posted by GFAR
This post focuses on the Agroecology Coalition and it’s work in transforming global food systems to address critical challenges like population growth, resource scarcity, ecosystem degradation, and climate change.
In a world grappling with formidable challenges such as population growth, resource scarcity, ecosystem degradation, and climate change, securing sustainable food sources has emerged as a paramount concern. Our food systems, crucial to human existence, are increasingly feeling the impacts of climate change. Paradoxically, they also contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, certain agricultural practices perpetuate biodiversity loss, environmental pollution, land degradation, and the depletion of water resources. The perilous livelihoods and social disparities faced by countless farmers and food system workers further complicate efforts to ensure adequate nutrition for all.
The imperative to reconstruct our food systems into more sustainable, productive, and resilient entities cannot be overstated. Agroecology, as a potent catalyst, holds the promise of addressing these daunting challenges head-on. Agroecological food systems are uniquely positioned to address the crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and hunger concurrently. These systems are rooted in principles of diversity, resilience, and equity. By adopting a systemic approach that encompasses all aspects of our food system, agroecology enhances agricultural biodiversity and its manifold benefits – spanning from production to consumption, and operating at various scales, from individual farms to larger landscapes and food systems. Moreover, it champions social justice, nurtures identity and culture, and bolsters the economic viability of rural areas.
Mission and Principles
The mission of the Agroecology Coalition is clear: to expedite the transformation of food systems through agroecology. The coalition adheres to the 13 principles established by the High-Level Panel of Experts (HLPE) of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS), aligning with the 10 Elements of Agroecology adopted by 197 FAO Members in December 2019. These principles and elements are universal, applicable to all forms of sustainable agriculture and food production systems, encompassing crops, livestock, pastoral systems, agroforestry, fisheries, aquaculture, food processing, commercialization, and consumption. Additionally, they contribute to gender equality, attract youth to agriculture, create dignified living conditions, and foster healthy diets.
Embracing these principles engenders resilience, economic viability, social acceptance, cultural diversity, and efficiency, all while safeguarding the environment. By doing so, the coalition endeavors to guide decisions and prevent compartmentalized interventions, unintended consequences, and short-term fixes.
At present, the Coalition brings together approximately 50 member countries, regional commissions, and over 130 organizations. These entities encompass farmers’ groups, research institutions, indigenous peoples’ organizations, UN agencies, philanthropic foundations, and civil society organizations.
Intervention Areas
The Coalition’s mission revolves around encouraging and facilitating the implementation of country-specific pathways for transforming food systems. It does so by promoting the co-creation and sharing of knowledge, fostering increased investments in agroecology, and advocating for political engagement and stronger commitments to agroecological transformation.
Promoting Synergies
Various ongoing initiatives and policies worldwide, initiated by governments, producer and civil society organizations, and research institutions, exemplify the potential of agroecological approaches to address multifaceted food system challenges. The transformation of food systems through agroecology is wholly congruent with a plethora of global goals and agreements, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Climate Agreement’s Long-Term Goal, the Land Degradation Neutrality objectives under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and the post-2020 Targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework within the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
For instance, GBF Target 10 recognizes agroecology’s role in enhancing the resilience and long-term efficiency of production systems, fortifying food security, conserving and restoring biodiversity, and preserving nature’s contributions to people. Furthermore, the IPCC Assessment 6 affirms with high confidence that the “adoption of agroecology principles and practices will be highly beneficial to maintaining healthy, productive food systems under climate change.”
Agroecology has the remarkable potential to simultaneously advance climate, biodiversity, and land targets, transform food systems, enhance livelihoods, and stimulate local and national economic development.
As such, the Coalition fervently urges governments and non-state actors to embrace and apply the 13 principles as they frame, develop, and implement initiatives aimed at sustainably transforming our food systems.
In summary, the Agroecology Coalition stands as a beacon of hope in our quest to transform food systems into sustainable, resilient, and equitable structures, guided by a set of principles that promote harmony with nature, social justice, and economic vitality. In a world facing unprecedented challenges, agroecology offers a path towards a more secure and prosperous future for all.
More information + Contacts
Agroecology Coalition Coordinator, Oliver Oliveros: o.oliveros@agroecology-coalition.org
Secretariat contact: secretariat@agroecology-coalition.org
Website: www.agroecology-coalition.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agroecology-coalition/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AgroecologyGoal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agroecology.coalition
The GFAiR Blog 
An excellent initiative on agroecology coalitions to address the trade-offs, particularly in developing countries including Ethiopia with unique opportunities & challenges.