Agroecology

Agroecological approaches involve an alternative paradigm to business as usual agricultural and food systems with different goals, values and mindsets. In July 2019, the High Level Panel of Experts (HLPE) of the UN Committee on World Food Security (CFS) published a report on agroecological and other innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture for food security and nutrition. The  13 agroecological principles set out in the report have been suggested as a framework to drive food system transformation. The principles are universal, but when applied, through co-creation of knowledge with local stakeholders, generate a diversity of locally adapted practice. They cover whole food system transformation from agroecosystem management to the governance of food systems, including ensuring equity in agency for all actors within food systems from producers through to consumers. Our authors illustrate the concept and the different definitions of agroecology. Representatives from various institutions explain which aspects of the agroecological approach they attach particular importance to and how this affects their own activities.