Agroecology –

From Principles to Transformative Pathways

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Sec d sys
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Introduction

s
PARTICIPATION
FAIRNESS
Agroecology is an integrated approach to increase the sus- LAND AND NATURAL
RESOURCE GOVERNANCE
tainability of agriculture and food systems. The approach SOCIAL VALUES AND
DIETS
goes well beyond agricultural production and covers the
journey of food all the way to consumption. It therefore CO-CREATION
CONNECTIVITY
encompasses ecological, socio-cultural, technological, OF KNOWLEDGE
ECONOMIC
economic, and political dimensions. Originating from DIVERSIFICATION
science, agroecology also stands for agricultural practices
and smallholder-focused social movements. Building on SYNERGIES
RECYCLING

these different histories, the international High-Level BIODIVERSITY

s
tem
Str

Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE) INPUT

ys
en

defined 13 agroecological principles that provide a frame-

os
REDUCTION
gt

n ANIMAL HEALTH

ec
he

o
work for the transformation of agricultural and food re
sil SOIL HEALTH a gr
ien of
systems (Figure 1). ce
while ie ncy
improving effic
These principles can be applied in different combinations
tailored to local contexts and needs, resulting in a variety Figure 1 | Agroecological principles modified after HLPE, 2019.
of agroecological approaches on different scales. They are
used as systemic building blocks to outline transformative
Examples of Transformative Pathways
pathways towards sustainable food systems (Figure 2).
While some principles are applied at farm or agro­eco­ In recent years, agroecology has become increasingly im-
system level, others address and alter the framework of portant in the international development discourse about
entire food systems, leading to broader systemic change. sustainable agriculture and food systems. Agroecology
Agroecology is therefore consistent with overarching offers specific, tried-and-tested, and scalable solutions to
frameworks relevant to agriculture and food systems, transition challenges. This is reflected in the momentum
such as the Global Biodiversity Framework, the United built by the UN Food Systems Summit and the Agro-
Nations Convention on Climate Change, and the Unit­­- ecology Coalition. As a member of the Coalition since
ed Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. June 2023, Germany and its partners are committed to

1
Agroecology — From Principles to Transformative Pathways

HIGH
Agro-
ecological
Safe, nutritious
� Realize living wage systems and sufficient food
High input / � Enhance soil � Provide income opportunities at all times
biodiversity
Production of nutritious food per area

intensive � Stipulate healthy, traditional, local diets

systems � Protect soils Systems in � Secure and improve rights and access
transition to resources
� Diversify
� Redistribute harmful subsidies
� Build knowledge

Family � Close nutrient cycles � Appreciate and

farming � Adapt to climate hazards Indigenous integrate knowledge
systems systems
� Reduce chemical input
� Relocalize

Low input / � Connect to markets Figure 2 | Transformative Pathway of Agroecology

low output Own illustration, adapted and modified based on the
� Mechanize International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge,
systems Science and Technology for Development — Summary
LOW

for policy makers Latin America and Caribbean

(IAASTD — SDMLatin AmericaCaribbean), 2009.

UNSUSTAINABLE SUSTAINABLE

providing support for agroecology both in the interna- On behalf of BMZ, GIZ implements projects related
tional political debate as well as in development projects to agroecology, among others, as part of BMZ’s Special
in partner countries. In the core area strategy “Sustain- Initiative “Transformation of Agricultural and Food Sys-
able Agri-Food Systems” (2021) of the German Federal tems“. The following examples of rural development pro-
Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development jects illustrate how transformative pathways are shaped
(BMZ), agroecological transformation is one of four differently by different sets of agroecological principles.
activities in the area of rural development. This translates
into numerous commitments to financial and technical
cooperation projects involving agroecological approaches.

Case study From principles to pathways

� | India Agents of Change – To design a systemic approach for food systems transformation
Women Self-Help Groups in India and to tailor a strategy which supports rural women to create
community benefits.

� | Mali Uniting Multiple Stakeholders for To support multi-stakeholder dialogue and foster change
Agroecological Transitions in Mali processes and politics.

� | Global Integrating Aquaculture into To harness synergies among different productions systems in
Smallholder Farming Systems rural areas and to design approaches to integrated aquaculture.

� | Regional in Agroecology – a Pathway for To ensure that business models meet sustainability goals while
Sub-Saharan Rural Youth Employment promoting fair employment.
Africa

� | Mexico Strengthening Rural Livelihoods To design cross-sectoral approaches to integrate biodiversity

in Mexico protection and its sustainable use into agriculture systems.

