THIRD WORLD NETWORK INFORMATION SERVICE ON SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Dear friends and colleagues,

Re: Agroecology and sustainable development

A new issues brief by Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA) highlights that agroecology – the science behind ecological/sustainable agriculture - provides a robust set of solutions to the environmental pressures and crises facing agriculture in the 21st century. The brief is based exclusively on the findings of the International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD).

Agroecological approaches in agriculture are productive and profitable, especially for small-scale producers in resource-limited areas of the tropics. An agroecological approach is particularly well suited for rural communities and developing economies, as it is knowledge-intensive and inclusive. Agroecology is also resilient, improving the adaptive capacity of agroecosystems and reducing vulnerability to natural disasters, climate change impacts, and new and emerging environmental and economic system stresses and shocks.

Policy options to build local and national capacity are those that build local and national capacity in agroecological research, extension and education; support small-scale farmers and their organizations; establish supportive economic policies, financial incentives and market opportunities; and strengthen institutional supports.

The issues brief can be downloaded at http://www.panna.org/food-crisis

With best wishes,

Lim Li Ching
Third World Network
131 Jalan Macalister,
10400 Penang,
Malaysia
Email: twnet@po.jaring.my
Websites: www.twnside.org.sg, www.biosafety-info.net