Agroecology

Definition of Agroecology

Agroecology is an approach to agriculture that applies ecological principles to the design and management of food and farming systems. It views farms as living ecosystems, where crops, animals, soils, people, and the wider environment interact. Rather than maximising short-term outputs, agroecology focuses on long-term resilience, ecological balance, and social sustainability.

Agroecology integrates scientific knowledge, traditional farming practices, and local context, aiming to reduce external inputs, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen natural processes such as nutrient cycling, pollination, and biological pest control.

Why Agroecology Matters

Agroecology matters because it offers a system-level alternative to input-intensive agriculture, addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges simultaneously. It helps to:

• Build resilient food systems that can adapt to climate change and market shocks

• Improve soil health and biodiversity through diversified farming practices

• Reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides

• Support farmer livelihoods and food sovereignty

• Protect ecosystems and natural resources while maintaining productivity

As pressure grows on land, water, and climate systems, agroecology provides a framework for producing food in harmony with nature.

Key Principles of Agroecology

• Biodiversity and Diversification – Using crop diversity, rotations, intercropping, and agroforestry

• Soil Health and Regeneration – Enhancing organic matter, soil life, and structure

• Ecological Pest Management – Relying on natural enemies and ecosystem balance

• Nutrient Cycling – Recycling organic matter and reducing external inputs

• Climate Resilience – Designing systems that buffer against droughts, floods, and temperature extremes

• Local Knowledge and Participation – Valuing farmer experience and community-based solutions

• Social and Economic Equity – Supporting fair livelihoods and sustainable rural development

Related Terms

• Ecology

• Sustainable Agriculture

• Regenerative Agriculture

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

• Soil Health

• Biodiversity

Useful Resources on Agroecology

Explore these authoritative resources to learn more about agroecology, ecological farming systems, and sustainable food production:

• FAO – Agroecology Knowledge Hub – Global reference for agroecological principles, policies, and case studies.

• IPES-Food – Agroecology Reports – Independent science-based analysis of food systems and agroecological transitions.

• UN Environment Programme (UNEP)– Resources on ecosystem-based approaches to agriculture and land use.

• Our World in Data – Food Systems and Sustainability – Data and analysis relevant to agroecology and environmental impacts.

• AGRIS – Agroecology Research Database – Peer-reviewed studies and technical research on agroecological farming.

• IFOAM Organics International– Guidance linking agroecology, organic farming, and ecological food systems.

• European Agroecology Network – Research, policy, and innovation in agroecology across Europe.

• Rodale Institute – Regenerative and Agroecological Farming – Practical research on soil health and diversified systems.

• International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food) – Policy-focused insights on agroecology and food system reform.

• Soil Association – Agroecological Farming – UK-focused guidance on ecological and nature-friendly farming practices.

• AE4EU - Agroecology for Europe - a European network on agroecology to accelerate the transition towards sustainable agriculture and food systems.

• Agroecology Europe- The European association for Agroecology.

Learn the meaning of more essential agricultural terms with our easy-to-use Key Terms glossary here