Take a look at this interesting infographic from The Christensen Fund that evaluates
the major differences between agroecology and industrial agriculture.
Downsides of the industrial agricultural system
include a huge reliance on petrochemicals and heavy mechanization. Agriculture
contributes roughly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, and
industrial agriculture can also be a tremendous user and polluter of the
world's water resources.
But the graphic also shows how agroecological
approaches -- including the incorporation of livestock and crops, integrated
pest management, and cover
cropping -- can not only reduce the burden of agriculture on the
environment, but also improve nutrition and increase incomes. Agroecology can
actually conserve and protect both soil and water -- through terracing, contour farming, intercropping,
and agroforestry -- and absorb greenhouse gases like
carbon dioxide. And agroecological practices could double and triple yields in
poorer areas, where many farms lack irrigation infrastructure, or are situated
on hillsides or other difficult farming sites.
Reports and organizations such as State of the World 2011: Innovations that Nourish the Planet, the International Food Policy Research Institute, the United Nations Human Rights Council, and the International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge,
Science and Technology for Developmentall agree: agroecology can protect
and restore degraded soils, improve biodiversity, decrease pollution, and
encourage communities to become more involved in agriculture. And because
agroecology operates within the natural organization of an environment, it
creates diverse agricultural systems which are more resilient to dramatic
weather events, making it an increasingly sound option for feeding the world.
Texto: Danielle Nierenberg
Data: 01.10.2012
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