Agroecology

Agroecology is the study of interactions among plants and animals, as well as their environment, within agroecosystems. As a science, agroecology combines ecology and agriculture to understand how different systems of farming can be more productive and resilient while sustaining the environment. It is a sustainable farming method that promotes the use of natural cycles and conservation of resources, such as water and soil, to create more diverse and efficient agricultural ecosystems. Additionally, agroecology seeks to identify and incorporate traditional knowledge, local ecology, and market information into an agricultural system to improve the efficiency of food production and to enhance rural livelihoods. Agroecology has been proven to be successful in helping to increase crop yields, reduce the use of external inputs, minimize negative environmental impacts, and improve nutrition and diets in multiple communities, making it an important part of sustainable development.