Agroecology: Adaptation and mitigation potential and policies for climate change

The chapter lays out the reasoning and evidence for transition in both industrial and developing countries toward agricultures and food systems based on agroecological principles, in order to develop the resilience and mitigation potential of farming under climate change. Agroecology is defined and illustrated by means of three examples with proven potential to bring about transformational change: “push-pull” approaches to crop protection, weed control, and soil fertility management; agroforestry; and perennial crops. Some of the key barriers to wider, faster adoption of agroecological options are noted. Novel funding and action arrangements, regional food movements, and policy-led changes are identified as three powerful drivers of agroecological responses to climate change.