Agroecology

Agroecology means applying ecological principles to agricultural systems. It is a holistic approach that takes into account ecology, socio-economic, cultural & political dynamics of food production, processing, distribution and consumption.

The FLEdGE Agroecology Working Group explored the theme of integration while also looking at issues related to governance and scale. Group members represented academic institutions and non-governmental organizations in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Cuba, and Honduras, and we collaborated with other partners in Europe, Africa, and across Latin America.

Specific themes included:

• fostering knowledge-sharing between the Global South and North
• building linkages between the social and natural sciences, and between researchers and farmers
• creating capacity-building opportunities for smallholder farmers, Indigenous communities, women and youth
• examining connections between agroecology and climate change adaptation

From August 15-17, 2016, the Agroecology Working Group held a knowledge exchange workshop aimed at strengthening South-North partnership. The event brought together researchers and practitioners from around the world to share their experiences and build capacity for agroecological practice. Robert Home, from the Switzerland-based Organic Agriculture Research Centre (FiBL) blogged about the experience.