Executive Summary
Agroecology has emerged as an alternative approach to dealing with the myriad challenges brought about by conventional agriculture. The ever-increasing number of populations who are food insecure, coupled with the loss of biodiversity, land degradation, climate change, and environmental pollution among many other negative outcomes clearly point to a failure of our current food systems. Agroecology applies ecological and social concepts and principles to the study, design, and management of farming and agricultural systems to ensure food and nutrition security for all. Considered a holistic scientific approach, a set of principles and practices, and a social movement, agroecology recognizes that food systems are coupled with socio-ecological systems from food production to consumption.