2
 Agroecology — From Principles to Transformative Pathways

INDIA

© GIZ/Harsh Kamat (Common Thread Media)

INDIA

| Agents of Change –
Women Self-Help Groups in India

Challenge
ecological transformation processes. Their role is in-­
India has been very successful in raising its food pro­ creasingly recognised and reflected in a new cam­
duction and reducing hunger and malnutrition through paign under the National Rural Livelihood Mission
agricultural intensification. However, the Green Re­ of the Ministry of Rural Development which aims to
volution has taken its toll in terms of accelerated land scale natural farming at the level of farming clusters
degradation and farmers’ entrenched dependency on managed by WSHG. SuATI supports this campaign
external inputs, subsidies, and markets. Moreover, through capacity development and facilitation of agro-
mainstream conventional agriculture is presently not ecological transitions in productive sub-sectors such
fit for climate change, which puts the livelihoods of as moringa, beekeeping or aquaculture.
millions of farmers at risk.

Approach

To turn the tide, India has embarked on a transform­

ative journey towards more sustainable food systems.
Under the umbrella of the Indo-German Green and
Sustainable Development Partnership, the project
“Support to Agroecological Transformation Processes
in India” (SuATI) � accompanies this journey. © GIZ/Harsh Kamat (Common Thread Media)

Agroecological transitions require cross-policy, society-

wide engagement for innovation and change, as well as
tangible benefits to farming communities and consum­
ers. SuATI therefore puts a strong focus on fostering
knowledge exchange and stakeholder dialogue across
sectors and scales, and on forging alliances from local
to global level. Locally, Women Self-Help Groups
(WSHG) have become pivotal change agents in agro-
© GIZ/Harsh Kamat (Common Thread Media)

3
 Agroecology — From Principles to Transformative Pathways

Pathway
agriculture and food systems at multiple levels. Adap-
The principle of co-creation of knowledge is a key tive capacities of rural women are enhanced by support-
entry point. It involves identifying commonalities of ing agroecology-based livelihood opportunities. Under
India’s manifold approaches to sustainable agricul- the Indo-German Lighthouse Initiative on Agroecology
ture and translating them into tailored agroecological and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources,
messages for policy and practice. On the ground, with SuATI serving as anchor project, the agroeco-
WSHG networks enable the sharing of experiences and logical momentum is carried forth to international
knowledge. Land and natural resource governance platforms, underlining India’s growing leadership in
is reflected as a cross-cutting principle guiding the global agricultural and food system change. Outcomes
integration of agroecology into policies and funding at national level will materialise over time, including
schemes at central and state level. adoption of agroecological practices by hundreds of
WSHG and Farmer Producer Organisations.
This also involves convergence of conducive policy
instruments for agroecological change. By promoting
Learnings
agroecological business models and producer-consum-
er interactions at regional level and integrating social > Benefiting from women’s social capital
values and diets, SuATI also delivers on the principles Empowered women are key drivers and multipliers
of economic diversification and connectivity. Soil of innovations. At grass root level, they are the ones
health and input reduction are key concerns of farm- to decide which agroecological practices best meet
ing communities. They are addressed by supporting community needs.
agroecological practices at farm level that satisfy these
concerns (Figure 3). > Acknowledging knowledge identities
Agroecology borrows from a diversity of knowledge
systems. Honouring their identities yields greater
Outcome
acceptance of agroecology as a unifying paradigm for
SuATI harnesses India’s plethora of approaches to sus­ shared sustainability goals.
tainable agriculture (e.g., sustainable intensification,
natural farming, agroforestry) under the paradigm of > Demonstrating co-benefits through convergence
agroecology, thereby enabling the main-streaming of Integrating agroecological solutions into other policy
agroecology into policies and funding schemes at large domains such as biodiversity or climate change creates
and creating momentum for the transformation of additional momentum for agriculture and food systems
change.

