Tunisia. The "Typ-iti” method, combining multivariate analysis, clustering and association rules, was used to characterize the diversity of technical management routes (TMR) of these systems. The environmental sustainability was qualitatively accessed by classifying the clusters of TMRs obtained according to their potential impact on natural resources. Then, these management routes were qualitatively associated to some farm structural characteristics, to analyze their diversity at the farm level. These enabled to distinguish a gradient of farming practices and characteristics, respectively at both plot and farm scales relative to environmental impacts. The study showed that some agroecology-compatible TMRs coexisted with conventional TMRs for chili-pepper-based cropping systems. Our method characterized three main groups: i) a group of intensive TMRs regarding chemical input powered especially by tenant farmers, ii) an intermediary group iii) a moderate group powered by land owners. Throughout these main groups, seven types of TMRs were described. These were always comprised of both agroecology and non-agroecology-compatible technical operations. This coexistence of diversely impacting practices challenges agroecology in multiple ways. Fertilization management appeared as a major issue in the study zone, often resulting in high applied doses. These findings could allow actors in charge of agriculture to better focus their action. However, the study did not take into account the outputs of the studied systems, so that their productivity and environmental impacts have not yet been assessed in a quantitative manner. For future studies, the paragons obtained from our analysis are typical cases that could be studied for such a purpose.

The necessity of expanding the territory of «Karmelyukove Podillia» National Natural Park

Based on comprehensive environmental monitoring, geobotanical, zoogeographical, landscape-ecological, hydro-ecological, forest-typological, agroecological principles and approaches and own field research, it is proposed to expand the area of the national natural park (NNP) «Karmelyukove Podillya» within Vinnytsia region. The general ecological and geographical characteristics of the park from the standpoint of physical-geographical and geobotanical zoning are given. It is shown which objects of the nature reserve fund (NRF) are parts of the park. The structural elements of the ecological network of the park have been identified (natural cores: 1 — Britavske; 2 — Chervonohreblyanske; 3 — Verbske; 4 — Bondurivske; 5 — Kurenivske; 6 — Novoukrainske; 7 — Lubomyrkivske as well as regenerative territories: 1 — Novoukrainska; 2 — Verbska; 3 — Stratiyivska; 4 — Bondurivska; 5 — Luzhska; 6 — Chervonohreblyanska), functional zoning of its territory was carried out, where representative and rare ecosystems are taken into account. The functional zoning of the NNP territory is shown, where typical, representative and rare ecosystems are taken into account. The necessity of changing the regime of the territory of the tract «Stratiyivska Dacha» in quarters 72, 74–75 on the area of 641 ha from the economic zone to the zone of regulated recreation is substantiated. The need to include in the park with the right of permanent use of the tract «Vyshenka», an area of 47.7 hectares, located within the Chechelnytsia village council as a holistic natural complex, represented by unique landscapes of different types of ecosystems, including forest, meadow-steppe and water-wamps. This area is characterized by 8 habitats with valuable associations of plant groups, which include 15 regionally rare species and 9 species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, home to more than 50 species of animals with international and national sozological status. In general, it is advisable to transfer other territories to the NNP for permanent use: ornithological reserve of local significance «Stavky» — 6.9 ha; lands of historical and cultural purpose — 17.3 hectares; forest reserve land — 7.7 hectares; agricultural land — 25.5 hectares; shrubs, reserve land — 7.3 hectares. The total area of these plots is 64.7 hectares, which together with the tract «Vyshenka» will be 112.4 hectares. The inclusion of these areas in the park will preserve representative landscapes with diverse flora and fauna, rational use of recreational potential, promote eco-tourism, sport hunting and fishing, introduce permanent nature education, conservation and environmental education, create new jobs for the population and will maintain the established regime of park protection and engage in organic farming. Currently, the park needs to conduct scientific activities, develop various types of ecological tourism — hiking, biking, equestrian, water, health, historical and cultural, to develop ecological and educational trails, and increase the ecological and educational level of the local population, in the economic zone to engage in organic farming. At present, this work should be aimed at reviving folk traditions in the field of nature protection and forming a caring attitude to the nature of the native land.

