Highlights:

This paper presents four main findings and key recommendations of a dialogue that explored the role of agroecology in increasing resilience to agri-input scarcity in the context of the current global food crisis. Prices of agri-inputs, in particular fertilizers and energy, are at record highs. The increase in fertilizer prices started towards the end of 2021 and has been amplified by the war in Ukraine. Disruption in fertilizer affordability and availability is creating concern about future harvests and global agricultural production. This situation is exacerbated by other climatic and political factors. Considering that agroecological systems are low-external-input-based systems that promote locally sourced inputs and/or circularity of nutrients within and between neighbouring farms, the aim of this dialogue was to discuss agroecology as a potential option for navigating the ongoing agri-input crisis.

Four main findings

• Agroecological farming systems are more resilient to international input scarcity than conventional systems;

• The agri-inputs crisis is an opportunity for food system transformation;

• Creating enabling conditions for agroecological transition is paramount amid rise in agri-input prices;

• Changing narratives and mindsets for an agroecological transition.