Agroecology: A pathway to sustainable agriculture

AGROECOLOGY, an integrated approach that applies ecological principles to agricultural systems, aims to create sustainable and resilient food production systems.

It emphasises biodiversity, natural resource conservation, and social equity and is increasingly recognised as a viable solution to address both environmental challenges and community development.

In Zimbabwe, where the agricultural sector faces significant challenges, agroecology is emerging as a transformative approach that can enhance both environmental and community resilience.

Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector faced numerous challenges over the past decades, including land degradation, climate change, and socio- economic instability.

These issues have severely impacted food security and livelihoods, particularly for smallholder farmers, who make up most of the agricultural employees. As these challenges intensify, the need for sustainable agricultural practices has become more urgent.

Agroecology promotes practices that enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and conserve water. Soil health, a critical component of agricultural productivity, has seen significant improvements through agroecological practices, such as crop rotation, intercropping, and the use of organic fertilisers.

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Studies have shown that these methods increase soil organic matter and microbial activity, leading to better crop yields and resilience against pests and diseases. This is particularly important in Zimbabwe, where soil degradation has been a persistent problem, exacerbated by conventional farming practices that rely heavily on chemical inputs. Water conservation is another key benefit of agroecology.

Techniques like mulching, rainwater harvesting, landscape engineering and the use of drought-resistant crop varieties help conserve water and mitigate the impacts of erratic rainfall patterns. This is crucial in Zimbabwe, where water scarcity is a major concern, especially in semi-arid regions. Agroecological practices ensure that water is used efficiently and retained in the soil, reducing the risk of crop failure during dry periods.

Further, biodiversity is a cornerstone of agroecological systems by encouraging the cultivation of a diverse range of crops and the integration of livestock, to enhance ecosystem services, such as pollination and pest control.

This biodiversity also reduces the risk of total crop failure due to disease or adverse weather conditions, providing a buffer against the uncertainties of climate change. In Zimbabwe, where monoculture farming has often led to ecological imbalances, the shift towards diversified farming systems is a welcome change.

Agroecology not only addresses environmental issues but also supports community development and economic resilience. Food security is a critical issue, where a significant portion of the population experiences chronic hunger and malnutrition.

By promoting diverse and sustainable farming practices, agroecology helps ensure a stable and nutritious food supply. Smallholder farmers, who are often the most vulnerable to food insecurity, benefit from the increased productivity and resilience of agroecological systems.

Economic resilience is another significant advantage of agroecology, which reduces dependence on expensive chemical inputs and imported seeds, agroecological practices lower production costs for farmers.

For example, studies have shown that agroecological practices can reduce input costs by up to 30%, allowing farmers to save money and invest in other areas of their operations.

Additionally, these practices often yield higher and more reliable outputs, increasing farmers' incomes and economic stability.

According to a report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), smallholder farmers practicing agroecology in Zimbabwe have seen their yields increase by an average of 50% over five years.

This increase in productivity translates into higher incomes, improving the economic resilience of farming households. Moreover, community empowerment is also a fundamental aspect of agroecology. The approach involves knowledge sharing and collective action, fostering a sense of community and cooperation among farmers.

This collaborative approach strengthens social networks and empowers farmers to advocate for their rights and interests. In Zimbabwe, where social cohesion has been eroded by economic and political challenges, the community-building aspect of agroecology is particularly valuable. Several initiatives in Zimbabwe highlight the potential of agroecology to transform agricultural practices and improve community resilience. The Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers Forum (ZIMSOFF) is one such initiative that promotes organic farming and agroecological practices among smallholder farmers. Through training and capacity-building programmes, ZIMSOFF has helped farmers adopt sustainable practices that enhance productivity and resilience.

Farmers involved in ZIMSOFF programmes have reported improved soil health, higher crop yields, and greater food security. In economic terms, farmers participating in ZIMSOFF initiatives have reported a 20-30% increase in income due to higher yields and reduced input costs. Recently, Harare hosted an agroecology forum event that brought together various stakeholders, including Voluntary Service Overseas leaders and partners from Zimbabwe and Nepal, to exchange best practices in smallholder farming.

The forum emphasised the importance of agroecology as a climate- resilient approach to enhance local economies and food systems against climate change impacts.

Key topics included innovative farming techniques, food security,female leadership, and building partnerships with local governments and academic institutions. The forum also highlighted the spiritual connection to agroecology, with discussions on how colonialism disrupted traditional agricultural practices in Zimbabwe. The Pfumvudza programme is another notable example.

This conservation agriculture programme, supported by the Zimbabwean government and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs), encourages smallholder farmers to use agroecological techniques such as minimum tillage, mulching, and crop diversification.

The programme has been successful in increasing yields and improving food security for participating households. By reducing the need for expensive inputs and promoting sustainable farming practices, the Pfumvudza programme has made a significant impact on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

According to government reports, farmers under the Pfumvudza programme have experienced yield increases of up to 300%, significantly boosting their income and food security. The Chikukwa Ecological Land Use Community Trust (CELUCT) and Towards Sustainable Utilisation of Resources Trust (TSURO TRUST) have been working in the Chimanimani district to promote agroecological practices and community development.

Their efforts have resulted in improved soil fertility, increased crop diversity, and stronger community cohesion. These organisations demonstrate how agroecology can be a catalyst for rural development, enhancing both environmental sustainability and social well-being.

Economically, farmers in these programmes have seen their incomes rise due to better yields and reduced costs. While agroecology offers numerous benefits, its widespread adoption in Zimbabwe faces several challenges.

Knowledge and awareness about agroecological practices and their benefits are limited among many farmers. Extension services and educational programmes are crucial to disseminate this information and provide farmers with the skills they need to implement these practices effectively.

More so, supportive policies and incentives from the government are needed to encourage farmers to adopt agroecological practices. This includes access to resources, funding for research, and integration of agroecology into national agricultural strategies. While there have been some positive developments, such as the government's support for the Pfumvudza programme, more comprehensive policy frameworks are needed to mainstream agroecology.

Developing markets for agroecologically produced goods is also essential to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their products.

This requires infrastructure development and the establishment of value chains that support sustainable agriculture. In Zimbabwe, where market access is often limited by poor infrastructure and market inefficiencies, addressing these issues is critical for the success of agroecological initiatives.

Despite these challenges, the future of agroecology in Zimbabwe looks promising. With continued support from the government, NGOs, and the international community, agroecology can play a  crucial role in enhancing environmental resilience and improving the livelihoods of Zimbabwean farmers. By embracing this holistic approach, we can build a more sustainable and equitable agricultural system for the future.

• Bingura is a climate and sustainability consultant with the Institute of Sustainability Africa (INSAF), an independent multi–disciplinary sustainability think tank with 14 years’ experience in “advancing sustainability initiatives for Africa”. These weekly New Horizon articles, published in the Zimbabwe Independent, are coordinated by Lovemore Kadenge, an independent consultant, managing consultant of Zawale Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, past president of the Zimbabwe Economics Society and past president of the Chartered Governance & Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe. — kadenge.zes@gmail.com or +263 772 382 852.