Description:
This book is intended for students of agricultural science, ecology, environmental sciences, and rural development, researchers and scientists in agricultural development agencies, and practitioners of agricultural development in
government extension programs, development agencies, and NGOs. There is
an emphasis on developing country situations, and on smallholder production
systems.
This second edition has been significantly enhanced by the inclusion of
two new chapters (on Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Climate
Change), and the updating of all chapters to reflect new evidence and new
directions in agroecology and farming systems. Each chapter is written by
experts in their topic, with both academic and field experience, providing a
synthetic and holistic overview of agroecology applications to transforming
farming systems and supporting rural innovation that include technical,
social, economic, institutional, and political components.
The book is divided into four sections: the first section, Reinventing
Farming Systems, introduces farming systems and the principles of agroecology, rural livelihoods, sustainable intensification, and sustainability. The
second section, Resources for Agricultural Development, explores low-input
technology, soil ecology, and nutrient flows, participatory plant breeding,
and the role of livestock in farming systems. Section three, Context
for Sustainable Agricultural Development, deepens understanding about
inequalities in development (particularly gender inequality), the nature and
spread of innovation in agriculture, supporting agriculture through outreach
programs, and how agriculture is being, and will be, affected by climate
change. The final section, Tying It All Together, takes a hard look at where
we are now in terms of nutrition, wealth, and stability, and suggests a way
forward. Rural innovation and building capacity to improve agricultural
systems are themes interwoven throughout, which we hope that you enjoy
learning about through this brand new edition of the book.