Title
Agroecology can promote climate change adaptation outcomes without compromising yield in smallholder systems
Author
Sieglinde Snapp
Yodit Kebede
Eva Wollenberg
Access level
Open Access
Subjects
CIENCIAS AGROPECUARIAS Y BIOTECNOLOGÍA - (CTI) CLIMATE CHANGE - (AGROVOC) CROPS - (AGROVOC) FOOD SUPPLY - (AGROVOC) GAS EMISSIONS - (AGROVOC) GREENHOUSE GASES - (AGROVOC) FARMING SYSTEMS - (AGROVOC) AGROECOLOGY - (AGROVOC) FOOD SECURITY - (AGROVOC) LESS FAVOURED AREAS - (AGROVOC) SMALLHOLDERS - (AGROVOC) YIELDS - (AGROVOC) NUTRIENTS - (AGROVOC) BIOLOGICAL PEST CONTROL - (AGROVOC) CARBON SEQUESTRATION - (AGROVOC) LEGUMES - (AGROVOC)
Summary or description
A critical question is whether agroecology can promote climate change mitigation and adaptation outcomes without compromising food security. We assessed the outcomes of smallholder agricultural systems and practices in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) against 35 mitigation, adaptation, and yield indicators by reviewing 50 articles with 77 cases of agroecological treatments relative to a baseline of conventional practices. Crop yields were higher for 63% of cases reporting yields. Crop diversity, income diversity, net income, reduced income variability, nutrient regulation, and reduced pest infestation, indicators of adaptative capacity, were associated with 70% or more of cases. Limited information on climate change mitigation, such as greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration impacts, was available. Overall, the evidence indicates that use of organic nutrient sources, diversifying systems with legumes and integrated pest management lead to climate change adaptation in multiple contexts. Landscape mosaics, biological control (e.g., enhancement of beneficial organisms) and field sanitation measures do not yet have sufficient evidence based on this review. Widespread adoption of agroecological practices and system transformations shows promise to contribute to climate change services and food security in LMICs. Gaps in adaptation and mitigation strategies and areas for policy and research interventions are finally discussed.
Publish date
2023
Publication type
Article
Information Resource
Format
application/pdf
Language
English
Audience
Researchers
Source repository
Repositorio Institucional de Publicaciones Multimedia del CIMMYT
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