What is Agroecology?
In recent years, factors such as the rise in food prices, the direct effects of the climate crisis on agriculture, and the growing infertility of the soil compel us to reevaluate the sustainability of the agricultural system. The industrial agricultural system, founded on the principle of "Produce more, consume more," has now reached a standstill in both ecological and social aspects.
In recent years, we have often encountered a concept aimed at overcoming this standstill: Agroecology. But this does not consist only of not spreading chemicals on the soil or using natural production methods. Agroecology represents a methodology that respects both the nature and the producer, promoting an equitable food system.
So, what is agroecology, how does it work, is it really feasible? Is it a matter only for small-scale producers, or does it also concern the consumers in the city? In this article, we will provide a comprehensive and critical perspective in terms of these questions.
To read our article titled Sustainable Agriculture and Importance of Heirloom Varieties, click here.
Agroecology, as its name suggests, is a blend of two terms: agronomy and ecology. However, it represents more than the total of these two concepts. Agroecology is not only a method consisting of environmentally friendly production techniques; it is also a holistic approach that aims to transform food systems.
FAO (United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization) defines agroecology as a scientific discipline, as a production practice, and as a social movement. In other words, this is not related only to soil; it is also related to people, rights, knowledge, and justice.
Agroecological production complies with the cycles of nature in contrast to the monocultural agriculture. It aims at the protection of ecosystems through the use of various methods such as natural fertilization, rotation, multiple cropping, and water conservation instead of chemical fertilizer and pesticide utilization. It also values local know-how, the experience of generations of farmers.
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The industrial agriculture offers a market-oriented system focused on high yield and high input while organic agriculture is a market-integrated alternative depending on certain certifications. And agroecology is a social movement and practice approach that integrates ecological production with social justice, aiming to design, manage and use agricultural systems in a sustainable manner that is in harmony with the nature. In summary, agroecology provides not just methods for production but also valuable perspectives on living a meaningful life.
Agroecology must be thought of not only as a vision, but also as a model applicable in the field. The foundation of this model includes production principles in harmony with the nature as well as an ethical approach that aims to transform social relations.
We analyze the main application principles of agroecological systems under main headings as follows:
● Prioritizing biodiversity and soil health: Polyculture systems, in which varied species are produced together, are preferred instead of monoculture. This prevents the spreading of pests and supports the natural cycle of the soil.
● Decreasing dependency on external inputs: Agroecology minimizes the utilization of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, aiming to sustain production through natural cycles. Methods such as composting, green fertilizers, biological control are prominent.
● Production depending on local know-how and farmers’ experience: Agroecological production relies not on the technical knowledge offered by universities or corporations, but rather on the accumulated experience of generations of farmers. Knowledge of the farmers is considered as a value.
● Multiple production systems: Systems are established in which field agriculture, gardening, husbandry, and forestry are planned together. Thanks to this, waste has become a resource; for example, animal manure can be used in agriculture.
● Production models in harmony with the social structure: Agroecology encourages not individual, but collective production methods. Cooperatives, community-supported agricultural systems, and producer networks are an integral part of this approach.
These principles makes agroecology more than an agricultural method, transforming it into a lifestyle and social model.
Click here to check out our blog post on ‘What is Biodiversity?’
Benefits of agroecology do not only include environmental benefits, but they also involve social, economic, and cultural benefits. This multidimensional benefit structure enables agroecology to be more than a production method, making it a comprehensive means of transformation.
1. Ecological Benefits
Agroecological systems cooperate with the cycles of nature rather than intervening in them. Thanks to this approach:
● Soil fertility is protected and improved in time.
● Water resources are used more efficiently, reducing agricultural waste.
● Biodiversity is supported; the entire ecosystem becomes stronger, from soil microorganisms to pollinator bugs.
● Production models more resistant to climate crises emerge, soil’s carbon sequestering capacity increases.
2. Social and Economic Benefits
Agroecology aims to empower small-scale producers in particular. Thanks to local know-how and collective organization:
● Producers become more independent without being dependent on external input.
● Cooperatives increase bargaining power; income distribution becomes more balanced.
● Local economies thrive; food stays local, avoiding transportation, which prevents spoilage, and it is enjoyed fresh.
● New connections are established via food between urban and rural areas.
3. Cultural and Social Benefits
Agroecology protects not only production, but also the culture. In line with this:
● Women farmers’ know-how and labor in production processes become visible.
● Agriculture gains a new meaning for younger generations.
● Heirloom seeds, traditional know-how, agricultural rituals are conserved.
Agroecology views soil not merely as a source of produce, but also as a vessel of memory and identity.
Although it offers a promising alternative, agroecology has certain limitations and potential risks that should not be ignored as well. These gaps should be faced with a genuine transformation.
● Problems of Market Access: Agroecological producers generally face difficulties in accessing traditional markets. Since certification systems, logistics and distribution chains are designed for the industrial model, agroecological products remain mostly invisible. These conditions restrict access to consumers and may cause the producer some difficulties in achieving a sustainable income model.
● The Issue of Productivity and Scale: One of the most frequently voiced criticisms pertains to the issue of productivity. When compared to the high production volumes offered by the industrial agriculture, agroecological production is generally considered to have low productivity. However, these comparisons are generally reduced to a single criterion: Products per hectare. Agroecology, on the other hand, offers more varieties, healthier soil, less costs, and higher social impacts. Nevertheless, this discussion remains as an area open to serious political manipulation, especially under the headings of food security and famine.
● Risk of Straying from Realism: Agroecology advocates may occasionally romanticize rural life and small-scale producers’ lifestyle. However, producing in rural areas and surviving despite the climate crisis and market pressure is actually quite challenging. Agroecology may face the risk of becoming a well-intentioned but ineffective discourse if realistic solutions are not developed.
Agroecology is more than just an alternative agricultural method; it is a paradigm that urges us to change the connections we establish with the earth, the producers, and food consumption. This transformation must find a response not only in rural areas, but also in cities, kitchens, markets, school canteens and municipal policies.
Of course this is not easy. But also, it is possible. Agroecology reminds us once again of the small but vital facts we lost while chasing after big-scale solutions. Soil is not only a factory, but also a living being. Production is not only productivity, but also a requirement of a fair and balanced life. In the contemporary world, agroecology is not merely a luxury; instead, it represents one of the most robust collective responses necessary to ensure our future.