http://www.oaklandinstitute.org/agroecology-case-studies
The thirty-three case studies shed light on the tremendous success of agroecological agriculture across the African continent. They demonstrate with facts and figures how an agricultural transformation respectful of the farmers and their environment can yield immense economic, social, and food security benefits while also fighting climate change and restoring soils and the environment.
Tanzanian farmer intercropping grains with legumes. Credit: Michael Farrelly.
The thirty-three case studies shed light on the tremendous success of agroecological agriculture across the African continent. They demonstrate with facts and figures how an agricultural transformation respectful of the farmers and their environment can yield immense economic, social, and food security benefits while also fighting climate change and restoring soils and the environment.
Tanzanian farmer intercropping grains with legumes. Credit: Michael Farrelly.
Local Context, Long-Term Impact
While agroecology promotes low use of external
inputs, it is a very knowledge-intensive system. Transmission of this
knowledge, adaptation to local contexts, and appropriation by farmers
and government technicians, are essential steps for farmers and
communities to reap the benefits of agroecology. The case studies
demonstrate how the expansion of agroecological practices will generate a
rapid, fair and inclusive development, that can be sustained for future
generations.
Leaflet | OSM Mapnik
What is Agroecology?Agroecology is the application of ecological science to
agriculture and agroecosystems. It encompasses a wide-variety of
practices, which are coherent with key principles of environment
preservation, social fairness, and economic viability. Therefore,
agroecology combines parameters of sound ecological management, like
minimizing the use of toxics by using on-farm renewable resources and
privileging endogenous solutions to manage pests and disease, with an
approach that upholds and secures farmers' livelihoods.
Sweet potato harvest. Credit: Aminah Jasho, KHCP.
Sweet potato harvest. Credit: Aminah Jasho, KHCP.Benefits of Agroecology
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Increased Agricultural Production and Productivity
Push-pull field in Kuria, Kenya. Credit: ICIPE A large variety of techniques are used to increase yields in a sustainable way: plant diversification, intercropping, application of mulch, manure or compost for soil fertility, and natural management of pests and diseases. Often combined, these have been success stories all over the African continent. In Ethiopia, a low external input approach led to a doubling of Tigray's grain yield between 2003 and 2006, while fertilizer use decreased by 40%. In East Africa, over 96,000 farmers have adopted the Push-pull system that fights the parasitic Striga weed and stem borers invasion in maize fields, without any chemical insecticides and herbicides. Maize yields have increased three-fold as a result. Kenyan farmers who adopted the Grow Biointensive approach, using mainly compost, close spacing of plants, and intercropping, increased their yields by 2-4 times compared to conventional farming while using 70 to 90 % less water, and purchasing 50 to 100% fewer inputs.
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