Agroecology could double agricultural production in 10 years, according to the UN
21 March 2011 16: 46, Words Make Sense, by Napakatbra
Array. Array. Agroecology could double agricultural production in 10 years, according to the UN - LMOUS
How to "feed 9 billion human beings in 2050"? The answer is obvious, for the UN special rapporteur, Olivier De Schutter: by abandoning intensive agriculture in favor of agroecology. A technique that "seeks to improve the sustainability of ecosystems by imitating nature rather than industry" ...
UN Agroecology
Agroecology is a reasoned agronomic practice combining respectful soil cultivation, fertilization and natural phytosanitary treatments, careful varietal selection and regular crop rotations, optimization of water resources by natural storage, erosion control through the establishment of hedgerows and the combination of crops and forests ... Objective: reduction or elimination of the use of chemical inputs (fertilizers and pesticides).
Until now, this practice has been decried by proponents of the industry, who have described it as "agriculture for the rich" lowering yields and increasing food scarcity worldwide. All false ! According to the UN, which was based on the exhaustive analysis of the latest scientific studies, agroecology could double food production in the most vulnerable regions in just 10 years, while reducing rural poverty and providing solutions to current ecological problems.
Agroecology, the most efficient technique
"If we want to feed 9 billion people in 2050, it is urgent to adopt the most efficient agricultural techniques", explained, on March 8, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Olivier. From Schutter. "And current scientific evidence shows that agroecological methods are more effective than using chemical fertilizers in stimulating food production in difficult areas where hunger is concentrated."
Some examples. "To date, agroecological projects carried out in 57 developing countries have resulted in an average yield increase of 80% for crops, with an average gain of 116% for all projects carried out in Africa." "Recent projects in 20 African countries have even shown a doubling of crop yields over a period of 3 to 10 years," said Olivier De Schutter. The report further highlights that agroecological projects in Indonesia, Vietnam and Bangladesh have reduced the use of insecticides in rice by 92%, saving poor farmers significant financial savings.
States must do it
"States and donors have a key role to play here. Private companies will not invest their time or money in practices that cannot be rewarded with patents and that do not open up markets for chemicals or chemicals. improved seeds ". Olivier De Schutter therefore urges States to support farmers' organizations, which are an essential link in the identification and dissemination of best agroecological practices. "We now know that supporting social organization has as much impact as distributing fertilizers. When they work together, farmers and scientists are an important source of innovative practices" ...
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