AGROECOLOGY
&
RESILIENCE

Over the past three decades, global agrarian farming models have been profoundly reshaped. International organisations as tainability of these ‘modernised’ farming systems (De Schutter, 2010), placing agroecology to the forefront. However, this literature often approaches agroecology from a technical viewpoint (see f.e. Tscharntke et al., 2012; Béné et al., 2019; Foley et al., 2011; Altieri et al., 2012).

Agroecological practices can draw on both locally embedded knowledge and modern science inputs. While traditional practices can be effective in addressing context-specific problems, they may not always be applicable to emerging challenges such as climate change on a large scale. Similarly, while scientific research can provide valuable insights into ecological processes, it may not always consider the knowledge and experiences of local farmers. Our consortium will provide input into how policy approaches can help to enhance the dialogue between these different forms of knowledge. We will identify which cultural, institutional and political barriers need to be overcome in order to create space for locally embedded forms of knowledge in ‘modern’ scientific research on climate-smart agriculture.

Power relations play a significant role in the way in which farmers can engage with agroecological farming practices. In many cases, the dominant actors in the food system, such as agribusiness corporations, have significant power and influence over farming practices. These actors often promote industrial agriculture models that rely on intensive use of chemical inputs, monoculture crops, and other unsustainable practices. This can create barriers for farmers who want to adopt more agroecological practices, such as lack of access to resources and inputs, limited market opportunities, and weak policy support. In addition, power relations within local farming communities can also play a role in determining which farmers have access to land, water, and other resources, which can impact their ability to adopt more sustainable practices. Our consortium will provide input into how policy approaches can help to interact with existing power relations within the global food system, to induce the chances for farmers to make the transition from convention to climate-smart farming.

Smallholder farmers are often better adapted than large-scale farming models to integrate agroecological practices. This is because smallholder farmers typically have a deep understanding of local ecological processes and can adapt their farming practices to the specific conditions of their farms. At the same time,
well as national governments have promoted ‘modernised’ and ‘professionalised’
productivist farming models. Farmers worldwide have been incited or obliged to adopt scientifically designed farming techniques (such as the use of improved seeds selections and of chemical fertilisers) oriented towards overall output-maximalisation. Many have been pushed to increase the scale of their activities, or to move out of the farming sector. Particularly in sub-saharan countries, where a large part of the population depends upon farming activities, agrarian modernisation policies have had a profound impact upon the economic and social tissue of rural societies. In more recent years, scientific evidence is increasingly calling into question the sustainability of these modern farming systems. placing agroecology to the forefront. However, this literature often approaches agroecology from a technical viewpoint (see f.e. Tscharntke et al., 2012; Béné et al., 2019; Foley et al., 2011; Altieri et al., 2012).