Family Farming Plays an Essential Role in Preserving Soil Functionality: A Study on Active Managed and Abandoned Traditional Tree Crop-Based Systems

In traditional agricultural areas, where traditional crops (TCs) are cultivated, small farms are still highly represented. Located prevalently in marginal and sensitive areas, agricultural areas have undergone deep transformation. Smallholders have maintained the traditional asset of cultivation (extensive and low input requirement management) only to some extent. In some cases they have adapted traditional orchards into more intensive planting systems. Frequently, they have abandoned agriculture. The land use and management influence soil functions, i.e., the capability of a specific soil to provide key functions in terrestrial ecosystems. In order to assess whether small farms are environmentally sustainable, we used a set of soil quality indicators in three traditional tree crops in the Latium region (central Italy), like hazelnut, grapevine, and Citrus. The soil parameters, chemical, biological, and biochemical, were quantified under three different management models: extensive cultivation, intensive cultivation, and abandonment. The selected set of indicators proved to be able to discriminate adequately between the management models and to be suitable for the soil health assessment. Results proved that hazelnut orchards stored more organic C, independently from farming management, while vineyard showed the lower total organic carbon (TOC). The microbial carbon vs. organic carbon ratio (Cmic-to Corg ratio) was higher for vineyards and Citrus groves, denoting a more active degradation of soil organic matter. Soil enzymes (ESs) involved in C cycle were variable along the different treatments and mainly influenced by the C inputs to soil and soil cover, whereas those involved in N, P, and S cycles were higher in abandoned and extensive TCs. Overall, extensive cultivation performed better in terms of soil quality than intensive or abandonment. This study suggests that a transition to an agriculture based on agroecological principles and toward extensification would provide significant soil-based environmental benefits in marginal sensitive areas.

Comercialización de cultivos y productos agroecológicos como aporte al sostenimiento de las unidades domésticas. El caso del grupo “Mujeres Cosechando”, México

La agricultura ha sido importante para el sustento de diversas poblaciones. La demanda de alimentos ha ido al alza y, con ello, los sistemas agrícolas han sufrido modificaciones, pasando de producciones de pequeña a gran escala. Múltiples problemáticas apuntan a la insostenibilidad generada por dichos cambios. El objetivo del artículo es analizar la pertinencia de la agroecología para vincular la producción con la comercialización y así aportar al sustento familiar. El estudio de caso es un grupo de mujeres rurales de origen indígena con dos décadas de trabajo continuo. La aproximación se basó en el trabajo etnográfico, mediante la entrevista semiestructurada y la observación participante. Los resultados indican que el grupo de mujeres ha combinado los conocimientos tradicionales adquiridos en sus unidades domésticas, con los provenientes de actores externos a su comunidad, generando un modelo de agricultura sostenible. Las implicaciones del artículo relacionan la producción y el comercio de productos agroecológicos, donde el papel de las instituciones intermediarias es fundamental. El valor del escrito reside en presentar un caso de estudio exitoso en el manejo sostenible de recursos agroalimenticios. Las conclusiones muestran que los principios agroecológicos posibilitan el sostenimiento del propio agroecosistema, favorecen vínculos sociales y contribuyen al sustento familiar.

Assessing Sustainability of Organic Livestock Farming in Sicily: A Case Study Using the FAO SAFA Framework

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and pollutants, soil erosion and groundwater pollution are some of the negative aspects blamed on livestock farming, so their level of sustainability needs to be assessed, taking into account the territory in which they operate. The research focuses on the assessment of sustainability performance in the four dimensions of good governance: environmental integrity, economic resilience and social well-being, considered by the ‘‘Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture Systems’’ (SAFA) tool developed by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The objective of applying this methodology is to highlight the sustainability dimensions in which the ten analyzed farms are weakest and the ones in which they show the most strength, in order to provide farmers a tool to understand the criticalities on which to intervene. The farms considered follow the principles of agroecology and organic farming, which are decisive in the pursuit of sustainable development. The overall results show a satisfactory level of sustainability with high prospects for improvement, in line with the EU commitments undertaken in the Green Deal and the Millennium Development Goals. Livestock farms must, therefore, be encouraged and accompanied with targeted technical assistance strategies and appropriate agroecological protocols.

Agricultural Sustainability in Punjab: Issues and Challenges

There is an urgent need to diversify agriculture in Punjab, emphasising integrated farm principles, implementation of sustainable practices, organic farming, green farming and environmentally friendly techniques. It entailed using a holistic approach using ecofarming and agro-ecological principles based on local agro-climatic conditions. There must be changes in cropping patterns to include planting vegetables, fruits, herbs, mushrooms, fibre crops, oilseeds and fodder crops. Others are medicinal and spice crops. These will provide rural employment through village-based agro-industries. Besides, there has to be adequate harvesting, postharvest handling, processing, storage, quality control and assured marketing. To protect the soil erosion and conserve water which measures need to be implemented. Others include planting crops that use less water and better irrigation techniques such as rainwater harvesting, micro-irrigation techniques and drip irrigation. There is also an urgent need for a change in government policies to overcome environmental degradation in Punjab. These include removing subsidies for fertilizers and electricity, the reform of commodity prices, and improving agricultural marketing and distribution.