The 10 Elements of Agroecology
In guiding countries to transform their food and agricultural systems, to mainstream sustainable agriculture on a large scale, and to achieve Zero Hunger and multiple other SDGs, the following 10 Elements emanated from the FAO regional seminars on agroecology:
Diversity; synergies; efficiency; resilience; recycling; co-creation and sharing
of knowledge (describing common characteristics of agroecological systems, foundational practices and innovation approaches)
Human and social values; culture and food traditions (context features)
Responsible governance; circular and solidarity economy (enabling environment)
The 10 Elements of Agroecology are interlinked and interdependent.
Diversity : diversification is key to agroecological transitions to ensure food security and nutrition while conserving, protecting and enhancing natural resources
Co-creation and sharing of knowledge: agricultural innovations respond better to local challenges when they are co-created through participatory processes
Synergies : building synergies enhances key functions across food systems, supporting production and multiple ecosystem services
Efficiency: innovative agroecological practices produce more using less external resource.
Recycling : more recycling means agricultural production with lower economic and environmental costs
Resilience: enhanced resilience of people, communities and ecosystems is key to sustainable food and agricultural systems
Human and social values: protecting and improving rural livelihoods, equity and social well-being is essential for sustainable food and agricultural systems
Culture and food traditions: by supporting healthy, diversified and culturally appropriate diets, agroecology contributes to food security and nutrition while maintaining the health of ecosystems
Responsible governance: sustainable food and agriculture requires responsible and effective governance mechanisms at different scales – from local to national to global
Circular and solidarity economy: circular and solidarity economies that reconnect producers and consumers provide innovative solutions for living within our planetary boundaries while ensuring the social foundation for inclusive and sustainable development