Figure 3 | Transformative pathway of the bilateral project “Support to Agroecological Transformation Processes in India”
(SuATI)
UNDING SCHEMES,
IES AND F
NG POLIC NSTRUMENTS
TI YI
EXIS POLIC
N IN UCIVE SYSTEMIC TRANS-
TIO CON D
RA FORMATION OF
TEG CE OF KNOWLEDGE
IN EN EXCHANGE THE INDIAN FOOD
R G AND AGRICUTURE
NVE
O PROMOTING SYSTEM
C

CONNECTIVITY CROSS-
AGROECLOGICAL
LAND AND NATURAL SECTORAL
BUSINESS RESOURCE GOVERNANCE DIALOGUE
MODELS
L
SUSTAINABILITY OF THE SYSTEM

EVE
LL PRODUCER-
L
VE
A

CONSUMER
L LE
LOC

AGENTS OF
MANIFOLD INTERACTION NATIONA
RY POINT

VEL

APPROACHES TO CHANGE: WOMEN ECONOMIC

SELF-HELP GROUPS DIVERSIFI­-
LE

SUSTAINABLE CATION
TE

A
AGRICULTURE ST
ENT

SOCIAL VALUES
AND DIETS
INPUT
REDUCTION SOIL HEALTH
ECONOMIC
CO-CREATION DIVERSIFICATION
OF KNOWLEDGE UPTAKE AT ALL LEVELS

4
 Agroecology — From Principles to Transformative Pathways

© GIZ

AFRICA

MALI

| Uniting Multiple Stakeholders for

Agroecological Transitions in Mali

Challenge Approach

Agriculture is Mali's economic engine and a mainstay For many years, the project Strengthening the Na-
of its stabilisation and peace-building efforts. With tional Agricultural Extension and Training System in
the ultimate goal of reducing poverty and enhancing Mali � (known under the predecessor acronym PASSIP)
food security and climate resilience, agroecological has been supporting the Malian government to formu-
and climate-intelligent practices are being promoted late and implement its agricultural sector policies and
for a transition towards sustainable agricultural and strategies. Examples are the National Programme for
food systems. The country builds on its long-standing Small-Scale Irrigation (SSI) and the National Agricul-
experience and tradition in area-wide, agroecological tural Extension System. Under its present assignment,
food production. The challenge lies with how to trans- PASSIP assists in aligning these policies with tradi-
late traditional knowledge into visionary yet practical tional and current day agroecological principles and
policies. Dedicated, partner-driven multi-stakeholder approaches, and in putting them into practice.
platforms are critical to addressing this challenge.
At national level, agroecological transition processes
are facilitated by supporting the establishment of an
© GIZ
independent, cross-sectoral multi-stakeholder platform.
Interventions at local level entail Integrated Water
Resources Management for the restoration and man-
agement of watersheds containing SSI schemes. Such
landscape approaches not only unfold greater trans-
formative spin than farm-level interventions, but also
offer numerous opportunities for green jobs. Farmer
organisations and water user committees are advised
on implementing inclusive development plans result-
ing from participatory cartography. Agroecological
practices are introduced in collaboration with advisory
and extension actors, and are disseminated using the
Farmer Field School (FFS) approach.

5
 Agroecology — From Principles to Transformative Pathways

Pathway
manual,
© GIZ thereby creating transparency and trust for
The key entry point of land and natural resource potential investors. In the meantime, thousands of
governance is reflected in PASSIP’s multi-level policy farmers and hundreds of FFS trainers and extension-
advice. A multi-stakeholder platform creates space for ists have been trained in agroecological practices and
co-creation of knowledge and stock-taking of Mali’s approaches.
rich experience in area-wide agroecological approaches.
It also enables participation in the design of poli- Learnings
cies and transition pathways, with the co-benefit of
building trust into governmental structures. Transfor- > Building on trusted partnerships
mations at farm level are reinforced by input reduction PASSIP builds on a trustful, multiple-cycle develop-
and recycling which are strong incentives of farmers ment partnership with Mali. This pays off in terms
to reduce dependency on external inputs. PASSIP’s of being invited to support the design of a National
attention to gender equality and nutrition satisfies Agroecological Transition Strategy.
the principle of social values and diets (Figure 4).
> Creating ownership and continuity
Multi-stakeholder platforms create ownership and en-
Outcome
sure ongoing support for agroecological change. They
A cross-sectoral multi-stakeholder platform has been es- provide space to reconcile traditional and modern-day
tablished to act as a formalised steering body for agro- agroecological principles.
ecological transition processes. The platform involves
public, private and civil society stakeholders from the > Harnessing the momentum for agroecological change
agricultural, environmental and health sectors. The Demand from farmers for agroecological innovations
government has entrusted PASSIP with the leadership has increased due to multiple crises, including sanc-
in facilitating the formulation of a participatory and tions on farm inputs 1. A great opportunity to advance
inclusive National Agroecological Transition Strategy. agroecological transition.
The modes of operation are formulated in a procedural

1 Imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Figure 4 | Transformative pathway of the bilateral project “Strengthening the National Agricultural Extension and Training
System in Mali” (PASSIP).

