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  • Publication | 2020

Agroecological practices supporting food production and reducing food insecurity in developing countries

Global Food and Nutrition Security

The report represents the initial effort, carried out in the frame of the EC Knowledge Centre on Global Food and Nutrition Security, to structure existing knowledge about agroecology as farming and food system in developing coutries. Scientific literature has been screened on a selection of developing countries in which food and nutrition security and sustainable agriculture represent a focal sector for EU intervention (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cuba, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Kenya, Lao PDR, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Nicaragua, Niger, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Zimbabwe). In total, 172 documents have been synthesised, a country brief has been prepared for each investigated country, and some general conclusions have been drawn.

At least 50% of the analysed papers report a positive contribution of agroecological practices to food security, mostly due to improved yields and/or a better economic situation of producers. Diversified crop systems, including the introduction of agroforestry, improve household nutritional status and have positive links to better health conditions.