The JRC is collaborating with CIRAD (Montpellier, FR), ISARA (Lyon, FR), and independent experts in synthesizing available scientific information on social, economic, and environmental benefits of implementing agroecological practices with a focus on Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cuba, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Kenya, Lao PDR, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Nicaragua, Niger, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Zimbabwe).
Although the potential of some agroecological practices has been clearly outlined, for instance in terms of productivity, saving of chemical inputs, restoration of soil quality and fertility, etc., there is still a lack of systemic vision of agroecology. No comprehensive assessment of the performance of agroecology across the whole food chain, taking into account all sustainability dimensions (environmental, social, economic) has been carried out. Overall, more research and better reporting of existing experiences are needed, especially in the following areas: crops-livestock integration, postharvest practices, market connection, certification).
The full report is available here
To complement this scientific literature review, 10 case studies have been carried out in 10 African countries to analyse the impacts of the adoption of agroecological practices at grassroots level. The cross-analysis of these case studies reveals two major outcomes: the increase of smallholder farmers’ incomes and improved resilience to climate change.
Case studies
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Cooperative learning and participatory tree selection and propagation "Due to farmers’ cultural affinity for agroforestry practices, agroforestry has become the most popular method that farmers use to alleviate the effects of land degradation, climate change, and hunger in rural areas." |
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Spreading silvopastural system through farmer exchanges "Goats feed on Ficus thonningii leaves harvested from silvopastoral systems; Its drought tolerance has reduced the water requirements for livestock fodder production by 85%, a critical improvement in such an arid climate." |
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Farmer-to-farmer exchanges and field schools to spread push-pull throughout Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania Scientists, together with thousands of Kenyan smallholder farmers, experimented with different approaches to perfect a new low-cost technique of agroecological pest management: push-pull. |
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Madagascar - Crop diversification (varietal mixtures), crop fertilization (improved manure) Participatory evaluation of rainfed rice varieties and improved manure The introduction of locally-adapted rice varieties lowered production costs and the risks of crop failure due to climate or disease. As a result, rice production has become more accessible to farmers of varying altitude and socio-economic positions.
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Malawi - Crop diversification, organic fertilization, legume intercropping, plant-based pesticides Participatory approach to spread agroecological practices A participatory approach helped to revalue and share existing agricultural knowledge in farming communities, while encouraging farmer experimentation facilitates the adaption of practices to future social and environmental conditions. |
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Supporting agroecological innovation through participatory research and knowledge and seed dissemination Gender inequity is addressed through equal representation in membership (women make up 52% of FUMA Gaskiya), and targeted participation in research programmes and experimentation. Women notably played an essential role in selecting a millet variety with high potential for pest and drought resistance. |
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Nigeria - Crop rotation, mulching and composting, tree-crop integration, crop diversification Revitalizing farmer livelihoods through agroecological management of farms and forests Reforestation efforts with indigenous species improved the local availability of forest products while agroecological farming approaches, applied in combination with improved seed varieties and drip irrigation technology, successfully increased incomes from vegetable production. |
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A village territory approach based on a large number of principles of agroecology The project also trained farmers in fish production, further increasing farm-level diversity. Beekeeping and tree planting enhanced biodiversity at the landscape level, increasing both pollinating services and habitat for wild flora and fauna. |
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Uganda – Coffee-Banana Intercropping A traditional approach to diversified farming After integrating bananas into coffee fields, women were more motivated to work in the fields, as bananas can be used for household consumption. |
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The process of building agroecological markets to support farmer livelihoods More farmers sought and received training on agroecological practices and marketing, and formed associations to produce organic horticultural products, certified through the Participatory Guarantee Scheme. |
Browse more on agroecology and research and innovation
- Explore EU Policies on "Agroecology"
- Explore EU Projects on "Agroecology"