HOLDER, MULTI-SECTOR PLATFORM

STAKE
MULTI-
FOR EL CO-CREATION
TEE LEV
MIT APE OF KNOWLEDGE
COM C SUSTAINABLE
G
DS

RIN LANDSCAPES AND

LAN

TEE LIVELIHOODS
S PARTICIPATORY
CARTOGRAPHY
LAND AND NATURAL PARTICIPATION FARMER FIELD
RESOURCE GOVERNANCE
APPROACH
SCHOOLS, ADVISORY,
INCLUSIVE EXTENSION SERVICES
SUSTAINABILITY OF THE SYSTEM

PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT
FOR SMALL
L
EVE

RECYCLING
SCALE
YL

NATIONAL IRRIGATION LAND AND NATURAL

I
RY POINT

ET

STRATEGY INTEGRATED RESOURCE GOVERNANCE

PARTICIPATION SOC
PROCESS ON WATER
AGROECOLOGY RESOURCES
ENT

MANAGEMENT
VEL

INPUT
LE

REDUCTION
RM

FA
LAND AND NATURAL SOCIAL VALUES
RESOURCE GOVERNANCE AND DIETS UPTAKE AT ALL LEVELS

6
 Agroecology — From Principles to Transformative Pathways

@ GIZ

INDIA
MAURETANIA

GHANA UGANDA CAMBODIA

| Integrating Aquaculture into

ZAMBIA MALAWI
MADAGASCAR
MOZAMBIQUE Small­holder Farming Systems

Challenge GP Fish enhances capacities of smallholders, fish value

chain actors, fish farmer groups and cooperatives, as
Fish is a key animal-source food in developing coun- well as administrations, advisory services and civil soci-
tries. Yet, per capita consumption has declined with ety organizations working in the sector. Technical and
population growth and diminishing supplies from business abilities of fish farmers and extension services
capture fisheries. Smallholder aquaculture holds great are strengthened through hands-on training, follow-up
potential to reverse this trend but is difficult to unlock coaching loops, innovations, model fish farmers and
due to lack of know-how. Moreover, fish farming re­ Aquaculture Business Schools. In parallel, colleges and
quires community collaboration to ensure the sus- vocational training centres are supported to include fish
tainable management and equitable distribution of farming curricula and training programmes into their
natural resources, like water and wild fish stocks. This existing portfolio.
is getting ever more demanding because of increasing
climate-induced water scarcity and overfishing. At central level and aligned with international stand-
ards, authorities in charge of aquaculture are advised
on enabling legislations, regulations, and guidelines
Approach for sustainable, smallholder-friendly aquaculture.
Multi-­stakeholder platforms are employed in all coun-
The Global Programme Sustainable Fisheries and tries to inform aquaculture policy and strategy develop-
Aquaculture (GP Fish) � supports African and Asian ment, and to enable knowledge exchange.
countries to improve the livelihoods and food security
of vulnerable populations through ar-
tisanal fisheries and sustainable aqua- @ GIZ @ GIZ

culture. Smallholder fish farmers are

supported in Cambodia, India, Mad-
agascar, Malawi and Zambia. Produc-
tion systems include farm-level pond
aquaculture, rice-fish culture and com-
munity-managed fisheries in flooded
rice fields and small water bodies.

7
 Agroecology — From Principles to Transformative Pathways

Pathway
in rice-fish fields have increased by 10 %. In the Indian
GP Fish applies agroecological principles to smallholder state of Assam, consumer demand has stimulated the
aquaculture. Economic diversification and synergies certification of farmed fish under the Participatory
are achieved by integrating aquaculture into existing Guarantee System of India. All innovations developed
farming systems. Animal health and input reduction with support from GP Fish are low cost and adapted
are satisfied by enhancing the systems’ natural pro- to the local context. They can be scaled via capacitated
ductivity and adhering to moderate stocking densities. advisory and extension services as well as farmer-­to-
Promotion of natural feed and polyculture of different farmer exchange.
species improves biodiversity and makes best use of
ecosystem services. Resource cycles of biomass and nu-
Learnings
trients are closed by recycling agricultural by-­products
as supplementary feed. Rice-fish farming improves > Disseminating quick-win innovations
soil health and increases yield. Decentralized land Innovations such as intermittent harvesting of fish in
and natural resource governance and participation Malawi generate short-term income. Timely commu-
are prerequisite principles governing the climate-sensi- nication of such benefits motivates more farmers to
tive, community-led management of watersheds. The adopt innovations.
increased access to sustainably produced fish improves
social values and diets of smallholders (Figure 5). > Gearing aquaculture value chains to local economies
Short supply chains and local markets for farmed fish
ensure that populations in rural areas have access to
Outcome
nutritious food as well as employment and business
The number of farms practicing sustainable aquaculture opportunities.
has nearly doubled and thousands of new jobs have
been created in the aquaculture sub-sector of the five > Enhancing economic literacy of smallholder farmers
countries. Moreover, the quantity of farmed fish avail- The uptake of sustainable aquaculture is constrained
able to food-insecure populations has increased by at by limited business literacy. Aquaculture Business
least 50 %. Productivity gains in aquaculture have been Schools are a proven and scalable approach to over-
reported from all countries. In Madagascar, rice yields come this constraint.

Figure 5 | Transformative pathway of the global programme “Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture” (GP Fish).

INCREASED ACCESS
TO SUSTAINABLY
SYNERGIES
PRODUCED FISH
INNOVATIVE FEED
(e.g. fermented
agricultural by-
ENHANCE
products)
NATURAL RECYCLING SOCIAL VALUES
PRODUCTIVITY AND DIETS
NATURAL FEED,
SUSTAINABILITY OF THE SYSTEM

POLYCULTURES
TECHNICAL, INPUT
RY POINT

INTEGRATION OF ANIMAL HEALTH REDUCTION

ECONOMIC
AQUACULTURE PARTICIPATION
CAPACITY BIODIVERSITY
BUILDING
ENT

SOIL HEALTH BIODIVERSITY

LAND AND NATURAL

ECONOMIC SYNERGIES ICIES
G POL RESOURCE GOVERNANCE
CO-CREATION DIVERSIFICATION SUPPORTIN
OF KNOWLEDGE VEL
AL LE
NATION
UPTAKE OF SMALLHOLDER AQUACULTURE

8
 Agroecology — From Principles to Transformative Pathways

@ GIZ

BURKINA FASO KENYA

|
MALAWI

MOZAMBIQUE
Agroecology – a Pathway for
Rural Youth Employment

Challenge skills, support to young entrepreneurs, start-ups and

micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, integration
Agriculture and the agri-food sector are a mainstay of into rural labour markets and strengthening of youth
employment in sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for organizations and networks. A key feature is the prom-
almost three-quarters of jobs in rural areas. However, inent role of the private sector. In the context of BMZ’s
with about 25 million youths entering job markets integrated Development Partnership with the Private
every year, prospects for decent work appear limited. Sector, companies support smallholders and start-ups
On the other hand, there is great employment poten- in strengthening their entrepreneurial skills and access-
tial by diversifying and professionalizing rural econo- ing inputs, trainings and markets. They are integrated
mies and creating an enabling environment for small in the supply chains of companies via contract farming
businesses and start-ups. To unlock this potential for a models.
just transition towards sustainable agri-food systems,
young people’s professional and entrepreneurial skills Demand-oriented training and education are provided
are paramount. e.g. by Agricultural Technical Vocational Education
and Training (ATVET) Centres, whose curricula are
upgraded to respond to market needs. In Malawi,
Approach the Gender Makes Business Sense approach leverages
women’s business skills with co-funding from the
In partnership with the governments of Burkina Faso, Norwegian Embassy. Job fairs and digital job matching
Kenya, Malawi and Mozambique, the Global Project platforms anchored in ATVET centres or youth organ-
Rural Youth Employment (GP RYE) � develops scalable izations facilitate the integration of youths into local
models to enhance rural employment, with a focus on labour markets and economies.
youth and women. Concurrently, it provides advisory
services to the German Federal Ministry for Economic
@ GIZ
Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The models are tailored to the economic characteristics

of partner countries and the needs and capacities of
youth, taking a so-called 360° Agri-Jobs view. They
encompass trainings to enhance technical and business

9
 @ GIZ

Agroecology — From Principles to Transformative Pathways

Pathway

Agroecological principles are clustered around a three-­

dimensional triad. The first dimension relates to youth
empowerment. It incorporates the principle of partici­
pation which is realised by strengthening the role of
@ GIZ
youth organisations. Adhering to social values and
diets ensures that employment opportunities are
gender-­sensitive. Fairness is reflected in compliance duction from agricultural waste in Burkina Faso and
with criteria for decent work. The second dimension Malawi.
is represented by the principle of economic diversifi­-
cation which is not limited to but focuses on sustain­
Learnings
able local food value chains. The third dimension refers
to business opportunities arising from the implemen- > Empowering youth for agri-food system change
tation of farm-level principles such as input reduction Creating youth organizations and networks is only the
and soil health, for example the production of compost first step towards unlocking the productive potential
(Figure 6). of youth. It is equally important to include their views
in actual decision-making.
Outcome
> Economic benchmarking of agroecological business
The 360° Agri-Jobs approach has reached more than models
30,000 young people and led to new or additional Agroecological business models must be checked
employment for almost a third of them, of which against economic benchmarks to ensure that returns
more than 40 % women. Further employment impacts on investment follow suit.
resulting from innovations of small agri-food businesses
and start-ups will emerge over time. Agroecological ap- > Making business sense of green food value chains
proaches can unlock sustainable business opportunities. Models for green food value chains are often lacking.
Examples include free-range egg production in Kenya, AgroBootCamps on agroecological farms, as practiced
youth and female-led agro-processing start-ups in in Burkina Faso, open prospects for green agripreneur-
Burkina Faso and Mozambique or bio-fertilizer pro- ship and new jobs.

Figure 6 | Transformative pathway of the global project “Rural Youth Employment” (GP RYE).

SUSTAINABLE MORE EMPLOYMENT AND

LOCAL VALUE PROFESSIONALISATION IN
ECONOMIC CHAINS RURAL AREAS
DIVERSIFI­CATION

FOR EXAMPLE:

INPUT > Bio-fertiliser production by recycling

AGROECOLOGICAL REDUCTION
bio waste in Malawi, Burkina Faso
PARTICIPATION BUSINESS
BUSINESS and Kenya
MODELS
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
RY POINT

VIABLE YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES

EMPOWERMENT > Reduction of food losses through
RURAL BUSINESS promotion of conservation and pro-
MODELS cessing in all countries
ENT

SOIL HEALTH > Preserving agro-biodiversity by

SOCIAL VALUES
FAIRNESS AND DIETS producing indigenous vegetable vari-
eties for local markets in Kenya

INNOVATVE BUSINESSES

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 Agroecology — From Principles to Transformative Pathways

© GIZ / Daniel de la Torre-Bueno

MEXICO

|
PUEBLA
OAXACA
Strengthening Rural Livelihoods
in Mexico

Challenge Oaxaca and Puebla, with special consideration of wom-

en, youth and indigenous groups. In partnership with
Oaxaca and Puebla rank among Mexico’s least devel- the Ministry for Agriculture and Rural Development
oped states. Poverty rates exceed 60 % and are even at national and state level, the project develops scalable
higher among indigenous populations. Rural com- models for inclusive rural development.
munities are increasingly detached from their own
traditions and natural heritage while being caught in Vida y Campo’s policy advice aims to align relevant
a vicious cycle of agricultural decline and outmigra- policies, legislations and strategies with biodiversity,
tion, particularly of young working-age males. Global climate change and gender objectives, and to assist
crises, from pandemics to climate change, put further in their implementation at federal and local levels.
strains on rural livelihoods. Women are responsible for Multi-stakeholder dialogues are supported to inform
more than 50 % of Mexican food production. How- this process. Examples are the agricultural soil bill or
ever, transitions to sustainable food systems based on the national strategies for pollinator protection and soil
culture, identity and gender equity are not sufficiently conservation. A novel national certification scheme for
supported. biodiversity-friendly products is supported to increase
the chances of higher income of farmers who adopt
sustainable farming practices.
Approach
At state and municipal levels, both farmers and ad-
The project Vida y Campo (“Life and Land” – Sustain- visory services are trained on sustainable agricultural
able Innovations for Climate-resilient Food Produc- practices, marketing of value-added produce and pres-
tion and Well-being in Rural Areas in Post-COVID-19 ervation of wild and traditional landraces. Integration
Mexico) � collaborates with rural communities in of the highly fragmented agricultural extension and
advisory landscape is pursued by developing common
© GIZ/ Daniel de la Torre-Bueno training curricula. Digital tools and the existing net-
work of Farmer Schools in Puebla are used to increase
the outreach of advisory services.

11
 Agroecology — From Principles to Transformative Pathways

Pathway
the traceability of certified products are embraced es-
With food production as its central theme, Vida y pecially by young farmers. Agroecological innovations
Campo touches on all agroecological principles. Bio­ have been adopted in crop production and processing,
diversity and economic diversification are expressed at as well as in animal husbandry. For example, residues
field and agroecosystem levels by promoting sustainable from the mezcal industry are transformed into ani-
agricultural and pastoral practices as well as landscape mal feed, fuel briquettes or substrates for mushroom
restoration. These practices, along with soil health cultivation.
measures and improved connectivity to regional mar-
kets, lead to greater diversification and higher income.
The principle of social values and diets is reflected
in the valorisation of agrobiodiversity for enhanced
economic and climate resilience. It also guides Vida
y Campo’s commitment to gender and social justice.
Land and natural resource governance is strength-­
ened by supporting community-based decision-
making processes (Figure 7).
© GIZ/ YPARD

Outcome
The enabling environment for an incremental, non-­
disruptive transformation of smallholder-based agri­-
culture has improved. This includes, for example,
improved integration of traditional knowledge and
agroecological approaches into farming practices,
farmer-­to-farmer knowledge exchange and farmer-­
consumer interaction. Innovative digital tools support-
ing farm management and laying the foundation for © GIZ/ YPARD

Figure 7 | Transformative pathway of the bilateral project “Vida y Campo – Sustainable Innovations for Climate-resilient
Food Production and Well-being in Rural Areas in Post-COVID-19 Mexico”.

INCLUSIVE RURAL
LANDSCAPE COMMUNITY- DEVELOPMENT
RESTORATION BASED DECISION- especially for
BIODIVERSITY MAKING women, youth and
PASTORAL indigenous groups
PRACTICES
CONNECTIVITY
SUSTAINABLE
AGRICULTURE ACCES TO LAND AND NATURAL
SOIL MARKETS VALORISATION RESOURCE GOVERNANCE
REHABILI­- OF AGROBIO-
RY POINT

BIODIVERSITY AND SOIL HEALTH

STRENGTHEN TATION DIVERSITY

RURAL FARMING ECONOMIC LAND AND NATURAL
COMMUNITIES DIVERSIFI­CATION RESOURCE GOVERNANCE
SOIL HEALTH
ENT

S
SOCIAL VALUES CIE
AND DIETS POLI
ING
ORT BIODIVERSITY
SUPP
CO-CREATION
OF KNOWLEDGE
EVEL
NAL L
SOIL HEALTH NATIO

UPTAKE OF SUSTAINABLE FARMING PRACTICES AND ACCESS TO MARKETS

12
Agroecology — From Principles to Transformative Pathways

Learnings

> Blending tradition and innovation © GIZ

Traditional agriculture is often perceived as backwards and

its modern alternative as unsustainable. Agroecology blends
best traditional and modern practices for better livelihood
outcomes.

> Containing the drain of youth

Many young people dismiss agriculture as a viable livelihood
and emigrate. Digitally supported networking, knowledge ex-
change and agripreneurship training may help turn the tide. © GIZ / Ganadera Hidalgo

> Working side-by-side with decision makers

Development projects are short-lived. A trusting collabora-
tion with ministries ensures that actions are implemented
swiftly, and effects are sustainably anchored in political
frameworks.

© GIZ / Daniel de la Torre-Bueno

Published by:
Deutsche Gesellschaft für
Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Registered offices Authors:

Bonn and Eschborn, Germany Ralf Peveling (University of Basel), Dorothee Baum (GIZ)

Address Design/layout:
Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 32 + 36 now [nau], Frankfurt/Main
T +49 228 44 60 — 0
F +49 228 44 60 —17 66 The maps printed here are intended only for information purposes and in
E info@giz.de no way constitute recognition under international law of boundaries and
I www.giz.de/en territories. GIZ accepts no responsibility for these maps being entirely up
to date, correct or complete. All liability for any damage, direct or indirect,
Bonn, April 2024 resulting from their use is excluded.

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